Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a fun and tasty treat for humans, but are they safe for animals? The answer is not so simple. While some mushrooms may be toxic to certain animals, they may not be toxic to others. For example, squirrels can eat Amanita mushrooms without harm, but these same mushrooms would be deadly to humans. Similarly, tomatoes are harmless to humans but toxic to sheep, and chocolate is safe for humans yet dangerous for dogs. Many factors determine whether a mushroom is safe for an animal, including the type of mushroom, the animal's metabolism, and the amount consumed. Wild mushrooms, in particular, can be highly toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal issues, liver toxicity, neurologic side effects, and even death. However, store-bought mushrooms are generally considered safe for animals to consume. To keep pets safe, it is recommended to remove any wild mushrooms from yards and supervise them when outdoors to prevent accidental ingestion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxic mushrooms for animals | Muscarinic, hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, amatoxin, gyromitrin, muscarine/ibotenic acid/muscimol, coprine, cortinatoxin |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, diarrhea, slow heart rate, respiratory problems, liver failure, dehydration, seizures, vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, anxiety, coma |
| Treatment | Activated charcoal, gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, cyproheptadine, diazepam, removing mushrooms from the stomach, vomiting induction, drugs to counteract the toxin |
| Identifying toxic mushrooms | Spore print colour, pink to brown/black gills, white cap, stout stem with a skirt, bright chrome yellow stain on the cap, almond-like smell |
| Safe mushrooms for animals | Store-bought mushrooms, Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, Porcelain Fungus, Cauliflower Fungus, Dryads Saddle, Hedgehog Fungus, Truffle, Wood Ears, Chicken of the Woods |
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What You'll Learn
Identifying safe mushrooms
While most mushrooms are not toxic, some are extremely poisonous and can cause serious or even life-threatening illness in animals. It is important to be able to identify the individual mushroom and be 100% sure it is safe before allowing your pet to consume it.
If your pet has ingested a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control centre, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom, preferably wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a paper bag, to help the veterinarian determine the best course of action.
- Avoid mushrooms with white gills, as these are often deadly. Instead, opt for mushrooms with brown or tan gills.
- Choose mushrooms with white, tan, or brown caps and stems, and avoid red mushrooms, which are typically dangerous.
- Stay away from mushrooms with a ring of tissue or a veil-like membrane beneath the cap, as many of these are poisonous.
- Learn about the different families of fungi and their characteristics. For example, edible members of the Agaric family have pink to brown/black gills, a white cap, and a stout stem with a skirt.
- Consult a mushroom guide to learn about the different types of mushrooms and their characteristics, such as the colour of the spore print.
- Familiarise yourself with commonly safe mushrooms in your region, such as the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, and Chicken of the Woods (as long as it is not growing on a Yew tree).
- Take photos and collect samples of mushrooms you find to show to experts for identification.
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Toxic mushrooms for animals
While some mushrooms are edible and safe, many contain toxins that can cause mild to severe illness and even death in animals. Dogs are especially susceptible to mushroom toxicosis due to their indiscriminate eating habits and tendency to roam. Wild mushrooms, including the Amanita species, are often poisonous to both humans and dogs, with the latter being more prone to ingesting them due to their curious nature.
Amanita mushrooms, also known as "death caps" or "death angels", are among the most toxic mushroom species to both humans and animals. They are identified by their yellowish-green to yellowish-brown caps, white gills, and cup-like structures at the base of their stems. Ingesting these mushrooms can lead to liver failure and even death. Other toxic mushrooms include those containing toxins such as cyclopeptides, gyromitrin, orellanine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, muscimol, and psilocybin, which can have severe effects on animals.
Symptoms of mushroom toxicity in animals can vary depending on the mushroom species and the amount ingested. Gastrointestinal (GI) toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, slow heart rate, and respiratory problems. Hepatotoxic mushrooms, such as the Amanita species, affect the liver and can lead to liver failure. Neurotoxic mushrooms can cause agitation, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and other neurological issues.
Prompt treatment is essential for mushroom toxicity in animals. If you suspect your pet has ingested mushrooms, contact your veterinarian immediately and provide specific details about the suspected ingestion, including any symptoms observed and their time of onset. Your veterinarian may perform a physical exam, take blood and urine samples, and retrieve a sample of stomach contents to identify the ingested mushroom. Treatment options may include inducing vomiting, administering drugs to counteract toxins, providing intravenous (IV) fluids, and, in some cases, hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care.
It is important to prevent pets from accessing mushrooms, especially those growing in the wild or inside the home. Remove any mushrooms from your yard and regularly patrol the area to ensure your pet's safety.
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Treatment for mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms can be toxic to animals, causing serious or even life-threatening illnesses. The treatment for mushroom poisoning in animals depends on the type of mushroom, the symptoms, and how recently the mushroom was ingested. If you suspect your pet has ingested a mushroom, you should contact your veterinarian, animal poison control center, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
It is important to provide as much information as possible, including a description of the symptoms and their time of onset, as this information is vital for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom, preferably wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a paper bag, to help the veterinarian determine the best course of action.
