Trouble underfoot: The autumn hazards that could poison your dog
A woodland walk, a nose through fallen leaves and a muddy coat in need of a wash, autumn offers plenty for dogs to enjoy. But some of the season’s most familiar sights can conceal serious dangers.
Conkers, acorns, wild mushrooms and mouldy garden waste can all pose a threat to inquisitive dogs, warns registered veterinary nurse and canine first aid expert Rachel Bean.
She is urging owners to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of poisoning and act quickly if they suspect their dog has swallowed something harmful.
A shiny conker might look like an irresistible plaything, particularly to a dog who enjoys carrying things in their mouth. But horse chestnuts can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea if eaten. Swallowed conkers can also cause a potentially life-threatening intestinal blockage. Serious poisoning is uncommon, but suspected ingestion warrants veterinary advice.
Acorns present a similar seasonal temptation. They contain tannins and can cause stomach upsets, abdominal tenderness, loss of appetite and lethargy. Kidney and liver damage have also been reported, although these complications are uncommon in dogs. Acorns can cause a blockage too, making them something to steer a scavenging dog away from rather than allow them to investigate with their mouth.
Compost heaps and mouldy food waste can contain toxins produced by moulds. These can cause vomiting, tremors and convulsions, and even a seemingly small amount of mouldy material may make a dog unwell. Keeping compost and discarded food securely out of reach is a worthwhile precaution.
Wild mushrooms and toadstools add another complication. Some are harmless, while others are highly toxic, and owners should not assume a fungus is safe because it looks familiar. Preventing dogs from eating wild fungi is the safest approach.
Rachel says warning signs that a dog may have eaten something toxic include excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, sudden vomiting or diarrhoea, shaking, wobbliness and unusual lethargy. In severe cases, a dog may collapse or have seizures.
That might mean noticing a normally lively companion becoming unsteady after a walk, or a dog suddenly starting to drool or vomit. Those changes need prompt attention.
The first step, Rachel advises, is to stay calm and move the dog away from anything that could cause further exposure.
“Do not attempt to make the dog vomit, this can cause more harm,” she says.
Contact a vet immediately if poisoning is suspected, even if the dog has not yet developed symptoms. The RSPCA advises owners against waiting to see what happens or attempting treatment themselves. Never give salt water to induce vomiting.
A dog who collapses or develops severe tremors or seizures needs emergency veterinary care without delay.
Details can help the veterinary team assess the situation. Rachel recommends noting what the dog may have swallowed and when it happened. If it is safe to do so, a photograph or sample of the suspected substance may also be useful, but collecting it should not delay seeking help.
Autumn walks can still be a pleasure. Keeping an eye on what a dog picks up, securing garden waste and recognising a sudden change in their behaviour can help owners act quickly when something is wrong.
For Rachel, the message is straightforward: know the hazards beneath those fallen leaves, recognise the warning signs and seek veterinary advice promptly.
For more about Rachel Bean’s work, visit www.rachelbean.co.uk
