Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health complications. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount ingested, with larger doses causing severe reactions, including tremors or seizures, which can be fatal. Clinical signs that a dog has ingested psilocybin mushrooms include ataxia, vocalization, overt aggression, increased body temperature, and nystagmus. If you suspect your dog has ingested psilocybin mushrooms, it is crucial to act quickly and contact a veterinarian immediately. While hallucinogenic mushrooms are not typically life-threatening, they can cause significant distress and discomfort in dogs, and prompt veterinary care is essential for a safe and speedy recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Mushrooms | Psilocybe, Conocybe, Gymnopilus spp., Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota, A. phalloids (death cap, death angel), A. ocreata, Inocybe spp., Clitocybe dealbata, Amanita muscaria, A. pantherina |
| Symptoms | Vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, anxiety, tremors, seizures, weakness, lack of coordination, hallucinations, agitation, altered mentation, drooling, vomiting, increased body temperature, nystagmus, severe gastrointestinal signs, "false recovery", severe liver failure, acute kidney injury, neurological changes, gastrointestinal issues |
| Treatment | Induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, IV fluids, blood work monitoring, liver protectant drugs, anti-vomiting medication, supportive care, bland diet, limited physical activity |
| Action | Contact a veterinarian immediately |
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What You'll Learn
Clinical signs of ingestion
The clinical signs of psilocybin mushroom ingestion in dogs vary depending on the amount ingested and the dog's body size. The onset of symptoms is rapid, occurring within 30 minutes to 6 hours, and rarely up to 3 hours after ingestion. The severity of symptoms also depends on the amount ingested, with larger doses causing more severe reactions.
The most commonly observed clinical signs of psilocybin mushroom ingestion in dogs include ataxia (lack of coordination), vocalization, disorientation, hyperthermia, and agitation. Dogs may also exhibit abnormal eye movements, increased body temperature, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). Rarely, tremors and seizures may occur, which can be fatal. Other possible symptoms include hallucinations, drooling, vomiting, and altered mentation.
In addition to the immediate clinical signs, dogs may experience long-term effects such as neurological changes or gastrointestinal issues. It is important to closely monitor your dog after treatment and be alert for any lingering or new symptoms. Follow-up visits to the veterinarian may be necessary to ensure full recovery and assess any long-term impacts of ingestion.
It is crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary assistance immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested psilocybin mushrooms. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear, as delaying treatment could compromise your dog's health and worsen the situation. Veterinary treatment may include stabilizing the dog, administering IV fluids, and providing activated charcoal to bind the toxins in the stomach and intestines.
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Treatment options
If the dog is exhibiting severe symptoms, the veterinarian's first step will be to stabilize the dog. This might include administering IV fluids to prevent dehydration and flush the toxins from the dog's system more quickly. One common treatment is the administration of activated charcoal, which binds to the toxins in the stomach and intestines, reducing their absorption into the bloodstream. This treatment is typically only administered if the dog is brought in soon after ingestion and has not vomited excessively.
Veterinarians may also advise inducing vomiting to decontaminate the dog's stomach, although this should only be done if directed by a veterinarian, as it could potentially worsen the situation. Additional treatments often include blood work monitoring, liver protectant drugs, anti-vomiting medication, and supportive care.
After the initial treatment, follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure the dog fully recovers. These check-ups will allow the vet to assess any long-term impacts of the ingestion and adjust any ongoing treatment. Home care instructions may include a bland diet and limited physical activity to help the dog rest, as well as keeping their environment calm and stress-free.
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Toxicity and poisoning
While it is not a common occurrence, dogs do sometimes accidentally ingest psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms". These mushrooms are hallucinogenic and contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are structurally similar to LSD and are thought to act on serotonin receptors.
Mushroom poisoning in dogs can result in a wide range of symptoms, from mild gastroenteritis to severe organ failure and even death. The specific symptoms exhibited by dogs that have ingested psilocybin mushrooms include vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, and anxiety. Tremors and seizures have also been reported, albeit rarely. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of mushroom ingested, and the specific species of mushroom.
If you suspect your dog has ingested psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to act quickly. The first step is to contact a veterinarian or a poison control center, such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center, for advice. They will likely ask for a detailed medical history and information about the suspected exposure. In some cases, laboratory identification of psilocybin or LSD in the dog's system may be necessary, but this can be challenging due to the fast metabolism of these substances. Treatment will depend on the specific symptoms presented, with controlling agitation and heart rate being a priority. Drugs such as diazepam, cyproheptadine, or acepromazine may be administered to help with this. In some cases, multiple doses of activated charcoal may be used to decontaminate the dog's stomach.
