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What are conkers?
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Dog owners watch out for harmful conkers this autumn!
- By Leigha
-
- October 8, 2025
- 1 MIN READ
As the leaves start to turn golden, autumn feels like the perfect time to get outside with your dog. But it’s also the season when conkers and acorns start scattering across the ground – and while they might look harmless, they can actually be dangerous for our four-legged friends. Keep reading to learn what to watch out for!
What are conkers?
Conkers, which come from horse chestnut trees, are a familiar sight in parks and green spaces at this time of year. They look striking with their spiky shells and shiny brown seeds inside, but if a dog chews or swallows them, it can cause some pretty nasty health problems. The same goes for acorns.
Symptoms of conkers in pets
The tricky part is that dogs interact with them in different ways – bigger breeds might gulp them down, while smaller ones are more likely to have a chew. Either way, it can make them poorly. Conkers contain a toxin called Aesculin, and symptoms can show up within hours.
These can include:
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhoea
-
Stomach pain
-
Restlessness
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Rashes or swelling (especially around the face)
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Weakness or even collapse
On top of that, both conkers and acorns can be a choking hazard, or even cause a blockage in the gut if swallowed whole.
So, what can you do to keep your dog safe? When you’re out walking, especially in areas where the ground is littered with conkers, keep your dog on a lead and watch out for any sneaky attempts to pick them up. They might look like harmless autumn treasures, but the risks are real.
If you think your dog has eaten a conker or acorn, or they start showing any of the symptoms above, it’s best to call your vet straight away. A quick response can make all the difference.
Here to help your furball.
Our Vet Team are professionally qualified in veterinary medicines advice and they're here to help. Led by Dr Zoe Costigan, we're no nonsense and knowledgeable experts! Nothing makes us happier than helping you be flea and worm free. We're on the usual socials @itchpet, so slide into our DM's, drop us an email or hop on the phone.
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