If your dog ate mushrooms, you may be wondering what to do next. Mushrooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some can be toxic to your furry friend. It’s important to act quickly and seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous mushroom.
Identifying the mushroom is the first step in determining the severity of the situation. Some mushrooms are harmless, while others can be deadly. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to seizures and organ failure. If you suspect your dog has eaten a poisonous mushroom, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and take immediate action.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Identifying the mushroom is crucial in determining the severity of the situation.
- Recognizing the symptoms of mushroom poisoning can help you act quickly.
- Seeking immediate veterinary care is the best course of action if you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous mushroom.
Identifying the Mushroom
Identifying the mushroom your dog ate is crucial to determine the level of toxicity. Not all mushrooms are poisonous, but some can be deadly.
If you’re uncertain about the mushroom’s species, it’s best to assume it’s toxic. Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) and death cap (Amanita phalloides) are two of the most common poisonous mushrooms.
Mushroom identification can be challenging, and it’s best to leave it to the experts. A mycologist, a specialist in fungi, can help you identify the mushroom.
If you’re confident that the mushroom is safe, you can look for it in the wild or buy it from a store. Always cook wild mushrooms before eating them.
Never eat mushrooms from your backyard or a park unless you’re sure they’re safe. Even harmless-looking mushrooms can be toxic.
To identify mushrooms, look for distinguishing features such as the color, shape, and texture of the cap, stem, and gills. You can use a field guide or a mushroom identification app to help you.
Remember that mushrooms can be deadly, and mushroom toxicity can be fatal. If your dog ingests a mushroom, seek veterinary care immediately.
(Source: Vet Clin Small Anim)
Recognizing the Symptoms
If your dog has ingested toxic mushrooms, you may notice symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, tremors, weakness, lethargy, dehydration, and neurologic issues.
In some cases, your dog may experience hallucinogenic effects, muscle twitching, uncoordinated movements, disorientation, abnormal heartbeat, trouble breathing, increased drinking and urinating, yellow discoloration of gums and eyes, jaundice, coma, drooling, and abdominal pain.
It’s important to keep an eye out for these symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested toxic mushrooms.
Sources:
- ASPCA. “Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs.” ASPCA, 2021, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/mushroom-toxicity-dogs.
- Pet Poison Helpline. “Mushrooms Poisonous to Dogs.” Pet Poison Helpline, 2021, www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/mushrooms/.
Immediate Actions to Take
If your dog has eaten mushrooms, it’s important to take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic: If your dog has eaten mushrooms, call your vet right away. They can provide guidance on what to do next and may recommend bringing your dog in for treatment.
- Do not induce vomiting: Inducing vomiting can be dangerous, especially if your dog has eaten a poisonous mushroom. It’s best to wait for guidance from a veterinarian.
- Collect a sample of the mushroom: If possible, collect a sample of the mushroom your dog ate. This can help with identification and treatment.
- Call the ASPCA Poison Hotline: The ASPCA Poison Hotline can provide guidance on what to do if your dog has eaten a poisonous mushroom. The number is (888) 426-4435.
- Join a Mushroom Identification Facebook Group: These groups can help you identify the type of mushroom your dog ate and provide guidance on what to do next.
- Seek veterinary care immediately: If your dog is showing signs of distress or has eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek veterinary care immediately. Time is of the essence in a medical emergency.
Remember, prevention is the best course of action. Keep your dog away from mushrooms and other potentially poisonous plants to keep them safe and healthy.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your furry friend has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to the veterinarian immediately. Mushroom poisoning in dogs can be deadly, so it’s important to act fast.
To diagnose mushroom poisoning in dogs, the veterinarian will take a thorough history and perform a physical examination. They may also perform laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis.
Treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs depends on the toxic species of mushroom ingested and the mechanism of poisoning. Supportive care, decontamination, and liver-support medications may be necessary. In some cases, a specific antidote may be available.
Gastrointestinal issues are common with mushroom poisoning, and the dog may need treatment for aspiration pneumonia. Nephrotoxic mushrooms can cause kidney failure, which may require intensive care.
It’s important to note that even a single mushroom can be deadly, so it’s crucial to keep your furry friend away from wild mushrooms. Be cautious when walking your dog in areas where mushrooms grow, and avoid feeding them mushrooms from the grocery store, as some healthy mushrooms can still be toxic to dogs.
Prevention and Safety Measures
To prevent your dog from eating mushrooms, it is important to be aware of the types of mushrooms that are safe for consumption and those that are not.
If you have a backyard, make sure to regularly check for any mushrooms growing in the area. Remove them immediately, especially during September and October when mushrooms are more likely to grow.
When buying mushrooms from a grocery store, ensure that they are safe for human consumption. Avoid buying wild mushrooms as they can be poisonous.
If you take your dog to a park, keep a close eye on them and make sure they do not eat anything off the ground.
In case your dog accidentally eats a mushroom, immediately contact your vet or a pet poison control center.
Identifying poisonous mushrooms can be difficult, so it is best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog away from all mushrooms.
By following these safety measures, you can help ensure the well-being of your furry friend.
Sources:
- ASPCA
- PetMD
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
