Autumn is associated with harvest as crops of apples, pumpkins and squash begin to ripen. But it's a season of caution for dog owners as well, as this is the time of year that horse chestnut trees produce seeds that are dangerous to dogs.

Prevalence

Originally native to southeast Europe, horse chestnut trees are now common in temperate climates throughout the world. They are also known as Spanish chestnut and buckeye, and the fruit is sometimes referred to as conkers.

Toxicity

The horse chestnut contains alkaloids and a class of toxic chemical called saponins, but the most dangerous is a compound called aesculin, which is extremely toxic to dogs.

Symptoms

Dogs that ingest horse chestnuts exhibit symptoms that may include vomiting, diarrhea, depression or excitability, and in extreme cases convulsions or coma.

Treatment

A dog experiencing extreme symptoms will need to be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Common treatment is gastric lavage, or clearing the dog's stomach by pumping it and replacing fluids.

Outcome

Deaths due to horse chestnuts are rare as they are unpleasant tasting and most dogs will not ingest enough to be fatal. Moreover, as Veterinary Editor Katie Dunn notes in the September 18, 2004, article "Conkering Autumn Hazards" at the Vetbuzz website, many dogs recover on their own before their owners even seek assistance.

Additional Warnings

Horse chestnuts are toxic not only to dogs, but to other pets as well. Cats, horses and even children may be sickened if they ingest horse chestnuts.

Source:

ASPCA

vetbuzz

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