As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, autumn brings a host of new sights, sounds, and smells for our beloved pets to enjoy. However, with the season’s beauty comes some hidden dangers that pet owners throughout the UK should be aware of. We want to help you keep your furry friends safe and healthy from Autumn Pet Hazards like conkers, acorns, and antifreeze.
Conkers and Other Seasonal Dangers
The Danger: Conkers, or horse chestnuts, are a tempting find for many dogs. However, they are toxic to pets as they contain a chemical compound called aesculin. If swallowed, they can also cause a potentially life-threatening obstruction in the digestive system, especially for smaller dogs. Even the leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree contain this toxin.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Lethargy and weakness
- Tremors or seizures (in severe cases)
Tips for avoiding them:
- Keep a close eye on your dog during walks in areas with horse chestnut trees.
- Distract your dog with a favourite toy or a treat when approaching these trees.
- Don’t encourage your pet to play with conkers.
- If your dog is known to pick things up, consider using a lead and teaching the ‘leave it’ command.
Acorns: A Common Autumn Pet Hazard
The Danger: Acorns from oak trees are another common hazard. They contain a toxic chemical called tannin. When ingested, tannins can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, lead to liver and kidney failure. Like conkers, their hard, spiky nature can also cause a dangerous intestinal blockage. All parts of the oak tree, including the leaves and bark, are toxic to pets.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (which may contain blood)
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Dehydration
- Collapse (in severe cases)
Tips for avoiding them:
- Be vigilant during walks in woodland areas, particularly near oak trees.
- Prevent your dog from playing with or chewing on acorns.
- Take a favourite toy with you to use as a distraction.
Antifreeze
The Danger: Antifreeze is perhaps one of the most dangerous autumn hazards. It contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical that can cause fatal kidney failure in pets. Unfortunately, antifreeze has a sweet taste that is appealing to both dogs and cats. They can be exposed by licking spills from a car radiator, or from their paws after walking through a contaminated puddle.
Symptoms to watch for (these can appear in stages):
- Early stage (30 minutes to 12 hours): Symptoms can mimic alcohol intoxication, including a wobbly gait, excessive thirst, increased urination, vomiting, and lethargy.
- Later stage (12-72 hours): Pets may seem to recover temporarily, but this is when the toxin is doing the most damage. This stage is followed by severe kidney failure, with symptoms like extreme tiredness, not wanting to eat, vomiting, and eventually seizures and a coma.
Tips for avoiding it:
- Store all products containing ethylene glycol (antifreeze, screen wash, brake fluid) in securely closed containers, out of your pet’s reach.
- Immediately and thoroughly clean up any spills from your car or in your garage.
- Be aware of unusual puddles of liquid when you’re out walking and keep your pet away from them.
- Wash your pet’s paws with soap and water if you think they may have walked through a spill.
What to do if you suspect poisoning
If you believe your pet has ingested any of these substances, or is showing any of the symptoms listed above, it is crucial to contact your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Early treatment is vital and can significantly improve the outcome.