Why You Should Keep Your Dog Away from Conkers and Acorns This Autumn

Autumn is lovely—trees drop their leaves, the air is cool and the ground is covered in conkers and acorns. If you’re a dog owner this sounds like the perfect time to get out for long walks in the woods with your dog. But there’s a hidden danger under those leaves.

Vets are warning dog owners to keep your dogs away from conkers and acorns.

Leigh-Anne Brown, a Harrogate vet and owner of Vets for Pets, is warning dog owners to be more careful this autumn. If your dog loves a good romp in the woods you’ll want to know why these seasonal treats are bad for them.

The dangers of conkers: It’s more than just a choking hazard

Conkers (also known as horse chestnuts) are big, shiny and often irresistible to curious dogs. But here’s where the danger lies: their size and hard shell can get stuck in your dog’s throat and cause a choking hazard. And if swallowed they can block the digestive tract and cause some very serious health problems.

Beyond the choking risk conkers contain a toxin called aesculin. If your dog chews on conkers aesculin is released into their system. Leigh-Anne says

“Aesculin is toxic to dogs and eating conkers can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Dog owners must prevent their dogs from even chewing these autumnal nuts."

Acorns and mushrooms: The hidden dangers

Acorns may be smaller than conkers but don’t be fooled they are just as dangerous. Acorns contain tannins which if eaten in large quantities can be fatal.

“We tend to think of them as harmless but acorns can cause major problems for dogs if they eat too many”

says Leigh-Anne.

“They can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and in extreme cases even death.”

And then there are mushrooms. This time of year you’ll find more of them popping up in damp wooded areas. Some are harmless but many are toxic to dogs. Leigh-Anne says

“You can’t even identify the safe ones so keep your dog away from all of them."

And then, there are mushrooms. During autumn, you’re likely to spot more of these sprouting up in damp, wooded areas. While some mushrooms are harmless, many varieties can be poisonous for dogs. Leigh-Anne stresses that identifying safe mushrooms is no easy task, so it’s best to keep your dog away from any and all of them.

How to spot if your dog has eaten something toxic

One of the trickiest things about conkers, acorns, and mushrooms is that dogs are sneaky! They may gobble something down before you even notice. Since the symptoms of poisoning or blockage can be delayed, it’s important to know what to look for.

Leigh-Anne advises keeping an eye out for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Refusal to eat
• Increased thirst
• Restlessness

These signs usually show up within six hours of ingestion, but it can sometimes take longer. If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your dog has eaten conkers, acorns, or mushrooms, get in touch with your vet as soon as possible.

“If you can, try to note the time and how many your dog might have eaten,”

Leigh-Anne says. This can help your vet assess the situation more effectively.

Top tips for safe autumn walks

With all this in mind, you might wonder how to keep your dog safe while still enjoying those wonderful autumn walks. Leigh-Anne’s advice is simple:

“Be extra vigilant. Dogs love to roam free, but this is the season to keep a close eye on them, especially in damp, wooded areas where conkers and mushrooms are plentiful.”

Another key tip? Make sure you can always see your dog, especially as the days get shorter.

“As the nights draw in, a reflective jacket or collar will help you keep track of where your dog is exploring,”

Leigh-Anne suggests.

To help, Pets at Home offers a range of products designed for visibility and comfort during those late-afternoon walks.

• The Pets at Home Reflective High Vis Padded Dog Coat: Available for £14-£16, this jacket is not only reflective but padded for warmth. It has adjustable Velcro straps to ensure a snug fit, and it’s easy to clean after muddy walks.
• The 3 Peaks Padded Dog Collar: This reflective, fully adjustable collar costs between £6 and £8 and comes with an accessory D-ring for tags and a secure lead connection. Pair it with the reflective jacket for the ultimate visibility combo!

When in doubt, call your vet

At the end of the day, the best way to keep your dog safe during autumn is to stay informed and cautious. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to call your vet than to wait and see if symptoms worsen. It could save your dog from a lot of discomfort—and potentially more serious health issues.

With some extra vigilance and a few simple precautions, you and your dog can still enjoy the beauty of autumn without worrying about hidden dangers lurking underfoot.

So, next time you’re out crunching through the leaves, keep an eye on your pup and keep them away from those tempting autumn hazards!