We have acorns in our yard but we don’t have an oak tree, our neighbors do and it sits right on the outside of our property line.
Every fall this oak tree drops thousands of acorns in our yard and over the years, only 2 out 6 of our dogs have been attracted to them.
Most dogs don’t like the taste of acorns because they’re bitter but since dogs are inquisitive by nature, some become very attracted to them.
Since acorns contain high levels of tannin, not only can they be toxic to dogs when eaten in large quantities but they can also cause a dog to choke if they’re swallowed whole and they can sometimes become lodged in the intestines creating an intestinal blockage.
None of these are good things so if you have an acorn eater as I do and you don’t want them to end up in the emergency room, here are a few ways you can help them drop this bad habit.
Since your dog, yard, and your oak tree are different than mine you might need to tailor these steps to fit your needs and area but this will hopefully give you a general guide to follow to get your dog to stop eating those pesky acorns.
This is the easiest but also the most time-consuming way to separate your dog from the acorns.
I normally let my dogs go outside and do their stuff but I quickly realized that my puppy, who is the acorn addict of the family, would try to find them instead of pottying.
I quickly made the adjustment that before he went outside I would do a sweep of the yard first and remove all the corns that fell on the ground.
Since acorns start falling here around the end of August, this is a three-month project and not always full proof because depending on the weather, acorns could be dropping as we’re out there.
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If you have an acorn eater and you’re not sure if there are acorns laying around for them to eat, you’ll have to supervise them at all times until you can get the acorns removed.
You can do this by keeping your dog on a leash when they go outside (even if you have a fenced yard) or following them closely.
- Dogs/puppies (mentioned frequently)
- Acorns (primary topic)
- Oak trees (mentioned several times)
- Tannins/gallotannin (toxins in acorns)
- Training commands like “leave it” and “drop it”
- Yard/outdoor areas
- Veterinarians/emergency care
- Prevention methods (muzzles, supervision, etc.)
I’ll use these entities appropriately in my article while maintaining a conversational, slightly imperfect tone as requested
Is your furry friend treating your backyard like an all-you-can-eat acorn buffet? You’re not alone! Many dog owners struggle with their pups’ strange fascination with these little oak tree nuggets. My dog Lou started this habit last fall, and it drove me crazy with worry.
Let me tell you – acorns are NOT your dog’s friends They contain tannins that can be toxic and they’re also choking hazards But don’t worry! I’ve put together this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about stopping your acorn-obsessed pooch before they end up at the emergency vet,
Why Are Acorns Dangerous for Dogs?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand why acorns are problematic:
Toxicity Issues
Acorns contain high levels of something called gallotannin (a type of tannin). When dogs ingest this substance, it can cause:
- Stomach upset and vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Dehydration
- In severe cases: kidney damage, liver problems, and even death
It’s estimated that if a dog eats acorns equal to about 6% of their body weight, they could experience gallotannin poisoning. Symptoms might appear within hours or sometimes days later.
Physical Dangers
Beyond the toxic components, acorns pose physical risks:
- Choking hazards (especially for smaller dogs)
- Intestinal blockages
- Damage to the digestive tract from sharp edges
- Throat obstructions
And it’s not just the acorns themselves! The caps, oak leaves, and even bark contain those same harmful tannins.
Why Does My Dog Want to Eat Acorns?
Most dogs actually don’t like the bitter taste of acorns, but there are several reasons yours might be munching on them:
- Boredom: Your dog’s looking for something—anything—to do
- Curiosity: “What’s this weird thing on the ground? Better put it in my mouth!”
- Teething: Puppies especially might chew acorns to relieve pain
- Pica: This condition makes dogs crave inedible objects, sometimes due to nutritional deficiencies
- Hunger: They’re just hungry and the acorn seemed like an interesting snack
7 Effective Ways to Stop Your Dog from Eating Acorns
Now for the solutions you’ve been waiting for! Here’s how to break your dog’s acorn addiction:
1. Remove the Acorns From Your Yard
This is the most obvious but also the most time-consuming approach. Before letting your dog outside, do a quick sweep of the yard to remove any acorns that have fallen.
If you have a big oak tree, this might feel like a never-ending task (those trees can produce up to 10,000 acorns in a season!). Consider investing in:
- A lawn sweeper
- An acorn picker-upper roller
- Light garden netting to catch acorns before they hit the ground
2. Avoid Acorn-Heavy Areas
Sometimes the easiest solution is simply changing your walking route. If there’s a particular park with lots of oak trees, maybe find an alternative spot during acorn season (typically late summer through fall).
I know this one feels like a bummer. That beautiful oak-lined trail might be your favorite, but your dog’s safety comes first!
3. Train the “Leave It” Command
This is probably the most valuable long-term solution. Teaching your dog to “leave it” can help with acorns and many other dangerous items they might encounter.
Here’s a simple way to teach it:
- Put a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff
- Say “leave it” firmly (but not angry!)
