As the leaves turn yellow, autumn can be a great time to explore outdoors with your canine pal, but the Dogs Trust is warning Milton Keynes dog owners to show some caution around conkers.
Conkers are commonly found in many of our green spaces, and can cause our furry pals to become seriously unwell if eaten or chewed.
“Conkers might be a sign that autumn is here, but it is vital that dog owners understand that conkers and acorns can be toxic to dogs and, in some cases, can even be deadly,” said Victoria Phillips, Veterinary Surgeon Manager at Dogs Trust.
“Bigger dogs might swallow them, and smaller pooches might give them a chew, both of which can have some nasty side effects!”
Conkers contain a toxin called aesculin, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains, a rash, and swelling around the eyes and mouth. In some instances, dogs are unable to move, and can collapse.
Choking on conkers and acorns can also lead to blockages in the gut.
“To keep your dog safe this autumn, walk your dogs on a lead where there are lots of conkers on the floor, and keep your eyes peeled for your pooch playing with them,” Victoria added, “They may look relatively harmless, but they can cause serious issues.”
