Laura Smith
Mushrooms can be toxic to dogs, and even one mushroom of the wrong species can be lethal. While some mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, it's important to treat wild mushrooms with caution as many are highly poisonous and can cause serious illness or death. If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, you should seek veterinary help immediately. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, trembling, stumbling, seizures, and in some cases, death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushrooms dangerous for dogs? | Yes, some mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause serious or even life-threatening illness. |
| Types of toxic mushrooms | Gastrointestinal (GI) toxins, Hepatotoxic, Neurotoxic |
| Symptoms of mushroom poisoning | Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, decreased heart rate, tremors, seizures, kidney failure, liver failure |
| Treatment | Veterinary treatment, Inducing vomiting, Administering activated charcoal, Intravenous (IV) fluids, Medications |
| Prevention | Keeping dogs on a leash in areas with mushrooms, Using a muzzle, Regularly checking and removing mushrooms from the backyard |
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What You'll Learn
Identifying toxic mushrooms
While there are many non-toxic mushrooms, it is safest to assume that all mushrooms are toxic until proven otherwise. If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian, animal poison control centre, or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Veterinarians and mushroom experts believe that wild mushroom poisoning is an under-reported cause of fatal 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 accurately identify mushrooms to determine which are safe and which are poisonous. As a result, veterinarians recommend treating all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic and eating them as a veterinary emergency.
If you can get a sample of the mushroom, preferably wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a paper bag, bring it to your veterinarian, as this will help them determine the best course of action. If the ingestion was recent, your veterinarian may induce vomiting. In some cases, they may administer drugs to counteract the toxin.
Some of the most toxic mushrooms include:
- Amanita phalloides (death cap)
- Galerina marginata (deadly Galerina or Galerina autumnalis)
- Inocybe spp.
- Clitocybe dealbata
- False morel
- Lepiota
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Symptoms of poisoning
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs depend on the species of mushroom and the amount consumed. It can take up to 12 hours for symptoms to manifest, and by then, it may be too late.
Amanita mushrooms, commonly known as "death caps", contain amanitin toxins, which cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, followed by a false recovery period, and then liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death. Other toxic mushrooms can also cause GI issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and a decreased heart rate. These symptoms may appear within 15 minutes of ingestion or be delayed for up to 6 hours.
Mushrooms can also cause neurological and hallucinogenic effects, resulting in weakness, trembling, stumbling, lack of coordination, agitation, muscle twitching, and seizures. Some mushrooms primarily target the kidneys, causing kidney failure.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, seek veterinary help immediately. Provide as much information as possible, including when the suspected ingestion may have occurred and any symptoms you've observed. A sample of the mushroom, if available, will also help the veterinarian determine the best course of action.
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Treatment options
If your dog has ingested a mushroom within the past two hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting at the hospital to empty the contents of the stomach. If the dog is already showing symptoms, it may be too late to induce vomiting, as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia. The vet may also administer activated charcoal to bind any toxins in the stomach and prevent their absorption. In some cases, the veterinarian may perform a gastric lavage to eliminate any remaining mushrooms from the stomach.
If the ingested mushroom is identified as highly toxic, your dog will need to be hospitalized and started on IV fluids for hydration and supportive care. Therapy will be started to prevent the development of signs of illness, even if the dog is not showing any immediate symptoms. Medications will be given to treat symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, and seizures. Additional therapy may include liver-support medications.
The prognosis is very good for dogs that are treated quickly. Most dogs will remain hospitalized for 3-5 hours but will need further bloodwork to monitor their liver and kidney values daily for 72 hours following ingestion.
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Safe mushrooms for dogs
While many mushrooms are toxic and dangerous for dogs, some are safe and even beneficial for them. It's important to note that mushrooms are not a necessary part of a dog's diet and should be offered in moderation.
Generally, mushrooms sold in grocery stores are safe for dogs to eat. This includes button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and reishi mushrooms. Button mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like Vitamin D, selenium, and potassium, which help support immune function and maintain healthy skin and coat. Shiitake mushrooms offer immune-boosting properties and a rich supply of B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. They can help promote heart health, support the immune system, and support weight management. Reishi is a calming adaptogen that helps the body regulate stress and may promote more restful sleep. Maitake mushrooms are another safe option, known for their potential to reduce inflammation and support heart health.
When feeding mushrooms to dogs, it's important to ensure they are plain, cooked appropriately, and free from potentially harmful seasonings or additives. Mushrooms should be considered a treat and not a regular part of a dog's diet, making up no more than 10% of their daily intake. While fresh mushrooms are generally recommended, dried mushrooms tend to contain the most nutrients. However, they should be avoided due to the potential presence of preservatives and additives that can cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset.
It's crucial to exercise caution when it comes to wild mushrooms as they can pose serious risks. Many wild mushrooms are poisonous and can cause severe health issues or even death. It's challenging to differentiate between toxic and non-toxic wild mushrooms, and even a small amount of the wrong type could be fatal. If you suspect your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, seek veterinary help immediately and provide them with as much information as possible, including any symptoms your dog is displaying.
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Preventing poisoning
While some mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, it's important to note that they are not a necessary part of a dog's diet and should be offered in moderation. Mushrooms contain vitamins B and D, minerals, and antioxidants, but they can also be toxic. Dogs can eat raw or cooked mushrooms bought from a supermarket or other shops, preferably organic, unseasoned, and raw. However, it is best to avoid giving your dog wild mushrooms as some are incredibly poisonous and can be deadly.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is recommended to keep your dog on a leash in wooded areas or parks, especially if there are mushrooms around or if they are known scavengers. Be vigilant and monitor your dog's behaviour after they have been outdoors, especially if they have been off-lead in areas where there are mushrooms. Consider using a muzzle to prevent your dog from eating mushrooms they find on their walks. If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, seek veterinary help right away. A speedy diagnosis and treatment are key to helping your dog recover fully and quickly.
It is also important to regularly check your backyard for mushrooms and remove any that you find. Mushrooms tend to grow during warm and wet weather and can flourish in many places, including your backyard, parks, and wooded areas. They can spring up quickly, so it's important to patrol your yard regularly.
Additionally, be cautious of any mushrooms you may have in your home. Pets may be curious and nibble on your private stash of hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially if they are mixed with chocolate or other substances. Keep your mushrooms out of reach of your pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or even death. It is difficult to identify toxic mushrooms, and even expert foragers make mistakes. It is best to assume that all wild mushrooms are toxic unless proven otherwise.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, take them to a veterinarian or pet hospital immediately. Bring a sample of the mushroom, or even a picture, to help with diagnosis and treatment. The faster you get your dog to the vet, the better the outcome.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning depend on the type of mushroom and the amount consumed. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, trembling, stumbling, and lack of coordination. In some cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to organ failure, seizures, and death.
