Mary Allen
Not every dog knows that acorns are inedible. Many dogs even find it particularly fun to play with the small oval fruits.
But caution is advised here. Because acorns can even be dangerous for dogs.
What are acorns?
At the beginning of autumn, the acorns ripen. Acorns are the fruit of the oak tree. This deciduous tree occurs almost everywhere in Germany.
Acorns are around two to three centimeters in size and one-third of them are covered by a fruit cup. The fruits change color from green to brown.
Almost twelve percent of the total forest area in Germany consists of oaks. Their longevity has given oaks the nickname “tree of eternity”.
The oak, the oak leaves, and the acorns are of great importance in numerous coats of arms, ornaments on jewelry, or in symbolism.
Just think of Siegfried the dragon slayer from the Nibelungen saga. He became invulnerable because he bathed in dragon blood. He was only vulnerable in one place. Because Siegfried didn’t notice that an oak leaf was stuck to his shoulder while he was bathing.
Can you eat acorns?
After the war, acorns were a cheap way to make food. The fruits were used to make flour, bread, and coffee.
Because acorns contain starch, sugar, and a large number of proteins. The long-chain carbohydrates make these fruits real energy bombs. There are also oils.
That all sounds very positive, but it’s not that simple. Acorns are intolerant to humans when raw.
Dog eats acorns
For human consumption, the small fruits have to be prepared extensively.
Exactly the same applies to our dogs. Raw acorns can even be life-threatening for our four-legged friends.
Many of the animals just play with them, but some of the dogs chew on them or even eat them. That is what is critical.
Because acorns contain tannin. Tannin is one of the tannins. If the dog absorbs these substances, they affect intestinal activity.
The dog can get severe diarrhea. In addition, violent vomiting can occur. As a result, kidney failure can occur. And so the enjoyment of harmless fruits could even lead to the death of the dog.
Are Acorns Poisonous to Dogs?
Of course, as always, the crowd matters. However, you should still make sure that your dog does not eat acorns.
In addition to the poisoning already mentioned, the fruits can also lead to intestinal obstruction. In the worst case, bitten fruit can perforate the intestinal wall.
The tannins contained in the acorns are very bitter and taste very unpleasant to us. This is not always the case for the dog. You never know in advance whether the dog will like the fruit or not.
Be careful when walking in the fall
Autumn is ideal for long walks through the woods and fields.
Many four-legged friends love autumn as a season. It’s not too hot outside anymore, but it’s not cold yet either. It is also the time when the acorns fall from the trees.
When going for walks, make absolutely sure that your dog does not eat or bite any acorns.
Are Oak Leaves Toxic to Dogs?
Incidentally, the same applies to the bark and leaves of the oak tree. They also contain tannins and are therefore just as dangerous.
Also, keep an eye out for chestnuts and pine cones during your autumn walk with your dog.
While not poisonous, like acorns, they can cause serious constipation or intestinal obstruction. In these cases, only surgery can help.
Which animals feed on acorns?
This leads me to wonder which animals even feed on acorns. After all, there must be a reason why an oak tree bears so many fruits every year.
I can still remember very well that we collected acorns and chestnuts as children. And in large quantities. Then we drove the bags to the forestry office. In particular, I focused on chestnuts. Because there was a lot more money for it. Although acorns were much easier to collect.
The foresters use the acorns as winter food for deer and wild boar. And this explains the question of which animals feed on acorns:
- wild boars
- deer
- fallow deer
- pigs
- squirrel
- mallards
- jay
To name just the best known. So dogs are not one of these animals.
What to do if your dog ate acorns?
However, should it happen that your dog eats acorns, please do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all dog owners know that eating or chewing on acorns is dangerous for dogs. The substance tannin (tannic acid) is contained in the oak leaves and the acorns. If a dog eats a lot of tannins, it can get stomach pains, diarrhea, or vomit.
How dangerous are acorns for dogs?
Acorns (Tannin): Acorns are very toxic to your dog and even moderate amounts can be deadly. Poisoning can be observed when a dog weighing 10 kilograms has eaten 5-10 acorns. The symptoms are fatigue, decreased appetite, fever, constipation, diarrhea, etc.
What to do if the dog ate acorns?
While not poisonous, like acorns, they can cause serious constipation or intestinal obstruction. In these cases, only surgery can help.
Why can’t you eat acorns?
When raw, the acorn contains a very high proportion of tannins, which gives it a very disgusting taste to us. If this is not enough of a deterrent, the tannins lead to severe gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
How long does dog poisoning last?
In addition, two to three days after ingestion, bleeding occurs on the mucous membranes and from the body openings. The dog usually dies within three to five days of organ failure.
How does a dog behave when it has been poisoned?
- a hard, bloated stomach
- cardiovascular problems
- diarrhea and/or vomiting
- cramps and/or muscle tremors
- breathing problems up to shortness of breath
- blood in the vomit, feces, or urine
- fever, restlessness, and/or paralysis
- unconsciousness and/or lethargy
- excessive drooling and/or foaming at the mouth
How long does it take to notice poisoning?
Symptoms of poisoning usually appear soon after exposure to the toxin. With some substances, however, it can also take some time before the first symptoms appear (e.g. because only a metabolite of the substance in question triggers symptoms of poisoning in the body).
How is poisoning manifested?
Depending on the type, toxins affect the brain, nervous system, respiration, circulation, heart function, and individual organs. The effect often manifests itself as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain or headaches, dizziness, and breathing disorders.
What happens to the body when poisoned?
Symptoms of poisoning can be harmless, like a runny nose, but other poisonings lead to organ failure in the body and death. An antidote (or “antidote”) is a substance that either interacts directly with the venom or counteracts the symptoms caused by the venom.
Are Acorns Dangerous to Dogs?
Acorns contain tannin, but that’s not the only reason why they’re dangerous. Dogs that have eaten acorns can suffer from intestinal obstruction or even the intestinal wall can be perforated by the sharp shells.
Why won’t my dog eat acorns?
However, you should still make sure that your dog does not eat acorns. In addition to the poisoning already mentioned, the fruits can also lead to intestinal obstruction. In the worst case, bitten fruit can perforate the intestinal wall. The tannins contained in the acorns are very bitter and taste very unpleasant to us.
How poisonous are acorns?
Raw acorns contain tannins, plant-based tannins that are found in numerous plant species and can cause symptoms of poisoning in humans. They are found in high concentrations in the acorns and are officially classified as poisonous to highly poisonous.
Why are acorns so healthy?
Because acorns contain starch, sugar, and a large number of proteins. The long-chain carbohydrates make these fruits real energy bombs. There are also oils. That all sounds very positive, but it’s not that simple. Acorns are intolerant to humans when raw.