acorns

Acorns are the fruits of an oak tree. It is part of the tree’s natural life cycle to have the acorns fall from the tree, which can leave our yards covered in acorns. While it’s a smorgasbord for the neighborhood squirrels, it can pose a potential danger to our beloved dogs.

Acorns are poisonous to dogs and the related toxicity is potentially life-threatening. If your dog were to eat acorns, you need to contact your veterinarian right away for further assistance.

The Danger of Acorns

Not only are acorns poisonous to dogs, but they also pose a choking hazard. If they are swallowed successfully, they could also lead to gastrointestinal upset or even an intestinal obstruction that could lead to the need for surgical intervention.

Acorn Toxicity

Acorns contain the chemical compound gallotannin, a type of tannin. Tannins are found in many plants from all over the globe. They are complex chemical compounds that serve the purpose of protecting individual plant species.

You may have heard of tannins if you are a wine, tea, or coffee lover, as they are all very high in tannins. It is important to note that tannins affect humans differently than they do canines.

The particular tannin gallotannin is responsible for the toxic effects that acorns have on dogs. High amounts of gallotannin can cause stomach upset, and in more severe cases, organ damage, organ failure, and even death. Severe toxicity is more often noted in smaller dogs.

acorns on the ground
Image courtesy of Pixabay

Symptoms of Acorn Poisoning

Thankfully, the bitter taste of acorns typically deters dogs, and most will avoid them entirely, but if your dog does eat acorns, you need to contact your veterinarian and be aware of the following symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive salivation
  • Retching
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dehydration
  • Shock

Obstruction

Obstruction occurs when the stomach or intestines become either partially or completely blocked, typically by a foreign substance. Obstructions can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract and can result in very severe complications and can lead to death if left untreated.

If you did not witness your dog eating acorns or any other foreign object, you may not pick up on the potential obstruction until symptoms are present. Symptoms of an obstruction include:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Straining or inability to defecate
  • Painful abdomen to the touch
  • Whining
  • Bloated abdomen
  • Dehydration
  • Restlessness
  • Aggressive or defensive behavior when the abdomen is touched

Choking

Since acorns also pose a potential choking hazard, it is important to be aware of the indications that your dog is choking. Since this is a medical emergency, you must act quickly to clear the airway. You can either attempt to clear the acorn from the throat, if possible, or perform the appropriate Heimlich maneuver for your dog’s size. Symptoms of choking include:

  • Visible signs of distress
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Salivation
  • Gagging or retching
  • Rubbing the face against the ground
  • Blue mucous membranes
sick dog coughing
Image courtesy of Pixabay

My Dog Ate Acorns, What Now?

Due to acorns posing more than one potential health threat to your dog, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately for further advice. If your veterinarian is unavailable to take your call at that time, reach out to the closest animal emergency center.

You need to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. In cases of severe toxicity, time really is of the essence. The sooner you act and can get veterinarian intervention, the more likely it is the outcome will be successful and that your dog will make a full recovery.

Preventing Acorn Consumption

The best way to avoid acorn poisoning is to prevent your dog from consuming them. If your yard gets covered in acorns each year, take the time to do a very thorough cleanup. This can be a daunting task, but it is well worth it to prevent your dog from being in danger and the potential vet bills that go along with it.

If you go on walks frequently, you’re likely to come across acorns. Just try and be mindful of your surroundings and keep your dog from scavenging the ground and picking them up.

Final Thoughts

During the fall and wintertime, you are bound to run across acorns scattered across the ground. While most dogs may give a quick sniff and avoid them, some may end up interested in picking them up and eating them. Since acorns are highly poisonous to dogs, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for the appropriate plan of action. Always remain mindful of the symptoms associated with toxicity and don’t hessite to reach out if your dog exhibits any unusual symptoms or behavior.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay