Acorns, Conkers and Other Seasonal Dangers: What Dog Owners Need to Know

Autumn walks bring crunchy leaves, cooler temperatures and a whole new collection of interesting smells for our dogs to investigate.

They also scatter the ground with things that can look remarkably tempting to a curious dog.

Acorns roll like little balls. Conkers are just the right size to pick up and carry. Mushrooms appear overnight. Fallen fruit accumulates beneath trees.

For most of us, these are simply signs that autumn has arrived.

For our dogs, some can present a genuine risk.

So what should you do if your dog decides that an acorn looks like a snack or a conker makes the perfect new toy?

Are Acorns Dangerous to Dogs?

Yes, dogs shouldn't be encouraged to eat acorns.

Acorns from oak trees contain tannins, which can cause gastrointestinal problems if consumed. The degree of risk can vary according to factors such as the amount eaten and the size of the dog.

Possible signs following ingestion can include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal discomfort

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

There is another potential problem that has nothing to do with toxicity.

An acorn swallowed whole can become a physical obstruction, particularly in a smaller dog.

That means an acorn doesn't have to poison a dog to cause a potentially serious problem.

If you know or suspect that your dog has swallowed acorns, particularly several of them, contact your veterinary practice for advice rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.

What About Conkers?

Conkers – the seeds of the horse chestnut tree – are another familiar sight on British autumn walks.

And once again, dogs shouldn't eat them.

Horse chestnuts contain a substance called aesculin, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested.

Signs associated with conker ingestion can include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and other signs of illness.

But, as with acorns, toxicity isn't the only concern.

Look at the size and shape of a conker.

For a dog that enjoys retrieving or carrying objects, it can resemble a conveniently dog-sized ball.

If swallowed, however, a conker could potentially cause choking or a gastrointestinal blockage.

So although throwing a conker for your dog might appear harmless, it is much safer to use an appropriate dog toy instead.

“But My Dog Only Chewed One…”

It is easy to assume that a small amount can't possibly matter.

Unfortunately, there isn't a simple universal quantity that we can describe as safe.

Dogs vary enormously in size, age and health, while the amount of potentially harmful material present can also vary.

A Labrador that briefly mouths an acorn and drops it presents a very different situation from a small dog that swallows several conkers.

The important thing is to establish, as far as possible:

• What did the dog eat?

• How much might they have eaten?

• When did it happen?

• How is the dog behaving now?

Then contact your veterinary practice and provide that information.

Don't attempt to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

Mushrooms and Fungi

Autumn is also the season when fungi seem to appear everywhere.

Woodland, parks, gardens and even ordinary grass verges can suddenly produce mushrooms.

The challenge for dog owners is that there are many different species and identifying them accurately isn't always straightforward.

Some fungi are harmless, while others can be highly toxic.

Unless you genuinely have specialist knowledge, trying to decide whether the particular mushroom your dog has just eaten is safe isn't a sensible gamble.

The simplest rule is:

Don't let your dog eat wild mushrooms or fungi.

If you suspect your dog has eaten one, contact a veterinary professional promptly.

If possible, take photographs of the mushroom and its surroundings. A picture of the cap, underside and stem may potentially help with identification.

However, don't delay seeking professional advice while attempting to identify it yourself.

Fallen Fruit: Not Always a Free Snack

An apple falling from a tree might not immediately seem like an autumn hazard.

The problem is that fruit lying on the ground isn't necessarily the same as fresh fruit prepared for your dog at home.

Fallen fruit can begin to rot and ferment. It may develop mould, attract insects or contain stones, pips and cores that dogs wouldn't normally be offered.

Dogs may also consume far more than we realise if they discover a particularly productive tree.

This is another situation where prevention is easier than dealing with the consequences.

If you know your regular route passes underneath fruit trees, keep an eye on what your dog is picking up.

Mouldy Food and Compost

Autumn gardening produces plenty of plant material, and many households have compost heaps or bins.

To a dog, decomposing food can smell extremely interesting.

Unfortunately, mouldy food and compost can contain substances capable of causing serious illness.

Make sure dogs cannot gain access to compost bins or piles containing food waste, particularly if your dog is an enthusiastic scavenger.

This also applies when you're away from home. Discarded food around picnic areas, car parks and footpaths deserves the same caution.

“Leave it” can be one of the most valuable behaviours you ever teach.

Autumn Bulbs and Garden Plants

Autumn isn't only about what falls from trees.

It's also a major gardening season.

Many people begin planting bulbs ready for the following spring, and dogs that enjoy digging can find a freshly planted flower bed particularly appealing.

Some bulbs and plants can be harmful if eaten.

Rather than assuming that everything growing in the garden is safe, check before introducing new plants or leaving bulbs somewhere your dog can access them.

Garden sheds and garages also deserve attention at this time of year as seasonal products are brought out or put away.

