Overview

• Conkers contain aesculin, a toxin that can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, tremors or collapse in dogs.
• The seeds are the right size to choke a dog or lodge in the gut, sometimes requiring emergency surgery.
• Veterinarians report late August and September as their busiest period for such incidents as parks and paths fill with fallen seeds.
• Emergency care may involve gastric lavage, intravenous fluids and overnight monitoring, with surgery for blockages and costs that can exceed £2,000.
• Experts urge owners to stop dogs picking up conkers, avoid using them for fetch and keep pets on leads near horse chestnut trees while watching for warning signs.