BE AWARE DOG OWNERS - THESE KARAKA TREE BERRIES WILL KILL!

Sheralee from Te Atatu Peninsula

BE AWARE DOG OWNERS - THESE KARAKA BERRIES WILL KILL!
These Karaka Trees are mainly planted in parks, etc. So be diligent walking your dogs. Karaka Tree Berries - TOXIC to DOGS: Notice from the SPCA. Fruiting NOW - end of April. Dog Owners, please be aware of Karaka Tree Berries whilst walking your four-legged-friends this summer.
Throughout the warmer months (January – April) the berries ripen, turn orange and fall off the trees - these berries can be FATAL if eaten by dogs. Although these are a staple in the diet of the native Kereru (wood pigeon), the kernels in the fruit contain the alkaloid karakin, which is very toxic if ingested by other animals.

Signs of Karaka berry poisoning include weakness, vomiting, confusions and convulsions, paralysis of the legs. This will occur within 24 hours of ingestion. If you suspect your dog has eaten berries from this tree, get to a Vet within 24 hours - earlier if you can. The first 48 hours are crucial.

These symptoms can be delayed by a day or two, so even if they are not yet showing symptoms if you have any concerns that your pet may have eaten any please seek veterinary treatment IMMEDIATELY.

The trees themselves are quite distinct and easy to spot; they have thick dark leaves and can grow up to 15 metres with the berries turning a bright orange colour during the fruiting season: NOW - January through to the end of April. These are native trees are a vital food source for Kereru so we advise that if you have spotted any in your local area, to keep your dog on the lead or take them to an alternative location for a walk. This has been researched and I know first hand the toxicity effects first hand to dogs. The pulp of the fruit is edible, although bitter, but the fresh kernels contain the toxic alkaloid karakin.
From wiki: en.wikipedia.org...)
The berries are toxic if ingested by dogs and may result in death.
NOTE: Phone numbers below to take your dog immediately to a Vet

CareVets:
Phone: 09 834-4430 / 0800 227 383
520 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu Peninsula
Hours:
Monday 8am–6:30pm
Tuesday 8am–6:30pm
Wednesday 8am–6:30pm
Thursday 8am–6:30pm
Friday 8am–6:30pm
Saturday 9am–4pm
Sunday Closed

After Hours Vet Clinic - Western
Phone: 09 820 7273
Unit 2/348 Rosebank Road
Avondale
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 6 pm - 8 am
Friday: 6pm - 9am Saturday
Saturday: 12noon - Monday 8am
Public Holidays - 24 hours

Links to people that have had dogs affected by the toxic poisoning: First one is a local resident.

www.stuff.co.nz...
www.stuff.co.nz...
www.nzherald.co.nz...
Links About the Tree:
en.wikipedia.org...)
www.tfsnz.org.nz...
www.teara.govt.nz...
www.landcareresearch.co.nz...
www.landcareresearch.co.nz... - From the New Zealand Medical Journal
www.poisons.co.nz... - Poisons Prevention.
CareVets -
carevets.co.nz...

"ASH" had been poisoned by these at River Road residence with the Karaka Tree Berries and noticed that something was not right and found her stools. Rang CareVets, Te Atatu Peninsula and Angela advised to bring her up straight away (3 pm). "ASH" had an enema, a tablet in her to the eye to induce vomiting and 2 large tubes of charcoal. She would have died overnight if it weren't for Angela saving her life! Recovery took 24x7 days and nights of monitoring during the day at CareVets then with me at home with her overnight. She got through the worst but took a toll on her for a good 3-5 weeks after. After hours vet was on standby for her.
BE AWARE DOG OWNERS - THESE BERRIES WILL KILL