What do I do if my dog ate a mushroom in my yard? Here’s the Answer

Symptoms of Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs

Mushroom toxicity in dogs results from consuming poisonous mushrooms. The following are some of the common symptoms to watch out for;

Gastrointestinal complications, such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea which leads to dehydration, constipation, and abdominal pain

Liver-related symptoms, such as jaundice or yellowing of the skin

Lethargy

Ptyalism or excessive drooling

Poor coordination

Seizures

Hallucinations

Coma

It’s important to note that the severity of mushroom poisoning in dogs depends on two factors- the mushroom species the dog has eaten and the quantity consumed. According to Dr. Corinne Wigfall, DVM., BVM., BVS. “If a dog eats wild mushrooms on a walk or even in the backyard, this should be treated as an emergency, and vet help should be sought straight away. Mushrooms can cause kidney and liver failure, neurological signs, and even death, depending on the type and amount of mushroom ingested. Sometimes mushroom ingestion can go unnoticed, and the first signs you may see are vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia (wobbliness) or tremors.” In case of mild stomach upset, your dog may be able to recover at home. Extreme sickness will require hospitalization. Mushroom poisoning can be very serious and life-threatening. Dogs that have eaten a poisonous mushroom need to be seen by a Veterinarian for treatment.

What does mushroom toxicity look like?

Just as there are many types of mushrooms, there are many types of toxic reactions to mushrooms. Signs vary with the mushroom species and amount of mushroom ingested by the pet. To simplify the complexity of mushroom poisoning, the toxins can be broken down into four categories.

Gastrointestinal toxins. There are many mushroom varieties that cause upset stomach. Pets may become ill within 15 minutes of nibbling on these mushrooms or symptoms may be delayed for up to 6 hours. The muscarinic mushroom is a noted variety that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Pets may become weak and dehydrated. Out-patient treatment may suffice, but hospitalization is often required to stop vomiting and diarrhea and restore fluid balance. These mushrooms can also cause a slow heart rate (bradycardia) and respiratory problems.

Hepatotoxic. These mushrooms affect the liver. With names like death cap or death angel, Amanita mushrooms sound really ominous and they are! Amanita mushrooms cause liver failure that can be deadly. Owners may see their dog or cat nibble this type of mushroom, but do not become concerned because their pet looks fine immediately afterwards. Then 6-24 hours later, GI symptoms start to occur. Some pets appear to get better for a while giving owners a false sense of security; however, the underlying liver failure continues to progress. The pet becomes jaundiced, weak, lethargic, and sometimes comatose. What starts as mild GI upset quickly progresses to full blown liver failure that can result in death in a matter of days. If not treated quickly and aggressively, the liver failure is irreversible.

Nephrotoxic. Mushrooms in this category affect the kidneys. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Fortunately, these mushrooms are not as plentiful in North America so cases of toxicity in pets are rare. When illness does occur, signs can be delayed for 12 hours up to a week or longer so by the time treatment is sought, the damage is done.

Neurotoxic. There are three main groups of mushrooms that cause neurological signs including hydrazines, isoxazole, and psilocybin (hallucinogenic or “magic”) mushrooms. The onset of illness is fast with signs occurring in 30 minutes up to 6 hours. Signs include weakness, lack of coordination, tremors, hallucinations, vocalizations, disorientation, agitation, and seizures. These toxins can also affect the kidneys and liver causing a myriad of problems. Unlike other cases of mushroom toxicity in pets, the source is often inside rather than outdoors. Pets are curious with mushrooms in your home, and may find their owner’s private stash of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Evidence of exposure to mushrooms is the first factor in an accurate diagnosis. Tell your veterinarian if you even suspect that your pet ate mushrooms and when it may have occurred. Be specific when describing symptoms and their time of onset. This information is vital for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

After taking a thorough history, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam. Next, blood and urine samples will be taken to determine organ function. A sample of stomach contents may also be retrieved to help identify the mushroom ingested. Since some mushroom toxins have a delayed effect on organs, liver and kidney function tests may be repeated every 24-48 hours to monitor function.

To help with identification, bring a mushroom specimen with you to the emergency hospital. Wrap the mushroom in a damp paper towel rather than a plastic bag. This will preserve the integrity of the specimen and make identification easier. You can also take a picture of the mushroom, but make sure to capture all aspects including the gills, cap, and stem.

What do toxic mushrooms look like?

Some mushrooms look like the umbrella kind with woodland creatures hiding under them depicted in children’s books. Others look entirely different. There are many different species of mushrooms with a variety of characteristics making identification of individual types quite complicated. If you aren’t a “mushroom expert”, it’s best to assume that any mushroom you find could be a poisonous one. It’s not necessary to know the name of every single mushroom species if you avoid them all.

The severity of mushroom induced illness depends on the type and number of mushrooms ingested. Sometimes a pet may have mild gastrointestinal (GI) upset that resolves at home. Other times, pets become extremely sick and require hospitalization. Unfortunately, some pets die despite therapy.

Are backyard mushrooms bad for dogs?