Michael Davis
While humans are not the only species to indulge in the occasional trip, animals can experience severe poisoning from consuming certain mushrooms. In fact, the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has reported that pets can exhibit neurologic side effects, gastrointestinal issues, liver toxicity, and even death after consuming wild mushrooms. However, some animals do seem to intentionally seek out mind-altering substances, such as hallucinogenic mushrooms, as a form of self-medication or to enhance their performance in dominance conflicts. For example, reindeer in Siberia have been observed acting drunk after consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms, and mandrills in Gabon and the Congo are thought to use the hallucinogenic iboga root for this purpose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on animals | Hallucinogenic effects, unsteadiness on feet, agitation, depression, sensitivity to sound and touch, tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, vocalisation, mydriasis, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, anxiety, choking on vomit, seizures |
| Examples of animals affected | Reindeer, Coyotes, Dogs, Mandrills, Jaguars, Bighorn sheep, Monkeys, Lemurs |
| Cause of ingestion | Boredom, pharmacological stimulation |
| Treatment | Control agitation and heart rate, drugs such as diazepam, cyproheptadine, or acepromazine, monitor glucose levels in small dogs |
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What You'll Learn
- Hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause animals to act drunk
- Pets can experience neurologic side effects from 'magic mushrooms'
- Dogs can choke on their vomit after eating pot brownies
- Siberian reindeer get high on the hallucinogenic mushroom Amanita muscaria
- Wild animals can also trip on catnip, a type of mint
Hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause animals to act drunk
Hallucinogenic mushrooms can have a detrimental effect on animals, causing them to act in a drunken manner. While it is not common, pets do sometimes come into contact with "magic" mushrooms, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues, neurologic side effects, and even liver toxicity.
Siberian reindeer, also known as caribou, often consume the hallucinogenic mushroom Amanita muscaria, which causes them to behave erratically, resembling drunkenness. They run around aimlessly, make strange noises, and twitch their heads. Similarly, wallabies in Tasmania have been observed entering poppy fields and consuming the plants, leading to disoriented behavior such as running in circles before passing out.
Dogs are also susceptible to the effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms. "Magic" mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are structurally similar to LSD and impact serotonin receptors. Dogs may experience vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, and anxiety. In some cases, tremors and seizures have been reported. It is important to note that the treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs focuses on controlling agitation and heart rate, using drugs such as diazepam or cyproheptadine.
While wild mushrooms can be dangerous to animals, it is important to remember that other substances, such as marijuana and chocolate, can also pose risks. Dogs, for example, may choke on their vomit due to weakened head muscles from marijuana ingestion. Additionally, the chocolate in pot brownies can induce vomiting and be more dangerous to a dog than the drug itself.
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Pets can experience neurologic side effects from 'magic mushrooms'
While mushrooms picked in the wild or growing in your backyard may be toxic to pets, mushrooms from the grocery store are usually not dangerous. However, it is still best to avoid giving mushrooms of any type to your pets. Pets can be curious, and their curiosity may lead them to nibble on mushrooms growing in your yard or on walks. Since it can be challenging for untrained individuals to identify mushrooms, it is best to consult a mycologist or a local veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested mushrooms.
Mushroom toxicity in pets can range from mild to severe illness and, in some cases, even lead to death. Prompt treatment is crucial, and veterinary care may be required. The Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) provides resources and a hotline to help address concerns about potential poisoning in pets. The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center also reports that pet exposures to hallucinogenic "magic" mushrooms occur, and these can have neurologic side effects.
Pets exposed to "magic" mushrooms may experience neurologic side effects, including unsteadiness, agitation, depression, sensitivity to sound and touch, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other reported signs include vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, and anxiety. Tremors and seizures are less common but have been observed. The onset of symptoms can be rapid, occurring within 10 to 30 minutes of ingestion, and the duration of signs is typically less than 12 hours unless the exposure was large.
To protect your pet from mushroom poisoning, be vigilant about any new growths in areas they frequent, especially your backyard. If you suspect your pet has ingested mushrooms, seek immediate veterinary attention. Provide detailed information about your pet's symptoms and the time of onset, if known. A physical exam, blood and urine tests, and a sample of stomach contents may be necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Remember, some mushroom toxins have delayed effects on organs, so liver and kidney function tests may need to be monitored over several days.
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Dogs can choke on their vomit after eating pot brownies
Dogs can be harmed by eating pot brownies, and in some cases, they can choke on their vomit. The chocolate in brownies is toxic to dogs, and the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can affect a dog's nervous system and heart rate, and dogs cannot metabolize theobromine as quickly as humans, which allows the stimulant to build up in their system. In addition, the marijuana in pot brownies can be toxic to dogs, potentially leading to restlessness, drooling, coma, and even death. The effects depend on the amount of marijuana ingested, the weight of the dog, and the amount consumed.
If a dog eats a pot brownie, it is important to act quickly. Contact an emergency vet or a pet poison helpline, and your veterinarian right away. The vet may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to stop further absorption of the toxins. In some cases, they may also administer heart medication or provide IV fluids to flush the toxins from the dog's system. It is important to monitor the dog's heart rate and control any agitation.
