Dogs and wild mushrooms can be a dangerous combination. While some mushroom varieties are edible and make great snacks, others possess psychedelic or toxic properties, and can be extremely hazardous to dogs if ingested. It is important to be aware of the different types of mushrooms and their properties in order to keep your dog safe. To be safe, it’s best to assume that all mushrooms are toxic and harmful to your dog.
Identifying Wild Mushrooms
If your dog has ingested an unidentified mushroom, it is best to treat it as toxic and not wait for identification. With thousands of mushroom species and over 100 toxic mushrooms in North America, it is not always possible to know what your dog has eaten. To be safe, you should always assume that any mushroom your dog interacts with is toxic and take steps to monitor your pet’s activity when they are outside. If your dog does ingest a mushroom, it is important to act quickly to seek medical attention.
Dangers of Poisonous Mushrooms
Toxic reactions to mushrooms are as diverse as mushrooms themselves. Mushroom toxicity in dogs can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and quantity of mushroom ingested. Mushrooms that contain cyclopeptides can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea that can develop into liver failure and renal failure. Chances of survival are slim if this type of mushroom is consumed. Mushrooms that contain hydrazine toxins can cause vomiting and diarrhea which quickly leads to seizures and liver necrosis within hours of consuming. If your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as survival chances depend on the timeliness of treatment and your pet’s current medical history.
Treatment
If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not wait for clinical signs of poisoning to develop, as it could be too late. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom your dog ate to the vet clinic, as identification of the mushroom will need to be done by a professional. Furthermore, do not induce vomiting for any reason. You can do more harm than good if you induce vomiting yourself. If psychedelic mushrooms have been ingested, your veterinarian might need to sedate your dog until the effects of the hallucinogens wear off. Your veterinarian will treat your dog to prevent further absorption and give supportive care if signs start to occur. If you are unsure of what type of mushroom your dog has eaten, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661, to get the help your dog needs.
