outdoor
Conkers
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Conkers and horse chestnuts are toxic to dogs and can cause gut obstruction.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention if your dog swallowed whole conkers or is showing neurological signs.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- drooling
- abdominal pain
- wobbliness
- depression
- fever
Why
Horse chestnuts contain aesculin, a toxin that irritates the gut and nervous system. Dogs may vomit, have diarrhoea and become wobbly or depressed. Whole conkers can also block the gut. The hard shell increases the obstruction risk.
- Substances of concern
- aesculin, saponins
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {conkers,"horse chestnuts",leaves,bark}
- Preparation
- No safe preparation.
- How much matters
- Even one or two conkers can cause vomiting and obstruction.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- Veterinary Poisons Information ServicePrimary authoritative — Plant toxicity
This answer rests on a single approved source and is queued for further review.
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.