Page 16 - Autumn 2024 Newsletter Online_Neat

Autumn

RVN APHC, CertCFVHNut Cert NCS (RVN Cons)
By Vikki Marshall

often it can be difficult to tell a safe
mushroom from a poisonous one.
However, if consumed they can cause
a range of symptoms such as
vomiting and diarrhoea, so if you
suspect your dog may have
consumed a wild mushroom it is best
to check with your vet.

Out on a walk we need to keep our
eyes peeled for acorns lying on the
ground. Acorns contain tannic acid
which is a toxin which can cause
diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain
and lethargy. If consumed in large
quantities tannins can cause more
severe health issues such as liver and
kidney failure. Green acorns have
higher quantities of tannin than the
brown ones. Conkers are also highly
poisonous to dogs.

Something else to keep an eye on is
the amount of time your dog spends
Autumn must be one of my favourite snuffling around the fallen leaves
times of the year to walk the on the ground. As these leaves start
dogs. A nice crisp day, and the leaves
to rot, they produce a mold called
turning shades of red, golden aspergillus and this can cause
brown and orange. For our canine aspergillosis a fungal infection often
companions this time of the year can occurring in the nose.
present some risks with the risk of
ingesting nuts, seasonal fruits and Another risk to our dogs at this time
other unsuitable items. It also brings of year is chocolate which a lot of us
with it the potential anxious time may have around both at Halloween
around fireworks. time and at Christmas. Chocolate
contains theobromine which is highly
When taking our canine companions toxic to dogs and if your dog has
for a walk we need to take care not eaten chocolate you must contact
to let them find and eat wild your vet to see if they have received
mushrooms. Dogs can be attracted a toxic dose.
to the look and smell of fungi and

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