Vet gives dog walkers autumn warning

Dog walkers are being warned against allowing animals to walk through piles of leaves as summer comes to an end.

Veterinarian Joanna Woodnutt is warning that there could be dangers lurking under the rotting leaves that could land an animal at the vets.

Woodnutt told The Mirror: “Leaves grow mould and bacteria as they start to rot. For dogs, consuming the mould and bacteria that rotten leaves may contain can be poisonous, potentially causing stomach upset or worse.”

In addition, she warned that as the season changes a number of dangerous seasonal plants will soon be making an appearance in parks.

Woodnutt added: “The most dangerous plant to look out for at this time of year is the Autumn Crocus (colchicum). This pretty flower, appearing in autumn, looks just like a spring crocus, except it tends not to show its leaves.

“When eaten, it’s extremely toxic, causing stomach upset, liver and kidney failure, seizures, and sometimes death.”

Conkers are also extremely dangerous for dogs for two reasons, she added.

“Firstly, they are particularly hard and non-digestible. The chances are very high that a swallowed conker would cause a gut obstruction, requiring emergency surgery to treat.

“Even if your dog chews the conker, they still aren’t safe – conkers are poisonous and cause gut pain, drooling, and vomiting.”