Laura Smith
Dogs are curious creatures that explore the world through scent and taste, and their indiscriminate eating habits can sometimes get them into trouble. While mushrooms can be a tasty treat for dogs, with some even offering health benefits, it's important to remember that not all mushrooms are safe for canine consumption. In fact, some mushrooms are highly toxic and can cause serious illness or even death in dogs. With over 10,000 mushroom species in the United States alone, it can be challenging to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones, and even expert foragers make mistakes. Therefore, it's crucial for dog owners to be vigilant and seek immediate veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested any wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species in the US | 10,000+ |
| Number of toxic species | 100 |
| Most common toxic species | Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota |
| Most common symptoms | Vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dehydration, decreased heart rate, liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, death |
| Time taken for symptoms to show | 15 minutes to 24 hours |
| Treatment | Induce vomiting, activated charcoal, drugs to counteract the toxin |
| Prevention | Carry a mushroom identifier app, avoid wild mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs
Mushrooms can be extremely dangerous for dogs, and even fatal. While only a small percentage of the 10,000 mushroom species in the United States are toxic, the ones that are poisonous can be deadly. It is very difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones, so veterinarians recommend treating all wild mushroom ingestions as a potential emergency.
Common symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and seizures, as well as liver and kidney failure. Some dogs may experience a false recovery period before relapsing. In some cases, it may take 2-3 days to see evidence of liver and kidney failure.
If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control centre, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. It is important to act quickly as treatment options depend on how recently the mushroom was ingested. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom, preferably wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a paper bag, to help with identification and treatment.
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Toxic vs edible mushrooms
Mushrooms can be toxic or edible for dogs, and it is important to know the difference. While only about 100 out of over 10,000 mushroom species in the United States are toxic, it is still challenging to identify them accurately. It is recommended to treat all wild mushrooms as toxic and consult a veterinarian immediately if your dog has ingested one. Toxic mushrooms can cause serious or even life-threatening illnesses in dogs, and symptoms of mushroom poisoning can begin within 15 minutes to up to 6 hours of ingestion. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly if you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom.
Veterinarians caution against trying to identify the mushroom species yourself, as even experienced mushroom foragers make mistakes. Instead, it is advised to bring your dog to a veterinarian for treatment. Some of the most toxic mushroom species include Amanita phalloides (commonly known as "death cap"), Galerina marginata ("deadly Galerina" or "Galerina autumnalis"), Inocybe spp., and Clitocybe dealbata. These toxic mushrooms contain amanitin toxins, which cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, a false recovery period, and eventually lead to liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death. Other toxic mushrooms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, a decreased heart rate, respiratory problems, and neurologic and hallucinogenic effects such as stumbling and seizures.
On the other hand, some edible mushrooms can be beneficial for dogs and provide various health benefits. For example, Chaga mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals, boosting the immune system and helping to keep organs healthy. Phellinus mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties and are especially effective against MRSA bacteria. Additionally, culinary mushroom species such as Baby Bella, Crimini, Portobello, Button, and White mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. These mushrooms can provide a fun texture for dogs to chew on occasionally.
It is important to note that while edible mushrooms can be beneficial for dogs in moderation, some preparations of mushrooms can be harmful. Fried mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms, and mushroom-based dishes like soup or gravy often contain ingredients that are toxic or upsetting to a dog's stomach. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when offering mushrooms to your dog and always supervise them after ingestion to monitor for any signs of allergic reaction or toxicity.
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What to do if your dog eats a mushroom
It is important to remain vigilant when your dog is outside, as they could eat mushrooms that are growing in wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, or even your backyard. If you see your dog eating a wild mushroom, try to take a clear picture of it, or pick one or two to show your vet. If your dog begins to exhibit symptoms of poisoning, having a sample or a photo will help with identifying the fungus.
If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control center, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Even if your dog does not show any symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. Unless you are a mycologist, do not try to identify the mushroom in question yourself. While only a small percentage of the mushroom species in the world are toxic, the ones that are toxic are extremely dangerous. It can be difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic mushrooms, and even practiced mushroom foragers make mistakes.
