Are conkers dangerous for my dog?

Conkers will fall from the horse chestnut tree, which is widely found in the UK, and normally appear around late summer or autumn when they fall to the ground. Conkers are popular around the school playgrounds for the old fashioned conker fights, but also can be very interesting to our dogs hiding within the leaves, despite being a danger to them.

Conkers contain a toxin called aesculin, which is found in the conker and also in the leaves. When ingested this toxin can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, dribbling, stomach pain, inappetence or depression.

Should you be concerned about your pet, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment with one of our veterinary surgeons for them to be checked.