Dogs can also be harmed by ingesting wild mushrooms, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, neurologic side effects, and liver toxicity. Magic mushrooms can lead to unsteadiness, agitation, depression, sensitivity to sound and touch, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. Liver toxic mushrooms, such as the "death cap" or Amanita Phalloides, can cause stomach upset, decreased appetite and energy, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and ultimately liver failure and death. If you suspect your dog has ingested wild mushrooms, take them to a veterinarian immediately and consider calling the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) or a mycologist to identify the mushrooms.
While it is uncommon for pets to experience life-threatening signs from ingesting hallucinogenic mushrooms, the treatment typically focuses on controlling agitation and heart rate. Drugs such as diazepam, cyproheptadine, or acepromazine may be used. In some cases, laboratory monitoring of renal values and CK values may be advisable if tremors and/or seizures are observed. Overall, it is crucial to be vigilant about keeping chocolate, marijuana, and wild mushrooms out of your dog's reach to prevent accidental ingestion and potential harm.
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Siberian reindeer get high on the hallucinogenic mushroom Amanita muscaria
In Siberia, reindeer are known to eat the hallucinogenic mushroom Amanita muscaria, which is also called fly agaric due to its red-with-white-spots appearance. After ingesting these mushrooms, reindeer exhibit strange behaviours, such as acting drunk, running around aimlessly, making odd noises, and twitching their heads. Some researchers have even suggested that the link between reindeer and these hallucinogenic mushrooms may have inspired the story of Santa Claus and his flying sleigh.
The idea that Siberian reindeer get high on Amanita muscaria mushrooms is supported by various sources, including biologists and ethnomycologists. Robert Gordon Wasson, an ethnomycologist, and anthropologist John A. Rush have studied the psychotropic properties of these mushrooms and their ritualistic use by indigenous people. They found that the Koryaks of Siberia and the Kamchadales, the indigenous people of the North Pole, have winter solstice ceremonies that bear similarities to Christmas Eve traditions.
Harvard biologist Donald Pfister also acknowledges the consumption of Amanita muscaria mushrooms by both people and reindeer in Siberia. He suggests that the hallucinations caused by these mushrooms may have contributed to the notion of flying reindeer in the Santa Claus story. Additionally, the colour scheme of the mushrooms, with their red caps and white spots, may have influenced the traditional red-and-white suit of Santa Claus.
The connection between Siberian reindeer, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and the Christmas narrative is further strengthened by the traditional attire of shamans. Shamans in Siberia have been known to wear red and white clothing as a tribute to the Amanita muscaria mushroom. This shamanic attire shares similarities with the popular depiction of Santa Claus, who is often portrayed in a red suit with white trim.
While the link between Siberian reindeer and hallucinogenic mushrooms provides an intriguing perspective on the origins of the Santa Claus story, it is important to recognise that the impact of this theory on Christmas lore in Europe may have been limited. The direct association between shamans and the ingestion of Amanita muscaria mushrooms in Siberian shamanism is not strongly supported by archaeological evidence. However, it is acknowledged that the lack of evidence does not necessarily disprove the existence of such practices in the past.
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Wild animals can also trip on catnip, a type of mint
While mushrooms are known to have hallucinogenic effects on certain animals, wild animals can also trip on catnip, a type of mint. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb and a member of the mint family. It is easy to grow in North America and has light green foliage with lavender flowers. The plant has been used for its medicinal properties and culinary uses in traditional herbal medicine.
Catnip contains a volatile oil called nepetalactone, which is believed to cause behavioural changes in cats. Cats cannot overdose on catnip, but consuming large amounts can lead to health issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and trouble walking. It is recommended to use just one tablespoon of catnip at a time for cats. Fresh catnip is more potent than dried, so smaller amounts are required.
Catnip affects cats through their olfactory organs, stimulating sensory neurons and leading to euphoria, playfulness, drooling, meowing, hyperactivity, or lower energy. About 60% of cats exhibit behavioural reactions to catnip, and the effects can last around 10 minutes before gradually wearing off. Catnip can also be beneficial for cats' digestive tracts and has been used to treat diarrhoea.
In addition to cats, wild animals such as reindeer and wallabies have been observed experiencing hallucinogenic effects from consuming mushrooms. Reindeer in Siberia have been documented acting erratically, resembling the behaviour of drunk individuals. Similarly, wallabies in Tasmania have been found indulging in poppy plants, running in circles before passing out.
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Frequently asked questions
No, animals are not immune to the effects of mushrooms. In fact, some mushrooms can be toxic to animals and cause serious health issues, including liver failure and death.
The signs of mushroom poisoning in animals can include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, neurologic side effects such as unsteadiness, agitation, depression, and tremors, and even liver toxicity. If you suspect an animal has ingested mushrooms, it is important to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Yes, there are several examples of animals that appear to intentionally seek out hallucinogenic substances. For instance, reindeer in Siberia have been known to ingest the hallucinogenic mushroom Amanita muscaria, causing them to act erratically. Mandrills in Gabon and the Congo are also thought to use the iboga root, a psychoactive compound, as a performance-enhancing drug in dominance conflicts.
If you think your pet has eaten mushrooms, you should contact your local veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) immediately. It is helpful to take photos of the mushrooms and the surrounding area to aid in identification. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or treat your pet yourself without veterinary guidance.
