To prevent walks in the forest from turning into tragedy, you must be particularly vigilant to this danger that awaits animals.
When you have a dog, daily walks are as much a pleasure as a necessity. It feels good to get some fresh air and strengthen the bond with your pet, who needs to let off some steam. In the fall, these walks are a real spectacle! You can see nature evolve as it prepares for winter, admire the beautiful colors of the tree leaves, collect chestnuts until mid-November… However, you should not let yourself be completely distracted by the wonders of nature and continue to monitor your dog closely. Yes, we shouldn’t take the risk of losing him or putting him in danger. Because, if walking in the forest in the fall is very pleasant for him as for us, there is a risk that awaits him!
In the fall, trees lose their leaves, and they don’t come alone: the seeds of certain species also fall during this season. And some of them are particularly dangerous for dogs. These are acorns, which come from oak trees, and chestnuts, which fall from chestnut trees. “If your dog eats or chews chestnuts or acorns, he could have serious health problems. They are toxic to dogs and, in some cases, can even be fatal. They also present a choking hazard and can cause intestinal obstructions.”explains the experts from The Dog Trust, a British dog protection organization.
To prevent risks, the association recommends keeping your dog on a leash in areas that have these seeds on the ground and being ready to react to remove them from their mouth if they catch one. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also recommends always having a toy or treat that your dog loves with you, so that you can distract him or bring him back quickly in case of danger.
Furthermore, if he has chewed or ingested a chestnut or acorn, these symptoms may appear within a few hours: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches and pains, agitation, rash, swelling around the eyes and mouth, inability to move and collapse. It is then essential to consult a veterinarian urgently.