If your dog has ingested a mushroom within the past two hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting as a means of decontamination. However, if your dog is already showing symptoms, it may be too late to induce vomiting as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia. The vet may also give your dog activated charcoal to bind any additional toxin in the stomach. There is no specific antidote for mushroom poisoning in dogs.
If the mushroom cannot be identified or is identified as highly toxic, your dog may need to be hospitalized and started on IV fluids for hydration and supportive care. Therapy will be started to try to prevent symptoms from developing, even if the dog is not showing any immediate signs of illness. Medications will be given to treat the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, as well as treatment for muscle twitching and seizures. Additional therapy may include liver-support medications.
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How to identify poisonous mushrooms
Mushroom hunting is a fun hobby, but it can be dangerous. It is important to learn how to identify poisonous mushrooms to avoid serious health risks. Here are some ways to identify poisonous mushrooms:
Visual Characteristics
Check the physical traits of the mushrooms, such as their colour, shape, gills, and stem. For example, if the gills are white and you are uncertain about the variety, leave it. Similarly, avoid mushrooms with any red on the cap, stem, or gills, as many red mushrooms are poisonous. Some mushrooms, like the Agarics family, can be identified by the colour of the bruise on their caps—if it stains bright chrome yellow, it is likely poisonous.
Odor
Poisonous mushrooms often have a distinct, unpleasant odour. They may smell acrid, chemical, or fishy. If a mushroom does not smell like a typical mushroom, it is best to avoid it.
Amanita Genus
The Amanita genus includes some of the most toxic mushrooms, and they are responsible for many mushroom-related deaths. Amanita mushrooms often develop from 'Amanita eggs', making them easily mistaken for edible varieties. Some well-known toxic Amanitas include the Destroying Angel (A. virosa) and the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides).
Look-alikes
Some poisonous mushrooms have edible look-alikes, so it is crucial to learn how to distinguish them. For example, the Jack O'Lantern mushroom resembles some species of Chanterelles but can be differentiated by a few key features. Joining a mycological group or consulting field guides can help you become an expert at identifying these look-alikes.
Remember, if you are unsure about a mushroom's safety, do not consume it. Only eat mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical attention and contact your local poison control centre for advice.
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Safe mushrooms for dogs to eat
Mushrooms are a complicated food group. While they can be nutritious, edible fungi, they can also be toxic and dangerous. It is difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones, and even experts make mistakes in identification. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid giving dogs mushrooms, especially raw or wild mushrooms.
However, some mushrooms are considered safe for dogs to consume and even offer medicinal and nutritional benefits. Here are some safe mushrooms that dogs can eat:
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a popular variety known for their health benefits. They are rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium, which are essential for your dog's health. Additionally, they contain lentinan, a polysaccharide that supports the immune system and the heart. Shiitake mushrooms also contain various enzymes that aid in digestive issues, such as amylase, which helps break down carbohydrates and starches. The mushrooms also provide amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and contribute to mood and performance.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms are another type of medicinal mushroom that has been recognized for its effectiveness in treating various types of cancer. They are also believed to help regulate the adrenal glands' response to stressors and positively impact cholesterol levels.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are among the most prized edible mushroom species. While they may be safe for dogs to consume, it is important to avoid serving them with sauces, oils, or seasonings that could be harmful to dogs.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are generally considered safe for dogs, but it is still recommended to avoid feeding dishes with mushrooms to dogs, as they do not need mushrooms in their diet.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are also included among the prized edible species suitable for dogs.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion's Mane mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties and are considered safe for dog consumption.
It is important to note that while these mushrooms are generally considered safe, individual dogs may have unique allergies or sensitivities. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to monitor your dog's reaction. Additionally, cooking mushrooms before feeding them to your dog is recommended, as cooking breaks down the tough chitinous wall that holds the nutrients.
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