That's why acorns are toxic to dogs
When you take your dog for a walk in autumn, there are a lot of things that your dog can ingest that can be dangerous. Acorns that have fallen on the ground can cause poisoning in your dog, so it's very important that you keep an eye on what your dog may have ingested on their 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 to dogs?
Acorns contain the substance tannin which is found in higher levels in green acorns and the brown ones contain less of this substance. Tannin is a corrosive substance that can cause inflammation of the walls of a dog's gastrointestinal 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 getting stuck 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 a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when it's autumn and acorns have fallen on the ground.
Symptoms of acorn poisoning in dogs
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 in other poisonings. However, acorn poisoning can start with constipation, which can turn into tar-like diarrhoea after a few days.
How many acorns can a dog eat?
It varies from dog to dog how many acorns they can ingest to get poisoned. This is of course dependent on the size of your dog, where a small dog can get very sick from just one acorn if you are unlucky. It is therefore important to know roughly how many acorns your dog has ingested if you need veterinary help.
See a vet
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 visit a vet. As a Lassie insurance customer, you have unlimited calls to the digital vet. However, if your dog shows symptoms of poisoning, you should take it to a veterinary clinic immediately.
Always keep an eye on what your dog is eating when you are out for a walk. 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.
