DOG owners have been urged to beware of a common danger found on the streets and in parks this autumn.
With the autumn season almost upon us, you may have already noticed streets littered with brown leaves and trees starting to take on an autumnal hue.
Dog owners have been urged to beware of a common danger found on the streets and parks this autumn[/caption]
As a result, veterinary experts have issued warnings as the new season brings fresh dangers to gardens and walking routes.
It won’t be long until we see conkers strewn across paths and streets across the country.
But conkers contain a toxic compound called aesculin which can pose a serious danger to your pooch – even if they ingest just a small amount.
Dr Berkcan Yanar, a licensed veterinarian and reviewer at PawsRank, said conkers can trigger a range of symptoms in dogs that owners should watch out for.
“If a dog swallows or chews conkers, the aesculin can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and, in some cases, the nervous system of the dog,” he told pet marketing agency, Bubblegum Search.
Typical symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and a loss of appetite.
They typically appear within hours of ingestion and, in more severe cases, your dog may show signs of restlessness, shivering or even seizures.
Hidden dangers
The threat doesn’t end there either – Dr. Yanar also pointed toward the risks conkers pose to your dog beyond poisoning.
He said: “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.”
Autumn alert
Conker season falls in autumn when horse chestnut trees shed their seeds across Britain’s parks and streets.
So it’s important for dog owners to be particularly cautious during the autumn months.
“I always advise owners to be extra vigilant in autumn months when conkers are abundant in parks, gardens, and woodlands,” Dr Yanar stressed.
Immediate action
In the event that your dog has eaten a conker, it’s important to act as soon as possible.
Dr. Yanar advised: “In case there is a chance that a dog has ingested a conker, it becomes paramount to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
“Early treatment, such as inducing vomiting, giving activated charcoal, or injecting IV fluids, can greatly tip the odds in your favour and prevent serious complications.”
According to the NHS, horse chestnuts are not the same as sweet chestnuts.
Because of their toxic properties, they should never be eaten by humans or animals.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
The plants in your home could also be a huge danger to pet owners, according to experts.
Your furry friends could get seriously ill from the plants, so it’s vital to avoid the trendy ones, no matter how good they might look.
For example, while Aloe vera plants are loved by millions, they can actually be toxic for pets and cause vomiting, tremors and diarrhoea.