Warning to Auckland Dog Owners: Karaka Berries Are Growing
Right: A reference photo from our 2024 season showing what the berries look like as they ripen.
As we explore the beautiful reserves and parks across Central Auckland and the Eastern Bays, we are privileged to enjoy some of the best walking locations in the country. However, nature sometimes presents serious hazards to our canine companions.
The Hound Mates team recently took the above photos of the green berries at Glover Park. The native Karaka trees are currently in their early fruiting cycle. To help you identify the hazard as the season progresses, we have also included a reference photo from the 2024 season showing what the berries will look like as they ripen into a bright yellow and orange colour. We are issuing this early warning to all our clients and local dog owners so you know exactly what to look out for in the coming weeks.
⚠️ Extreme Toxicity Warning
Karaka berries contain karakin, a highly toxic alkaloid. Ingestion of these berries, particularly the kernel inside, can be fatal to dogs. The toxins directly attack the dog’s nervous system, and urgent veterinary intervention is required if consumed.
How the Hazard Evolves (January to April)
Karaka trees are a common native feature in Auckland's parks. The oval-shaped berries measure about 2.5 to 4 centimetres long. While they are currently mostly green and attached to the trees (which can still be dangerous if dogs pull them from low-hanging branches), the real danger begins as they ripen.
Typically, between January and April, these berries will transition to a bright, striking orange colour and fall to the ground. Because they can be slightly sweet, some dogs are tempted to scavenge them from the grass or underbrush.
It is crucial to note that the danger does not end when summer is over. The berry remains highly toxic even after the fleshy orange outside has rotted away. This leaves only the fibrous, highly toxic kernel hidden in the dirt and leaves, remaining a threat to scavenging dogs long after the fruit has fallen.
Symptoms of Karaka Poisoning
Symptoms of ingestion may not appear immediately; in fact, clinical signs of karakin poisoning can be delayed by 24 to 48 hours. If you suspect your dog has eaten a berry, do not wait for symptoms to show. Watch for these critical warning signs:
- Weakness or confusion: Sudden lethargy or lack of coordination.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Vomiting or retching.
- Paralysis: Weakness or partial paralysis, especially in the hind legs.
- Severe neurological signs: Convulsions, muscle spasms, or seizures.
What to Do if Ingested
If you see your dog eat a Karaka berry, or suspect they have picked one up, treat it as a medical emergency. Take them to your local veterinarian or an after-hours emergency vet clinic immediately. Inform the clinic that you suspect Karaka berry ingestion so they can safely administer the necessary emergency treatment and supportive care.
The Hound Mates Safety Standard
Your dog's safety is our absolute priority. This is precisely why we maintain a strict 1:4 walker ratio and keep our pack walks tethered on-lead in public areas. Operating in these micro-packs allows us to constantly scan the environment and completely control what your dog has access to, ensuring they never have the opportunity to scavenge dangerous items like Karaka berries.
