Dog owners are being urged to remain alert this autumn, as acorns could pose a serious threat to their pets. The pet insurance team at Quotezone.co.uk has advised dog walkers to be aware that acorns contain a chemical which can be harmful to dogs if ingested.
This warning comes after a recent survey by Quotezone revealed that 49% of people were unaware of the toxicity of acorns to dogs. With more than 120 million oak trees in the UK, the risk is widespread.
Acorns typically fall from oak trees between September and December, with the green, unripe ones posing a greater threat than the brown ones. Dog walkers should ensure these are not eaten by curious pups.
Symptoms of acorn poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and drooling. In rare cases, consumption of large quantities can lead to liver and kidney failure. If acorn poisoning is suspected, it’s crucial for dog owners to contact their vet immediately, as even small amounts can cause long-term damage.
Tiffany Mealiff, a pet insurance specialist at Quotezone, has issued a warning to dog owners as the leaves begin to fall: “We all love our four-legged friends and want to do our best to keep them protected from anything harmful, so it’s important to keep an extra eye on them this autumn, especially if strolling through a wooded area. It’s surprising to see nearly half of those surveyed didn’t know acorns were poisonous to dogs.”
She continued to stress vigilance: “Although acorn poisoning is not that common, it’s best not to take any risks – especially if you have excited pups that enjoy nibbling on anything they can get their paws on. It’s also worth taking out a pet insurance policy, to protect you and your pets against situations such as this – most policies now include a 24/7 vet helpline for emergencies.”
How to prevent acorn poisoning
- Opt for a change of route, avoiding oak tree-dense areas until January when acorns are no longer a threat.
- Keep your pooch under close supervision, potentially on a lead in risky regions, and always clear away dangerous acorns.
- Distract your fur baby with favourite toys instead of harmful acorns.
- Have emergency commands ready should your furry friend get tempted by the poisonous nuts. It’s wise to train your dog to respond quickly to serious commands such as ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it’, ensuring they can react swiftly if a situation arises.
- Do extra research. Autumn walks can be fraught with dangers for pups, so it’s advisable to do some extra research and identify key hazards in your area, not just in woodland areas, but also poisonous items that may wash up on the beach or at the edge of rivers.
The findings from Quotezone.co.uk were based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during October 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.