Vet issues urgent warning to dog owners ahead of autumn - 'be extra vigilant'

Dog owners across the UK have been issued an urgent warning as a seasonal hazard returns to parks, gardens and walking routes. Each year, as autumn begins, a common outdoor object appears that may seem harmless, but poses a serious risk to pets. Vets say it's important for owners to understand the dangers this time of year brings, as even limited exposure can cause serious health issues for dogs.

These hazards are often found beneath trees and hidden in leaves, meaning they can be picked up or chewed without owners noticing. The warning comes from Dr Berkcan Yanar, a licensed vet and reviewer at PawsRank, who explained: "Conkers contain a toxic compound called aesculin that is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. If a dog swallows or chews conkers, the aesculin can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and, in some cases, the nervous system of the dog."

Signs of poisoning can appear within hours. Common symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

In more serious cases, dogs may shiver, become restless, or even suffer seizures.

But the risks don't stop at poisoning. Dr Yanar added: "Something few owners know is that conkers also have the potential to cause choking or intestinal blockage even if the toxin does not result in major poisoning."

"Larger dogs will chew them, and smaller dogs swallow them whole, causing potentially life-threatening obstructions that in some cases must be surgically operated on."

The risk peaks during autumn when horse chestnut trees shed their seeds across UK streets, parks and woodlands.

"I always advise owners to be extra vigilant in autumn months when conkers are abundant in parks, gardens, and woodlands," Dr Yanar said.

If a dog is thought to have eaten or chewed a conker, vets say immediate action is essential.

"In case there is a chance that a dog has ingested a conker, it becomes paramount to seek veterinary assistance immediately," Dr Yanar explained.

"Early treatment, such as inducing vomiting, giving activated charcoal, or injecting IV fluids, can greatly tip the odds in your favour."

Experts at Bubblegum Search recommend checking walking routes for fallen conkers and avoiding areas where horse chestnut trees grow.

Training dogs with strong recall and "leave it" commands can also help prevent accidental ingestion.

The NHS has also warned that horse chestnuts are not the same as sweet chestnuts, and should never be eaten by either animals or people due to their toxic properties.