Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and can even be lethal. While only a small percentage of mushrooms are toxic, those that are poisonous can be extremely dangerous. There are many different species of mushrooms, and it can be complicated to identify which are toxic. Wild mushrooms that are poisonous to dogs include the aptly-named Death Cap or Death Angel (Amanita phalloides), Deadly Galerina or Galerina autumnalis (Galerina marginata), and Inocybe spp. The effects of mushroom poisoning can be seen in as little as 15 minutes, but symptoms may be delayed for up to 6 hours or even 3-8 days. If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, it is important to act quickly and contact your veterinarian immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Only a small percentage of mushroom species are toxic, but the ones that are toxic are extremely dangerous. |
| Identification | Mushrooms are challenging to identify, and even practiced mushroom foragers make mistakes. |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, slow heart rate, acute kidney injury, liver failure, seizures, etc. |
| Treatment | Inducing vomiting, administering drugs to counteract the toxin, restoring fluid balance, etc. |
| Prevention | Avoid wild mushrooms, treat all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic, and seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog eats one. |
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What You'll Learn
Wild mushrooms can be lethal to dogs
Dogs are curious creatures and tend to wander around with their noses to the ground, sniffing, licking, and eating things. This curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble, especially if they nibble on wild mushrooms. Mushrooms grow in wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, and even backyards. They grow in warm, wet weather and may grow year-round in warmer climates, but spring and early fall are the prime growing seasons in most areas.
It can be difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones. Some toxic mushrooms, like Amanita phalloides (also known as "death cap" or "death angel") have a fishy odor that is very attractive to dogs. Other wild mushrooms that are known to be dangerous include Galerina marginata ("deadly Galerina" or "Galerina autumnalis"), Inocybe spp., Clitocybe dealbata, and Amanita Muscaria mushrooms.
If your dog eats a wild mushroom, it is important to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian, animal poison control center, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom with you, wrapped in a paper towel and stored in a paper bag. This will help the veterinarian identify the mushroom and determine the best course of treatment. Do not try to induce vomiting in your dog yourself, as this needs to be done professionally and safely.
The signs of mushroom toxicity can vary depending on the type of mushroom, the amount ingested, and the length of time since ingestion. Some common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, and respiratory problems. In some cases, mushrooms can cause liver failure, acute kidney injury, and even death. The sooner your dog receives veterinary treatment, the better, as delaying treatment can result in more extensive organ damage.
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Amanita phalloides (Death Cap) is toxic
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the "'death cap", is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom. It is one of the most toxic mushrooms in the world and is responsible for the majority of human fatal cases of mushroom poisoning worldwide. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human.
The Amanita phalloides mushroom contains three main groups of toxins: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins. From these, amatoxins, especially α-amanitin, are the main toxins responsible for the toxic effects in humans and dogs. α-amanitin inhibits RNA polymerase II, causing protein deficit and ultimately cell death. The liver is the main target organ of toxicity, but other organs, especially the kidneys, are also affected.
Intoxication symptoms of Amanita phalloides poisoning usually appear after a latent period and may include gastrointestinal disorders followed by jaundice, seizures, and coma, culminating in death. The onset of signs can be delayed by 6-12 hours, giving pet owners a false sense of security. In dogs, the symptoms of Amanita phalloides poisoning include severe gastrointestinal symptoms, a false recovery period where the dog seems to feel better, and then liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death.
Due to the extreme toxicity of Amanita phalloides, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you or your dog has ingested this mushroom. Therapy for Amanita phalloides poisoning consists of supportive measures, gastric decontamination, drug therapy, and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.
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Mushrooms can cause GI upset
Mushrooms can be toxic to dogs, and wild mushrooms, in particular, can be poisonous. While only a small percentage of mushroom species are toxic, the ones that are can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. The severity of mushroom-induced illness depends on the type and amount of mushroom ingested, and the size of the dog. Some dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal (GI) upset, while others may become extremely sick and require hospitalization. In some cases, dogs have died from the effects of wild mushroom toxins.
Gastrointestinal (GI) toxins are one of the four general categories of mushroom toxins. Mushrooms in this category can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, leading to dehydration. They can also cause a slow heart rate (bradycardia) and respiratory problems. While GI upset is rarely life-threatening, it can be challenging to determine the type of mushroom ingested based on early symptoms alone. The onset of symptoms can vary, with some dogs showing signs of toxicity as early as 15 minutes after ingestion, while others may not show symptoms for up to 6-12 hours.
If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, it is important to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian, animal poison control center, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom, wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a paper bag, to help with identification and treatment. Do not try to induce vomiting at home, as this needs to be done professionally and safely.
Veterinary treatment options for mushroom poisoning will depend on the type of mushroom, the symptoms, and the time since ingestion. The veterinarian may induce vomiting if the ingestion was recent, and in some cases, drugs may be administered to counteract the toxin. Early intervention is key, as delaying treatment can result in more extensive organ damage and require more advanced and expensive treatments.
It is important to note that store-bought mushrooms are generally safe for dogs to consume in moderation. However, they should be washed thoroughly, prepared plain without any additives, and cut into small pieces to prevent choking hazards.
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Neurotoxic mushrooms
While only a small percentage of the world's mushroom species are toxic, the ones that are toxic can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Dogs can easily come into contact with mushrooms as they grow outdoors in wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, and even in your backyard. They grow in warm, wet weather, flourishing in spring and early fall.
Other types of neurotoxic mushrooms include Clitocybe dealbata, which is sometimes mistaken for an oyster mushroom or other edible species, and Verpa bohemica, known as "thimble morels" or "early morels." Gyromitra spp., or "false morels," are deadly poisonous if eaten raw, causing neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and destruction of blood cells.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a neurotoxic mushroom or any mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control center, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible, including a description of the mushroom, the time of ingestion, and any symptoms you have observed. This will help them make an accurate diagnosis and provide prompt treatment.
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Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
While only about 100 out of the over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States are toxic, the ones that are toxic are extremely dangerous. It can be difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic mushrooms, so veterinarians recommend treating all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Respiratory problems
- Nausea
- Inappetence
- Increased drinking and urination
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Muscle twitching
The onset of symptoms can be rapid (within 15-30 minutes after ingestion) or delayed (up to 6-24 hours later). In some cases, it may take 2-3 days to see evidence of liver and kidney failure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms can be lethal to dogs. Wild mushrooms, in particular, can be poisonous to dogs, just like they are to humans.
Contact your veterinarian, animal poison control, or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. If you can, bring a sample of the mushroom to help with identification and treatment.
The signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs depend on the type of mushroom and the amount ingested. Some common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dehydration, and in more severe cases, liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death.
Symptoms can appear as soon as 15 minutes after ingestion or be delayed for up to 6-12 hours, depending on the type of mushroom. In some cases, with nephrotoxic mushrooms, signs can be delayed for up to 3 to 8 days or longer.
Store-bought or grocery store mushrooms that are not toxic to humans are generally considered safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. However, they do not offer significant nutritional benefits to dogs, and it is always best to check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.
