With autumn here, many dog walking routes become covered with a layer of fallen leaves, conkers and acorns, creating the perfect playground for curious pooches.

And while it's tempting to let your dog off the lead to explore their surroundings, the owner of one Alsager veterinary practice is warning owners to be vigilant, as some of these objects could be dangerous to dogs.

Carl May, owner of Alsager's Vets for Pets in Lawton Road, says the season of conkers is particularly dangerous for dogs.

He said: "Conkers (horse chestnuts) can be poisonous to dogs and they're best kept completely away from them. They can cause stomach upset and, if swallowed whole or in large pieces, can cause a potentially serious intestinal blockage.

"We have had dogs brought into the practice who have swallowed a conker and we've operated to remove it. Dogs are curious animals and they will go sniffing through leaves and other autumnal debris.

"When you're walking in woodland keep an eye on what your pet is doing and watch they don't digest anything they shouldn't."

Carl is also warning dog owners to look out for signs your animal has swallowed a conker.

He said: "Possible signs include vomiting or diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, lethargy, shaking/tremors and difficulty passing poo."

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"If your dog has actually eaten a conker, especially if they swallowed it whole, contact us promptly rather than waiting for symptoms. Don't try to make them vomit. Bring your pet straight into us."

Vets4Pets can be contacted by calling 01270 871810 or through their website here or Facebook page here

Alsager Nub News is proud that Vets for Pets Alsager is a sponsor of our news service as we revealed in our article here

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like Vets for Pets Alsager that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Alsager and across the UK.

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