Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a complicated food group. While they are a staple in many dishes, they can be dangerous for dogs. There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, but only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be challenging to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic mushrooms, and even a small amount of certain toxic mushrooms can severely sicken or kill a dog. Therefore, it is crucial for dog owners to be vigilant and seek immediate veterinary care if they suspect their dog has ingested any type of mushroom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Mushrooms | Wild, Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota, Inocybe spp., Clitocybe dealbata, Death Cap, Deadly Galerina, Fool's Funnel, Nephrotoxic, Hepatoxic, Neurotoxic, Gastrointestinal, Cortinarius spp., Psilocybin (“magic”), Hydrazines, Isoxazole, etc. |
| Toxicity | Only about 100 out of 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States are toxic. However, it is difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones. |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, liver and kidney failure, abdominal pain, increased urination, neurological symptoms, etc. |
| Action to Take | Contact a veterinarian, animal poison control center, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Take a picture or sample of the mushroom eaten, if possible. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms that are toxic to dogs
Mushrooms are a complicated food group, and while only about 1% of mushrooms are highly toxic, they can cause life-threatening problems in dogs. It is very difficult to identify mushrooms to determine which are safe and which are poisonous. Therefore, it is recommended to treat all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic and seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has ingested any. Here are some of the mushrooms that are toxic to dogs:
Amanita Species
The Amanita species, commonly known as "death cap" or "death angel," is one of the deadliest mushrooms for dogs. It contains amanitin toxins, which are absorbed by the stomach when ingested. These toxins travel to the liver, causing liver failure, and are then excreted by the kidneys, resulting in subsequent kidney failure. Even a single Amanita mushroom may contain enough toxin to be lethal to a dog. Symptoms of ingestion include severe gastrointestinal distress, a false recovery period, and eventually, liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death. Other types of Amanita mushrooms can cause sedation, tremors, ataxia, and seizures.
Inocybe spp. and Clitocybe dealbata
Inocybe and Clitocybe mushrooms are also toxic to dogs. They can cause excessive salivation, watery eyes, increased urination, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms. Additionally, the Inocybe species contains muscarine, which is lethal to dogs but not to humans, highlighting the unique sensitivity of dogs to certain compounds.
False Morel
The false morel mushroom is another toxic variety that can cause profuse vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While ingestion is usually not fatal, it can still lead to significant dehydration and a decreased heart rate.
Galerina marginata
Commonly known as "deadly Galerina" or "Galerina autumnalis," this mushroom contains amatoxins, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues and potential liver and kidney failure.
Fools Funnel
Fools Funnel mushrooms are commonly found in parks, gardens, and by the road. They are small, growing to about 2 inches, and often appear in groups or rings. Ingestion of Fools Funnel can lead to excessive salivation, sweating, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually, kidney and liver failure.
If you suspect your dog has ingested any type of wild mushroom, it is crucial to act quickly. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately and, if possible, bring a sample or photograph of the mushroom for identification and to aid in determining the appropriate treatment. Do not attempt to identify the mushroom yourself, as it can be challenging even for experts.
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Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs
There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, but only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be very difficult to identify mushrooms and determine which are safe and which are poisonous. Therefore, it is recommended to treat all mushroom ingestion by dogs as a medical emergency. If your dog has ingested any wild mushrooms, take them to the veterinarian immediately.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs vary depending on the specific mushroom ingested and the amount ingested. Some common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive salivation. More severe cases may result in tremors, seizures, and even liver and kidney failure. The symptoms can appear quickly, within 15-30 minutes of ingestion, or may be delayed up to 24 hours. It may take 2-3 days to see evidence of liver and kidney failure.
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms after ingesting a mushroom, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination to assess your dog's heart rate, abdominal pain, neurologic status, and dehydration. Treatment may include inducing vomiting to remove the mushrooms from the stomach, administering activated charcoal to bind with the toxin, or performing a gastric lavage to eliminate any remaining mushrooms.
It is important to note that there is no specific antidote for mushroom poisoning in dogs, and treatment may vary depending on the type and amount of mushroom ingested. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for a successful outcome. Unfortunately, some dogs may not survive despite therapy, as mushroom poisoning can be fatal.
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How to identify a toxic mushroom
It can be difficult to identify toxic mushrooms, and even experts can struggle to tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms just by looking at them. If you think your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. It is helpful to bring a sample of the mushroom or take a picture of it from multiple angles for identification and treatment.
- Avoid all gilled mushrooms unless you can identify them with 100% certainty. Some of the most poisonous mushrooms have gills, and it can be challenging to distinguish them from the edible ones.
