By Kate Lally

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Millions of dog owners across the UK have been issued a warning as the weather takes a more autumnal turn. Some dogs need plenty of walks, whatever the weather, but with each new seasons comes new hazards pet owners should be aware of. Now that we’re in September, conkers are beginning to fall off trees. And veterinary surgeon Dr Suzanne Moyes has teamed up with canine nutrition specialists at Green Pantry to offer guidance on why dog owners should be cautious around them this autumn. Dr Moyes explained: “Conkers are poisonous to dogs as they contain a toxin called aesculin, which can cause a dog to be sick or may upset their stomach. It’s not just conkers that are poisonous to dogs either, all parts of the horse chestnut tree contain the toxin including the leaves, bark and flowers. “A conker’s toxicity varies from tree to tree so how much your dog is affected by this toxin depends on their size, how much they’ve ingested, when they last ate as well as if they have any other existing health issues. Conkers can also be dangerous to dogs due to their round and smooth shape, making it easy for dogs to swallow them whole. “This can lead to choking or could block their gut, causing severe damage to their bowels if not removed safely.” Warning signs to look out for include being sick, an upset stomach, dribbling, signs of stomach pain, being more thirsty, a low appetite, restless, not walking in a straight line or even shaking and being unable to move. Dr Moyes continued: “If you suspect your dog has eaten a conker, or they’re showing signs that they’ve been poisoned, always contact your vet immediately. They will be able to provide you with guidance and treatment options as surgical removal may be required.” And it’s not just conkers you should be aware of. Dr Moyes said: “Similar to conkers, acorns contain tannins, which can also cause stomach problems or in rare instances, liver and kidney damage. Damp leaf piles, commonly found in autumn, can also be toxic to dogs, as they encourage mould growth which produces tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are extremely harmful to dogs. “If ingested, it can result in sickness, body tremors and even seizures. To safeguard your dog during autumn walks, always avoid leaf piles and stick to clear paths to walk on if possible. “Ensure to monitor your dog closely and keep them on a lead in areas where there isn’t a clear path. Don’t allow your dog to play with conkers or sticks on the ground and instead distract them with appropriate toys to keep them engaged.”