John Miller
Mushrooms are a complicated food group. While some varieties are safe for dogs, others can be toxic or even deadly. This is because dogs do not create the enzymes needed to break down the sugars and dietary fiber present in mushrooms, which can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. In addition, some dogs can be allergic or extremely sensitive and have severe reactions after eating mushrooms. If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately as mushroom poisoning in dogs is considered a medical emergency.
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What You'll Learn
Identifying toxic mushrooms
Mushrooms are complicated, and even specialists struggle to tell the difference between safe and harmful types. Toxic mushrooms often resemble non-toxic ones, and it is difficult to identify them from photos, especially if they are small. It is always best to assume that all mushrooms growing in the wild are harmful unless proven otherwise.
There are some general guidelines to follow when identifying toxic mushrooms. Firstly, avoid all gilled mushrooms unless you can identify them with 100% certainty. Secondly, all mushrooms will become toxic when they are old and rotting. Thirdly, if you have identified a mushroom as a Bolete, there are two checks to make: if there is any red on the mushroom, including the cap, stem, or pores, or if the flesh stains blue when cut in half, treat the mushroom as poisonous.
Some specific examples of toxic mushrooms to avoid include:
- Shaggy Mane, which should be distinguished from the "Alcohol Inky Cap". The Alcohol Ink Cap gets its name from its toxic component, "coprine", which is highly reactive with alcohol and can cause extreme nausea and headaches.
- Jack O'Lantern mushrooms, which cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
- False parasol (Chlorophylum molybdites), the most frequently eaten poisonous mushroom in North America, which causes gastrointestinal distress.
- Destroying Angel mushrooms, which are among the most toxic and cause liver damage.
- Amanita mushrooms, which cause liver failure and can be deadly.
- Gyromitra spp., which contain a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical called gyromitrin that affects the central nervous system and can lead to nausea, convulsions, coma, and death.
If you think your dog has consumed a mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
Although there are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be difficult to identify mushrooms and determine which are safe and which are poisonous. Therefore, it is best to assume that any wild mushroom is poisonous and seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has ingested one.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs vary depending on the specific mushroom ingested and the amount ingested. Clinical signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs may appear quickly (within 15-30 minutes after ingestion), but they can also be delayed for up to 24 hours. It may take 2-3 days to see evidence of liver and kidney failure.
Some common symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Twitching
- Paralysis
- Stumbling
- Hallucinations
- Vocalizations
- Disorientation
- Agitation
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Slow heart rate
- Respiratory problems
If your dog displays any of these symptoms after ingesting a mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs may include inducing vomiting to remove the mushrooms from the stomach, administering activated charcoal to bind and prevent absorption of the toxin, or performing a gastric lavage to eliminate any remaining mushrooms. Intravenous (IV) fluids may also be given to combat dehydration and flush toxins from the body, and medications may be administered to treat specific symptoms such as seizures.
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Treatment for mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause serious or even life-threatening illnesses. If you suspect your dog has consumed a mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not treat the issue at home as there may be serious repercussions.
The treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs depends on the type of mushroom ingested and the onset of symptoms. The veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam, including blood and urine samples, to determine organ function. A sample of the dog's stomach contents may also be retrieved to help identify the ingested mushroom.
If the dog is seen by a veterinarian soon after ingestion, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the mushrooms from the stomach. A GI medication called activated charcoal can be administered, which binds to the toxin and prevents its absorption. The doctor may also perform a gastric lavage to eliminate any remaining mushrooms from the stomach. The dog will be given intravenous (IV) fluids to combat dehydration, flush toxins from the body, and support kidney and liver function.
For neurotoxic mushrooms, cyproheptadine is a medication that can reduce some of the neurological side effects, such as weakness, lack of coordination, tremors, hallucinations, vocalizations, disorientation, agitation, altered mentation, drooling, vomiting, and seizures. If the dog is experiencing seizures, medications such as diazepam can be administered.
If your dog has ingested mushrooms of the Amanita species, such as the Amanita phalloides (death cap), they will likely need to spend several days in the hospital receiving rehydration fluids and monitoring of liver function. Amanita phalloides produce the most severe symptoms and the highest likelihood of mortality, including liver dysfunction and swelling of the brain. Treatment must be done over a period of hours or days, depending on the amount consumed and the species ingested.
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Prevention of mushroom poisoning
While mushrooms can be a tasty treat for humans, they can be highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems or even death. The best way to prevent mushroom poisoning in dogs is to prevent them from having access to mushrooms in the first place.
- Regularly check your backyard or any areas your dog frequents for mushrooms, and remove any that you find. Mushrooms grow best in warm, wet weather and flourish in many places. They can grow in wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, and even your backyard. They may grow year-round in warmer climates, but in most areas, spring and early fall are prime growing seasons.
- Keep your dog on a leash when taking them on walks or hikes in areas where mushrooms may be growing. This will help you monitor their movements and prevent them from eating any wild mushrooms.
- Use a muzzle when taking your dog to areas with mushrooms. Choose a muzzle that allows for panting and drinking but has a guard at the front to prevent ingestion of items like mushrooms. The BUMAS muzzle, for example, is designed with less open access at the front to prevent foraging.
- Be vigilant and watchful when taking your dog for walks or letting them play outside. Keep a close eye on your dog's surroundings and try to spot any potentially dangerous mushrooms before your dog has a chance to eat them.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a mushroom, even if you are unsure, take immediate action. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away and follow their advice. Time is of the essence in treating mushroom poisoning. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom or take several photos of the cap and stems to help with identification.
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Safe mushrooms for dogs
While some mushrooms are safe for dogs, it is generally safer to avoid feeding them mushrooms. Dogs do not need mushrooms in their diet, so it is better to give them a different reward, like a carrot stick or slice of apple.
If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control centre, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. It can be very difficult to identify mushrooms to determine which are safe and which are poisonous. Even a small bite of a toxic wild mushroom can be dangerous or fatal. Therefore, it is best to treat all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic.
If possible, collect a sample of the mushroom and store it in a damp paper towel or paper bag. Bring the sample with you to the veterinary hospital. Be ready to describe what the mushroom looked like and when your dog may have eaten it. Keep track of when symptoms start and how they are progressing.
Some wild mushrooms that are poisonous to dogs include:
- Death Cap (Amanita phalloides): Often pale green, yellow, or white with a smooth cap and a ring around the stalk
- Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa): White mushrooms with a smooth cap and a ring around the stalk
- Fool's Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa): A funnel-shaped mushroom that is often white or cream-coloured
- Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina): Similar in appearance to the Fly Agaric, but with a darker brown or grey cap and fewer white spots
- Angel's Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens): A small, white mushroom that grows in overlapping clusters on decaying wood
Plain, cooked, store-bought mushrooms like button or portobello mushrooms are generally safe for dogs in small amounts. However, mushrooms cooked with onions, garlic, certain seasonings, oils, butter, or ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful to dogs. Raw mushrooms of any kind may cause digestive issues and should be avoided.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no direct mention of mushrooms causing gas in dogs, they can cause gastrointestinal distress, including an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you suspect your dog has consumed a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance as it may worsen the situation.
Yes, certain mushrooms can be beneficial for dogs when properly prepared and introduced. Turkey tail, Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake mushrooms are known to boost the immune system, aid digestion, and provide essential nutrients.
Preventing your dog from consuming wild mushrooms involves leash training and careful supervision during walks. Teaching commands like "leave it" can be useful. Regularly inspect your yard and walking areas for potential mushroom growth.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the type of mushroom ingested. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, liver and kidney failure. Some mushrooms can also cause neurological issues, such as hallucinations, disorientation, and agitation.