- If you find a Bolete mushroom, check for any red on the cap, stem, or pores. If there is any red present, treat it as poisonous. Another test for Boletes is to cut the mushroom in half vertically. If the flesh stains blue rapidly, it is toxic.
- Milkcaps, or Lactarius, mostly exude a milky substance from the gills when touched or damaged. This milk can be very acrid, and most Milkcaps are toxic. Stay away from any fungi that 'lactate' from the gills unless you can identify them with certainty.
- Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus) is an edible mushroom with a distinctive 'shaggy' texture on its cap. Its toxic look-alike is the Alcohol Inky Cap, which lacks the shaggy texture and contains the toxin coprine, which is highly reactive with alcohol.
- Chanterelles have folds under their caps, while the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom has true gills that end abruptly along the stem.
- The Yellow Morel, or Morchella Americana, is a distinctive-looking edible mushroom. Its poisonous look-alike, Gyromitra spp.., can be identified by its physical features and should be avoided as it contains the toxic chemical gyromitrin.
- Fools Funnel mushrooms are deadly and common in western North America. They often grow in small groups or rings and only grow to about 2 inches, making them hard to spot. Symptoms of ingestion include excessive salivating and sweating, followed by abdominal pain, sickness, and diarrhea.
Remember, it is always best to seek veterinary advice if you are worried about your dog ingesting a wild mushroom. Do not try to identify the mushroom yourself, as it can be challenging even for experts.
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Treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs
The treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs depends on the type and amount of mushroom ingested. If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately. It is recommended to bring a sample of the mushroom, wrapped in a damp paper towel or stored in a paper bag, to aid diagnosis. If this is not possible, take clear photographs of the mushroom from multiple angles, including the gills, cap, stem, and surrounding area. Additionally, provide a detailed history of your dog's recent health, including any potential exposure to toxins, recent travel, and the time of onset of any unusual behaviour or symptoms.
At the veterinary clinic, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination. They will assess your dog's heart rate, abdominal pain, neurological status, and check for dehydration. They may also take blood and urine samples to determine organ function and toxicity levels. In some cases, a sample of stomach contents may be retrieved to help identify the ingested mushroom. Since mushroom toxins can have delayed effects on organs, liver and kidney function tests may be repeated every 24-48 hours to monitor function and guide treatment.
The specific treatment will depend on the type of mushroom ingested. The most common and severe type of mushroom poisoning in dogs results from the consumption of Amanita phalloides, also known as the "death cap." This species can cause acute intoxication, leading to severe liver dysfunction and swelling of the brain within 3 to 4 days of ingestion. Treatment for this type of poisoning typically requires hospitalization for several days to administer fluids and restore electrolyte balance, and closely monitor liver function.
Other types of toxic mushrooms include Inocybe spp., Clitocybe dealbata, and Galerina marginata, also known as "deadly Galerina." These mushrooms can cause a range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as neurological symptoms such as tremors and seizures. Treatment for poisoning by these mushrooms may involve supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and medication to control vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, dialysis may be necessary to support kidney function.
It is important to act quickly if you suspect mushroom poisoning in your dog, as prompt treatment is critical to a successful outcome. Even if your dog appears fine initially, the effects of certain toxins can be delayed, and early intervention can improve the chances of recovery.
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Preventing dogs from eating mushrooms
While some mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, others are extremely toxic and can cause severe symptoms and even death. It is difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones, and even dogs cannot identify toxins by scent. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to keep your dog from consuming wild mushrooms.
- Keep your dog on a leash when walking in areas with wild mushrooms, such as woodlands, parks, and your own garden. This will allow you to monitor their activities and prevent them from eating anything harmful.
- If you spot any wild mushrooms in your garden, remove them promptly. Be cautious when removing them, as mowing or raking might distribute more spores. Instead, carefully dig them out or cut them off at the base, ensuring that you wear gloves to avoid any potential skin irritation.
- Avoid feeding your dog dishes with mushrooms, even if they are store-bought. While plain mushrooms sold in grocery stores may be generally safe, they are often prepared with ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as oils, butter, garlic, and onions.
- If your dog tends to hoover up objects on walks, provide them with alternative rewards, such as carrot sticks or slices of apple, to discourage them from eating wild mushrooms.
It is crucial to act quickly if you suspect your dog has ingested a wild mushroom. Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately, and try to bring a sample or photograph of the mushroom for identification and treatment. Do not attempt to identify the mushroom yourself, as it can be challenging even for experts.
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Frequently asked questions
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom or a photo for identification.
You may not know for sure, but if you notice neurological signs, agitation, vocalization, or odd behaviours following a walk, get them to the vet.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of mushroom ingested, but common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, and liver and kidney failure.
If you spot any wild mushrooms in your garden, remove them. Get rid of any mushrooms that your dog can easily access.
