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Autumn, with its parks and gardens full of changing leaves and fruits like acorns and chestnuts decorating the paths, is a picturesque scene, but for dogs it can become a real danger. Cases of animals requiring surgery for ingesting acorns stuck in their intestines are not uncommon and over in the UK, several puppies have needed life-saving surgery for this reason.

 

But the problem isn’t confined to Britain and here in Spain, vets are warning owners that several varieties of acorn commonly found in the wild can pose a serious risk to their furry friends.

 

While most people are aware of the dangers of some human foods like chocolate for dogs, the risk posed by acorns often goes unnoticed. The tannins they contain, bitter substances that plants use as a defence mechanism, are toxic to dogs and can also affect cats, horses and cows.

 

According to veterinary experts, just five to ten acorns ingested by a 10 kilo dog are enough to cause poisoning.

 

Although toxicity is common to all acorns, serious digestive problems depend on the size of the acorn and the pet. Small and medium-sized dogs are the most vulnerable to having an acorn become lodged in their intestines, while a large dog can expel it without major problems.

 

The greatest risk is not always chemical poisoning, but physical poisoning, since swallowed acorns can cause intestinal obstruction, also known as ileus. This is a serious condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. Warning signs include persistent vomiting for more than six hours, abdominal pain, fainting or obvious panic.

 

When the amount of acorns ingested is sufficient to cause poisoning, symptoms in dogs are variable and range from general malaise, weakness, lack of appetite, increased water intake, excessive salivation and nausea. In addition, gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes bloody, and even constipation may appear. In severe cases, tannins affect the liver and kidneys, causing jaundice, which manifests itself in the yellow colour of the mucous membranes and eyes.

 

Some dogs have a habit of ingesting objects they find on a walk and acorns can be especially attractive due to their size and texture. It’s therefore vital to keep a close eye on your dog anywhere you see oak trees growing. This type of prevention is more important with curious puppies and young dogs.

 

One very useful tip offered by vets is to teach your dog the ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it’ command. With plenty of treats, praise and consistency, most dogs will pick it up really quickly and this simple tool could well save your pet’s life.

 

Image: Freepik