Treatment options may include inducing vomiting if the ingestion was recent, administering drugs to counteract the toxin, and providing supportive care to keep the animal comfortable and manage symptoms. In some cases, gastric lavage may be performed to eliminate any remaining mushrooms from the stomach, and activated charcoal may be administered to bind with the toxin and prevent its absorption. Intravenous (IV) fluids may also be given to combat dehydration, flush toxins from the body, and support kidney and liver function.
For neurotoxic mushrooms, medications such as cyproheptadine can be given to reduce neurological side effects, and if the animal is experiencing seizures, medications such as diazepam may be administered. It is important to note that even if symptoms are treated promptly, mortality can still be high depending on the type of mushroom and the toxins involved. Therefore, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has ingested a mushroom.
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Safe mushrooms for dogs
Mushrooms are mysterious, largely because there are so many varieties, and many of these come with extreme risks. Some mushrooms can be very beneficial to dogs, while others are highly toxic and potentially fatal. If your dog has eaten a mushroom, either from your kitchen or outdoors, you may be wondering if your dog is in any danger.
If your dog has eaten a mushroom from your pantry, they are not in any immediate danger, and most mushrooms that are safe for humans are safe for dogs, as long as they are plain. Mushrooms sold in large and chain grocery stores may generally be safe for dogs to eat. However, it is important to note that mushrooms are not a necessary part of a dog's diet and should be offered in moderation.
Some holistic vets even recommend supplementing dried mushrooms into your dog's diet to decrease inflammation, boost immunity, and fight viral illnesses. Reishi mushrooms, Lion's Mane, and Turkey Tail are all used by both humans and canines due to their purported health benefits. Your vet may recommend dried reishi mushrooms for allergies, shiitakes for incontinence, or maitake for managing diabetes.
However, it is important to remember that dogs do not need mushrooms in their diet, so it is safer to give them a different reward, like a carrot stick or slice of apple, instead. If you do feed your dog mushrooms, they should be cooked appropriately and free from potentially harmful seasonings or additives. For example, shop-bought mushrooms cooked in a small amount of olive oil are fine for your dog to eat. However, mushrooms are often cooked with added extras such as onions and garlic, along with added salt, which are not safe for dogs.
If your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, you should take it seriously. Many wild mushrooms look identical to one another, and two mushrooms that look alike could have vastly different effects on your dog. If your dog eats a wild mushroom, you should call your veterinarian immediately. If possible, take a sample of the mushroom with you to the vet. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a paper bag to preserve its structure. This can help veterinarians identify the mushroom and determine appropriate treatment.
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Wild vs. store-bought mushrooms
Mushrooms are a complicated food group. While some mushrooms are edible, others are poisonous and can even be deadly. It is difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones, and even experienced mycologists (mushroom scientists) can make mistakes. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when it comes to wild and store-bought mushrooms for animals.
Wild mushrooms can be extremely dangerous for animals, and it is recommended to treat all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic. Wild mushroom poisoning is believed to be an under-reported cause of fatal poisoning in dogs, and it can be challenging to identify the specific mushroom species ingested, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, toxins in mushrooms can have varying effects on different animals, so it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately if your pet consumes any wild mushrooms.
On the other hand, store-bought mushrooms, such as portobello mushrooms, sold in large and chain grocery stores are generally considered safe for animals to consume. However, it is important to avoid serving mushrooms with sauces, oils, butter, seasoning, or ingredients like garlic and onions, as these can be harmful to animals. Even if the mushrooms are served plain, it is generally safer to avoid feeding dishes with mushrooms to animals, as they do not require mushrooms in their diet.
It is worth noting that some wild mushrooms are safe for animals to consume, but unless you are an expert in mushroom identification, it is recommended to avoid them. Additionally, some mushrooms that are toxic to humans may not be toxic to certain animals, and vice versa. For example, squirrels can consume varieties of Amanita mushrooms that would be deadly to humans without experiencing any ill effects.
If your pet consumes a wild mushroom, it is important to act quickly. Remove any remaining mushrooms from their mouth and collect them for identification, as this can help with diagnosis and treatment. Contact your veterinarian, animal poison control centre, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately, and provide specific details about the suspected ingestion, including the amount consumed and any symptoms observed.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all mushrooms are safe for animals. Wild mushrooms can be toxic to animals, and even cause death. It is best to avoid giving mushrooms of any type to your pet.
If your pet eats a mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control centre, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. If you can, take a sample of the mushroom, preferably wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a paper bag, to help the veterinarian determine the best course of action.
Mushrooms sold in large and chain grocery stores may be generally safe for pets to eat. However, it is safer to avoid feeding dishes with mushrooms to pets, as the oils, butter, seasoning, and ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful.