It is important to note that wild mushrooms can be particularly dangerous, as they may be difficult to identify and may contain other toxins that can have serious health effects. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent your dog from ingesting any wild mushrooms and to seek veterinary assistance immediately if you suspect they have been exposed to psilocybin mushrooms or any other type of mushroom.
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Prevention and safety
While mushrooms sold in large-chain grocery stores are generally safe for dogs, it is important to prevent them from consuming wild or unknown mushrooms, as many species are toxic and can cause serious or even life-threatening illnesses in dogs. Here are some essential prevention and safety measures:
Prevention:
- Avoid walking your dog in areas known for mushroom growth, such as wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, and your backyard, especially during warm and wet weather when mushrooms flourish.
- If you keep hallucinogenic mushrooms in your home, ensure they are securely stored and out of your dog's reach. Dogs may be attracted to these mushrooms, especially if they are mixed with chocolate or other flavourings.
- Be vigilant during walks and keep your dog on a leash in unfamiliar areas to prevent them from accidentally ingesting wild mushrooms.
- If you suspect your dog has ingested any type of mushroom, take them to a veterinarian immediately, even if they appear healthy. Prompt veterinary care is crucial for effective treatment and can significantly influence your dog's recovery.
Safety:
- If you notice your dog eating a mushroom, remove them from the area immediately and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as delaying treatment can compromise your dog's health.
- Be honest with the veterinarian about what your dog may have ingested. Provide as much information as possible, including the suspected type of mushroom, the amount consumed, and any symptoms you observe. This will help the veterinarian determine the best treatment plan.
- Follow the veterinarian's instructions carefully. They may advise you to bring your dog in for immediate treatment or provide specific first-aid instructions for home care.
- After initial treatment, follow-up visits to the veterinarian may be necessary to ensure your dog's full recovery. Monitor your dog closely for any lingering or new symptoms, including long-term effects such as neurological changes or gastrointestinal issues.
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Long-term effects
While psilocybin mushrooms are not considered life-threatening to dogs, there are still long-term effects to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that there is limited research on the long-term effects of psilocybin mushroom ingestion in dogs, with only one known case report published on the topic. However, based on the available information, we can identify some potential long-term consequences.
One of the most concerning long-term effects is the potential impact on the dog's liver and kidneys. Psilocybin mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are structurally similar to LSD and are known to act on serotonin receptors. In rodents, higher levels of psilocin, a metabolite of psilocybin, have been detected in the liver and kidneys, indicating that these organs may be particularly affected. Liver damage is a possible long-term consequence, as evidenced by the "false recovery" period observed in some cases, where a dog appears to get better initially, only to then suffer from severe liver failure. This can occur within 36-48 hours of mushroom exposure, highlighting the urgency of seeking veterinary treatment.
Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms can cause long-term psychological effects in dogs, similar to those observed in humans. These can include increased anxiety, disorientation, and changes in behaviour. In some cases, dogs may experience long-term behavioural issues such as aggression or abnormal eye movement (nystagmus). These psychological effects can persist even after the initial physical symptoms have subsided.
The long-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms on dogs may also depend on the amount ingested and the size of the dog. Small-breed dogs, for example, may be more susceptible to the toxic effects and may require closer monitoring of glucose levels and other vital signs. Furthermore, repeated exposure to psilocybin mushrooms could potentially have cumulative effects, although there is currently limited research on this topic.
It is important to note that the long-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms on dogs can vary depending on the individual dog, the amount ingested, and the type of mushroom. Some dogs may fully recover without any long-term consequences, while others may experience more severe and prolonged symptoms. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek immediate veterinary assistance if you suspect your dog has ingested psilocybin mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
No, psilocybin mushrooms are not safe for dogs. They are toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health complications. However, they are not life-threatening and rarely need treatment.
Clinical signs usually occur within 30 minutes to 6 hours. Signs reported in dogs include vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia and anxiety. In rare cases, tremors and seizures have been reported.
It is important to act quickly and contact your veterinarian right away. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or for their condition to worsen. Your veterinarian will outline the appropriate treatment options, which may include administering activated charcoal to bind the toxins in the stomach and intestines.