- Wait until your dog stops trying to get the treat
- The moment they back away, say “YES!” or click if you use a clicker
- Give them a DIFFERENT treat as a reward (not the one you told them to leave)
- Repeat this process, gradually placing the treat on the floor
- Once they’ve mastered it with treats, try with acorns!
4. Teach the “Drop It” Command
Sometimes you’ll catch your dog after they’ve already grabbed an acorn. That’s when “drop it” becomes essential:
- Start with your dog’s favorite toy
- Let them play with it for a moment
- Hold a high-value treat near their nose
- When they drop the toy to get the treat, say “drop it”
- Give them the treat AND give the toy back
- Repeat until they drop items on command
5. Use Distractions
Keep your dog’s favorite treats or toys handy when going outside. When you see them heading for acorns:
- Call them back immediately
- Offer something WAY more exciting (a special treat or favorite toy)
- Start a game like fetch or tug-of-war
The key is catching them BEFORE they get the acorn in their mouth. You don’t want them thinking “If I grab an acorn, I get a treat!”
6. Section Off Your Yard
If possible, fence off the area where most acorns fall. This works best in larger yards where you can create a separate, acorn-free zone for your pup.
7. Last Resorts: Physical Prevention
If your dog is truly acorn-obsessed and nothing else works, consider these options:
- Basket muzzle: These allow drinking, panting, and some treats but prevent acorn-eating
- Outfox Field Guard: A mesh covering that stops dogs from eating things off the ground
- E-collar/cone: The classic “cone of shame” prevents ground-level scavenging
Remember, these should be LAST resorts after trying other methods.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Acorns
Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. If your dog eats an acorn:
For a Single Acorn:
Don’t panic! One acorn is unlikely to cause serious issues for most dogs. However, still keep an eye out for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Excessive drooling (sign of nausea)
- Loss of appetite
For Multiple Acorns:
Call your vet right away. They may recommend:
- Bringing your dog in for an examination
- Inducing vomiting (ONLY under veterinary guidance)
- X-rays to check for blockages
- Blood tests to check kidney function
If Your Dog is Choking:
- Open their mouth and check if you can see the acorn
- If visible, carefully remove it with your fingers (don’t use tools!)
- If not visible, perform the Heimlich maneuver:
- Stand behind your dog
- Make a fist with one hand
- Place your fist just below their ribcage
- Pull up and in with quick thrusts
- Take your dog to the vet afterward, even if the acorn is dislodged
Other Outdoor Dangers to Watch For
While we’re on the topic of things your dog shouldn’t eat outside, be aware of:
- Mushrooms (many varieties are toxic)
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Certain plants like azaleas, daffodils, and ivy
- Dead animals or animal waste
- Antifreeze or other chemicals that might leak onto driveways
Getting your dog to stop eating acorns isn’t always easy, but with consistency and patience, you can break this dangerous habit. The most effective approach combines:
- Environmental management (removing acorns, avoiding oak areas)
- Training (leave it, drop it, focus commands)
- Supervision and distraction
Remember, acorn season doesn’t last forever! With some extra vigilance during fall months, you can keep your furry friend safe from these troublesome nuts.
Have you dealt with an acorn-obsessed dog? What worked for you? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian, just a fellow dog owner who’s been through the acorn struggles. Always consult your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health or if they’ve consumed something potentially harmful.
Teach Them To Drop It
“Drop it” is another powerful command that every dog should know.
There are a variety of ways you can teach this command.
Check out the American Kennel Club’s guide here.
Train Your Dog To Leave Acorns Alone
If removing acorns from your yard isn’t an option you could train your dog to live happily with acorns.
While training will take more time and energy on your part, your dog is definitely worth it and it’s a great bonding experience.
You can train your dog in a positive way in different forms.
Your dog is probably already familiar with some basic commands like sit and stay but they should also know some other dog commands that can keep them out of trouble.
Are acorns safe for your pet to eat?
FAQ
Why does my dog like eating acorns?
Your dog may eat acorns out of curiosity, boredom, habit, or because they’re attracted to the scent and texture. However, acorns are toxic and dangerous to dogs due to their high tannin content, which can cause stomach upset, kidney failure, or liver damage, and they also pose a risk of choking or intestinal blockage. You should prevent your dog from eating acorns by supervising them on walks, keeping them on a leash, and providing engaging chew toys to satisfy their chewing urges. If your dog has eaten acorns, contact your veterinarian immediately to avoid serious complications.
How many acorns does a dog have to eat to get sick?
How to keep dogs away from acorns?
To stop a dog from eating acorns, use preventative measures like supervising outdoor activities, leashing your dog, using a basket muzzle, and removing acorns from your yard. Train your dog with “leave it” or “drop it” commands and redirect their attention with toys or treats. If your dog eats acorns, contact your veterinarian for advice and monitor them for symptoms of gastrointestinal upset or toxicity, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Are raw acorns poisonous to dogs?
Yes, raw acorns are poisonous to dogs because they contain tannins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, kidney and liver damage, and other severe health issues, including intestinal blockages and potentially death, depending on the quantity consumed. If your dog eats even a single acorn, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice, as symptoms can appear within hours or may be delayed.