Antifreeze: A Particularly Serious Risk

As temperatures begin to fall, antifreeze becomes another important seasonal consideration.

Some antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, which is extremely dangerous if swallowed and can cause severe poisoning.

Even relatively small amounts can be an emergency.

Dogs may encounter leaked or spilled fluids around vehicles, garages and driveways.

If you suspect that your dog has consumed antifreeze, seek urgent veterinary help immediately. Don't wait for obvious symptoms before taking action.

Store antifreeze and other automotive products securely and clean up spills promptly.

The Problem With Dogs Who Pick Everything Up

Some dogs walk past acorns, conkers and fallen fruit without giving them a second glance.

Others investigate absolutely everything.

If you live with a canine vacuum cleaner, autumn can feel like several months of constantly saying, “What have you got?”

Fortunately, this is where training can make a substantial difference.

Two behaviours are particularly valuable.

“Leave”

A good leave cue means:

Don't pick that object up.

Begin training somewhere easy with controlled objects rather than waiting until you're standing underneath an oak tree surrounded by hundreds of acorns.

Reward your dog generously for turning away from the item and towards you.

Gradually practise around different objects and in different environments.

“Drop”

Drop means:

You've already got it – now release it.

Teach this through exchanging an object for something the dog values rather than repeatedly chasing the dog and forcibly removing things from their mouth.

We want the dog to learn that giving something to us is worthwhile.

A dog that happily relinquishes objects is considerably easier to manage when the thing in their mouth turns out not to be their ball.

Don't Turn It Into a Game of Chase

You spot a conker in your dog's mouth.

Your immediate reaction may be to rush towards them.

Your dog takes one look at you and thinks:

Excellent! A game!

And runs away.

For some dogs, being chased dramatically increases the value of whatever they have found.

Try to remain calm.

Use your trained drop cue or encourage the dog towards you for an exchange if it is safe to do so.

This is another reason to practise these skills regularly with ordinary objects before you need them in an emergency.

What If My Dog Has Swallowed Something?

If you believe your dog has swallowed a potentially harmful autumn item, don't panic – but don't simply ignore it either.

Contact your veterinary practice and explain what has happened.

Try to provide:

• What you think was eaten

• Approximately how much

• When it happened

• Your dog's approximate weight

• Any symptoms you have noticed

If you're uncertain what the item was, a photograph or sample may sometimes be useful, provided it can be obtained safely.

Do not give home remedies or attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.

And don't assume that because your dog currently appears completely normal there cannot be a problem.

Veterinary advice obtained early can be extremely important following some types of ingestion.

Know Your Walking Route

One of the easiest ways to reduce autumn risks is simply to know what grows along your regular routes.

Is there a large oak tree beside the path?

Does the park contain horse chestnuts?

Is there an area where mushrooms appear every autumn?

Does somebody's apple tree drop fruit over the pavement?

Once you know where the temptations are, you can be prepared before reaching them.

You might put your dog on lead for a short section, ask for closer attention or simply choose the other side of the path.

That's not avoiding training.

It's good management.

A Useful Autumn Training Challenge

During September, why not spend a few minutes each week improving your dog's

Leave and Drop?

Start at home where there are few distractions.

Then move into the garden.

Next practise on walks with safe, controlled objects.

Gradually build towards the real world.

Don't deliberately practise using potentially toxic objects. There is no need to scatter conkers around the garden to test whether your training works.

Use safe alternatives and build the behaviour progressively.

Good training means setting the dog up to succeed.

Look Down – Autumn Has Arrived

There is no reason for acorns, conkers, mushrooms and fallen fruit to spoil autumn walks.

Millions of dogs walk among them perfectly safely every year.

The key is awareness.

Know what your dog tends to pick up. Watch the ground when walking through areas where seasonal items accumulate. Teach useful cues. Carry appropriate contact details for your vet.

And if your dog does swallow something potentially harmful, seek professional advice rather than relying on internet remedies or waiting to see what happens.

Autumn gives us some of the best dog-walking weather of the year.

So enjoy those crisp mornings, colourful woods and leaf-covered paths.

Just remember that while you're admiring the colours above your head, your dog may be much more interested in what's lying underneath their feet.

The Autumn Rule

🌰 Acorns? Leave them.

🌰 Conkers? Don't use them as toys.

🍄 Wild mushrooms? Don't let your dog eat them.

🍎 Fallen or fermenting fruit? Move on.

🗑️ Mouldy food or compost? Keep it inaccessible.

🚗 Antifreeze or unidentified liquids? Keep your dog well away.

And if you suspect your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous:

Contact your veterinary practice promptly.

A little prevention allows you and your dog to concentrate on the best part of autumn – getting outside and enjoying it together.

This article provides general information about seasonal hazards and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you believe your dog has eaten something potentially toxic or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinary practice or emergency veterinary service promptly.