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Karaka Berries

March 16, 2021

From January to April the Karaka tree green berries have turned orange and are falling off trees. These berries, although loved by our native Kereru can be highly toxic to dogs. Toxicity is variable but they can remain toxic in older berries for a long time. Karaka berry kernels are incredibly poisonous for dogs and can cause convulsions and death.
The karaka tree can grow up to 15 meters and has thick dark leaves. The orange fruit ranges from 2.5-4cm long, making it very distinctive. It can be found all over New Zealand but in particular the North Island.
Symptoms can include:
🐾Weakness
🐾Vomiting
🐾Confusion
🐾Back leg paralysis
🐾Convulsions
All these can lead to death.
Symptoms can often be delayed by 24-48 hours.

Photo Cred: stuff.co.nz