Hidden Fall Dangers

 

Black Walnut
Black Walnut

Hickory Nut
Hickory Nut

 

 

 

 

 

 

We know the signs all too well…the school buses are in full swing, the temperatures begin to dip, and darkness fills the sky earlier and earlier – it is FALL.

Fall can be a great time to start longer walks with your pups, as well as longer play sessions, but a few other things that also come with fall are falling leaves, nuts, and sap.

There are some things to keep in mind as the weather changes; not all nuts are okay for dogs:

ACORNS: Acorns are not toxic and should not cause any lasting harm. However, they do contain tannins so they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some pets.

BLACK WALNUTS: Black walnuts alone can cause an upset stomach.  They also can grow molds that cause tremors and seizures in dogs.

HICKORY NUTS: Hickory nuts can cause gastrointestinal upset or an intestinal obstruction.  Like walnuts, moldy hickory nuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins which can cause seizures or neurological symptoms.

As the urge to go apple picking presents itself, keep in mind that you need to make sure your dog does not eat the core with seeds.  The seeds of an apple can be poisonous to pets.

If you have avoided all the toxic nuts, and apple seeds, GREAT, but fall adds one more element of difficulty – SAP.  If your dog should roll around in it or brush up against it, there are several things to try before shaving the dog.

Try to rub in peanut butter, olive oil, butter, or petroleum jelly.  Work it into the dog’s coat and pull the sap away from dogs body.  Then wash the dog with either dog shampoo or a mild soap to make sure all residue is gone.

Fall can be a great time to enjoy with your pet.  If you have concerns your dog may have eaten any of the above, please call your vet right away.