With autumn leaves, acorns and conkers beginning to appear, leading vet charity PDSA is warning pet owners to be extra vigilant on walks and in their gardens, as although a lovely sign of the seasons changing, some of the plants and trees around us can pose a serious risk to our furry friends.

PDSA is highlighting three common autumn hazards that dog and cat owners should be aware of – acorns, horse chestnut trees and yew trees.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Shauna Walsh, explains: “Our pets are naturally curious and often use their mouths to explore the world around them, which means they can easily pick up and eat things they find on walks or in the garden.

“Autumn brings lots of tempting things for our pets to investigate, but some of these can be harmful or even life-threatening. Knowing what to look out for can help owners prevent their pets from eating something dangerous and get veterinary advice quickly if they do.”

Acorns

Acorns can be highly toxic to pets if eaten and may cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Unripe, green acorns are particularly dangerous, so owners should take extra care when walking dogs around oak trees.

Horse chestnut tree

Several parts of the horse chestnut tree can also be poisonous to pets, including the bark, leaves, flowers and conkers. Conkers can cause problems if swallowed and may lead to an intestinal blockage, which can be life-threatening.

Yew trees

Yew trees are extremely toxic to pets, with every part of the tree being poisonous. Eating even a small amount of the leaves can cause serious illness.

Shauna added: “Conkers and acorns might be a familiar sight during autumn walks, but they shouldn’t be considered harmless. If your pet is prone to scavenging, keep a particularly close eye on them when they’re sniffing around fallen leaves and seeds.

“If you think your pet has eaten something potentially poisonous, don’t wait for them to become unwell before seeking help. Contact your vet straight away, even if you’re not sure how much they’ve eaten.”

Pet owners can help reduce the risk by checking their gardens for potentially poisonous plants, keeping a close eye on their pets during walks and discouraging them from eating fallen leaves, seeds, berries or other plant material.