Thats why acorns are toxic to dogs
When you're out walking your dog in the autumn, there are a lot of things your dog can put in its mouth that can be dangerous. Acorns dropped on the ground can cause poisoning in your dog, so it's very important to keep an eye on what your dog may have ingested on the walk. Below you will learn all about acorns, why they are poisonous and what to do if your dog eats acorns.
Why are acorns poisonous for your dog?
Acorns contain the substance tannin, which is found in higher levels in green acorns and brown acorns contain less of this substance. Tannin is a corrosive substance that can cause inflammation in the walls of your dog's digestive tract. It can also damage the dog's liver and kidneys in some cases. In addition to the risk of poisoning, there is also a risk of acorns becoming lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, especially if the dog swallows them whole. In the worst case, acorn poisoning can be a life-threatening condition for your dog. That's why it's very early to keep an extra eye on your dog when it's autumn and acorns have fallen to the ground.
Symptoms of acorn poisoning
If your dog has ingested acorns, they may experience vomiting and/or diarrhoea, they may feel lethargic and have a reduced appetite. These are symptoms that are also seen with other poisonings. However, acorn poisoning can start with the dog becoming constipated, which after a couple of days turns into a tarry diarrhoea.
How many acorns can the dog eat?
The amount of acorns that a dog can eat to cause poisoning varies from dog to dog. This of course depends on your dog's size where a small dog can get very sick from just one acorn if you are unlucky. It is therefore important to know approximately how many acorns your dog has ingested if you need help from a vet.
Seeking veterinary advice
If you are concerned that your dog has ingested acorns, we recommend that you consult a digital vet. They can give you tips and advice on how to care for your dog and whether you need to see a vet. As a Lassie insurance customer you have unlimited calls to digital vet. However, if your dog shows symptoms of poisoning, you should immediately take it to a veterinary clinic.
Always keep an eye on what your dog is eating when you are out walking. If you have an oak tree in your garden, consider raking up fallen acorns to reduce the risk of your dog becoming curious about tasting them.
