Acorns are not a popular food that people regularly eat, but they are familiar to most because squirrels love them. If you eat acorns or have an acorn tree near your property, you may wonder if dogs can eat them. Acorns are toxic to dogs in large doses and can cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed whole.
Signs of a Dog Getting Sick from Acorns
If your dog eats small pieces of acorn, it should not cause significant issues. The tough shell of the acorn contains a substance called gallontannin, which can make dogs sick if consumed in excess. Symptoms of acorn poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, and potential kidney failure. However, it would require a large amount of acorns for a dog to become extremely sick.
The biggest concern is if a dog swallows a whole acorn, as it can cause a blockage in the intestine. Signs of a blockage include changes in appetite, increased thirst, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue. Immediate medical attention is necessary to treat the obstruction.
Body Language
Signs that a dog has eaten too many acorns include weakness, low tail carriage, lack of focus, and head bobbing.
Other Signs
Other signs of acorn ingestion include changes in behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden changes in activity level, and changes in appetite or thirst.
History of Dogs and Acorns
Acorns were a significant food source for Native Americans in California and were nutritious due to their protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Wolves and undomesticated dogs likely did not eat acorns as their primary food source, as they would have focused on hunting animals for nutrition.
Science Behind Dogs and Acorns
The gallotannin in acorns can make dogs sick if consumed in large amounts over time. While acorns can be uncomfortable for dogs, it would take a lot to be fatal. If a dog has eaten a large quantity of acorns, it is important to contact a veterinarian or emergency pet facility immediately.
Training Dogs to Avoid Acorns
To prevent dogs from eating acorns, keep them out of reach in a closed cabinet if you have them in your house. If you have an oak tree with acorns on your property, supervise your dog outside and pick up any fallen acorns. Consider removing the tree if none of these solutions work, as the safety of your dog is important.
“Protect your furry friend: Be mindful of acorns and keep them out of reach!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Acorns are toxic to dogs in large doses and can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed whole. It is important to monitor your dog and seek medical attention if they show signs of illness after consuming acorns.
2️⃣ Signs that your dog may have eaten too many acorns include weakness, low tail carriage, lack of focus, head bobbing, changes in appetite and thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden changes in activity level. If you notice these signs, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
3️⃣ To prevent your dog from eating acorns, keep them out of reach in a closed cabinet if you have them in your house. If you have an oak tree with acorns on your property, supervise your dog outside and pick up any acorns on the ground to prevent access. Consider removing the tree if necessary to ensure the safety of your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Are acorns toxic to dogs?
Answer: Acorns are toxic to dogs in large doses and can cause an obstruction in the intestines if swallowed whole.
2. What are the signs that a dog has eaten too many acorns?
Answer: Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, changes in appetite, increased thirst, weakness, lethargy, and fatigue.
3. Can acorns be fatal to dogs?
Answer: While it is unlikely, a large amount of acorns can potentially be fatal to dogs. Immediate veterinary attention should be sought if you suspect your dog has consumed a significant quantity.
4. Is there a history of dogs and acorns as a source of food?
Answer: Acorns have been a source of food for thousands of years, particularly for Native Americans in California who relied on them for nutrition. However, wolves and undomesticated dogs likely focused on hunting animals rather than consuming acorns.
5. How can dogs be trained to avoid eating acorns?
Answer: To prevent dogs from eating acorns, it is recommended to keep acorns out of their reach in closed cabinets and to remove any acorns from the ground if you have an oak tree on your property. Supervising your dog outside and picking up acorns can also help prevent ingestion.
