Dog owners have been given a warning about a health hazard to watch out for on their walks this week. With the change of the season comes changing foliage, some of which can pose a risk to your dog. Sean McCormack, head vet at dog food delivery company Tails, has given insight into the health risks for pets at this time of year.
McCormack said it’s important for pet owners to know the “plants, flowers, and crops” to keep their dogs away from. He added that “dogs are naturally curious” and explore with their nose and mouth, making encounters with toxic substances “unfortunately quite common”.
Topping McCormack’s list of health hazards are conkers and acorns, which typically fall from trees between September and November. The vet said that though they may be a tasty snack for some wildlife, dogs chewing or swallowing these can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and lethargy. Occasionally, dogs may also develop a rash or swelling around the mouth or eyes.
He said: “Symptoms often appear within one to six hours of ingestion, though in some cases they may be delayed by up to 48 hours. You might notice pieces in your dog’s vomit or stool.
“The best prevention is to stay vigilant during autumn walks, especially in areas with oak or horse chestnut trees. If you think your dog may have eaten an acorn or conker, it’s important to contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.”
McCormack also pointed out the risks of fallen fruit. Certain fruits, including apples, plums, and other stone fruits, are bad for your dog to ingest.
“In particular, it’s the stones or cores that can cause problems,” the vet said. “If ingested, they may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of shock.
“If you have fruit trees in your garden, it’s a good idea to regularly check for and clear away any fallen fruit. Fermenting fruit can also produce alcohol, which some dogs are highly sensitive to, potentially resulting in severe gastrointestinal upset.”
Another health risk comes from slugs and snails, which pose the threat of lungworm, a parasite that lives in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs. If left untreated, it can cause serious health issues and, in some cases, may prove fatal.
McCormack said: “Dogs typically become infected when they come into contact with slugs or snails, often while sniffing around in gardens, parks, or woodland areas.
“Slugs and snails are more active due to damp conditions. While the greatest risk comes from a dog eating a slug or snail, either accidentally or on purpose, infection is also possible through contact with their slime trails.
“Younger dogs and puppies are especially vulnerable, as they’re more likely to explore the environment with their mouths. But older dogs aren’t immune either, particularly if slugs or snails have crawled over their food or water bowls.”
Rodents are also a threat to your pet, according to the vet. Rats and mice tend to breed during the warmer summer months, which means infestations are more likely to occur in autumn.
“As a result, many people turn to rodent poisons,” McCormack said. “But these substances are highly toxic to dogs. If a dog ingests even a small amount, the consequences can be serious, and symptoms will vary depending on the type of poison involved.
“Common signs of poisoning include lethargy, breathing difficulties, pale gums, and coughing or vomiting that may contain blood. Other possible symptoms include a bloody nose, swelling under the skin, or bleeding from the gums. If you suspect your dog has come into contact with rodent poison, contact your vet immediately.”
