Health risks for dogs during the autumn season

Mushrooms
Mushrooms should definitely not be forgotten in the list of poisonous autumn fruits. Mushrooms that are toxic to humans are also toxic to dogs. Because it is very difficult to distinguish poisonous mushrooms from non-poisonous ones, we recommend keeping your dog away from these autumn fruits altogether. This way, you prevent your dog from unpleasant symptoms such as stomach and intestinal problems or other digestive issues, but also hallucinations (think of barking at movements/sounds we cannot perceive or compulsively chasing its tail and snapping at the air), fever, and epileptic seizures are symptoms of eating mushrooms. So don’t take any risks and keep your dog away from these autumn fruits.

Pine cones and beech nuts
Besides the poisonous autumn fruits mentioned above, there are also autumn fruits that are not toxic to your dog but are still dangerous. Think of pine cones and beech nuts. Neither contains toxic substances, but they do have sharp splinters and edges. If your dog swallows a pine cone or beech nut, it can cause a lot of damage in the intestines.

What should you do if your dog has eaten an autumn fruit?

If you have seen that your dog has eaten one of the above autumn fruits or shows symptoms that belong to, for example, tannin or saponin poisoning, act quickly, even if no poisoning symptoms are yet visible. Always contact the veterinarian and, if possible, bring the autumn fruit in question or take a photo of the specific autumn fruit so the vet can make a proper diagnosis and treat effectively.

How can you prevent your dog from eating autumn fruits?

To prevent your dog from taking a bite of (poisonous) autumn fruits, at least don’t let him play with acorns, chestnuts, pine cones, beech nuts, and mushrooms. The chance that your dog accidentally swallows something while playing is high. If you see your dog has an autumn fruit in its mouth, try to trade it for a treat or another snack. Do you have a dog that likes to ‘snack’ on everything loose and attached while out and about? Then choose the safe route and go for a path where there are as few autumn fruits as possible. Finally, we recommend keeping your dog on a short leash so it’s harder for the dog to eat things off the ground. Prevention is better than cure.

Be extra alert when walking in a wooded area during the autumn season. Not only watch your dog carefully, but also don’t forget to look around you. Autumn is a special season and creates beautiful natural phenomena!

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