We often talk about the “usual suspects” when it comes to foods that are toxic to your pets: chocolate, onions, raisins – you know them well. But what about those we do not hear about all the time? Are there edibles in your backyard even, which could harm your pet?
Mushrooms are everywhere and can pose a threat to your dog. Toxic mushrooms can be found in any environmental setting (lawn, woods, garden, etc.). Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, has shared information on which mushrooms are poisonous, symptoms and what to do when you think you dog has ingested one.
Identification of mushrooms can be difficult as the types can range in size, color and shape. If your dog eats any mushroom in the wild, regardless of the variety, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
Note: While we have attempted to showcase examples of the major classes of poisonous mushrooms, these photos are only examples and in no way encompass the many varieties of mushrooms in the wild. Just because you do not see a mushroom pictured here does not mean it is safe.
Mushrooms are extremely difficult to identify as many of them look very similar. Do not take any chances and do not allow your dogs to eat wild mushrooms.
Always contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has ingested wild mushrooms of any variety.
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Muscarinic mushrooms stimulate salivation, urination, diarrhea, and vomiting. The onset of signs is quick, usually 5-30 minutes. Signs can persist for several hours if untreated, but resolve quickly with administration of the antidote from your veterinarian.
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Ixoxazole mushrooms have fluctuating signs of excitation and depression. The animals initially vomit, then develop the neurologic signs. Care must be taken when treating these animals as some patients will stop breathing.
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These mushrooms can cause hallucinations, drunkenness, and fever in dogs. Signs occur quickly (30-180 minutes) and can last for up to 3 days. These animals respond well to veterinary care.
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Gyromitra spp contain compounds related to rocket fuel. These mushrooms when ingested can cause seizures and vomiting.
Amanitins and phalloidins are liver toxins found in most Amanita, Galerina and Lepiota mushrooms. Animals ingesting these mushrooms have a lag period of 6-12 hours before they start vomiting. They appear to recover, but in 3-7 days they develop liver failure along with seizures and bleeding. Most animals do not survive.
Mushrooms can pop up anywhere, even in your own yard. They can be killed with herbicides, but it is best to pull them out from the root as they can quickly grow back.
Mushrooms that are available in the grocery store for consumption are not considered to pose a health hazard for pets. However, any food that’s not part of a normal diet for your pet can lead to stomach upset, which is why it’s a good idea to only offer small portions as an occasional treat.
Because wild mushrooms can be very tricky to distinguish, and certain poisonous varieties mimic safe ones, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center would not recommend offering your pet wild mushrooms of any kind.
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