Mushroom Poisoning In Dogs And Cats
New July 4th bowes and ties from The Pampered Pooches via Instagram @thepamperedpooches
- The most dangerous type of mushroom is the Amanita, which contains amanitin toxins. Clinical signs seen from this mushroom include severe gastrointestinal signs (within 6-24 hours), a “false recovery” period (where your dog appears to get better), and then severe liver failure (at 36-48 hours post-mushroom exposure). Acute kidney injury (AKI) can also develop in the end stages. These types of deadly mushrooms include Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota, A. phalloids (death cap, death angel), and A. ocreata.
- The Inocybe spp. and Clitocybe dealbata mushrooms contain the toxin muscarine and cause profuse SLUDE signs (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea) and neurologic signs.
- Amanita muscaria and A. pantherina are a different type of Amanita that contain the toxins muscimol and ibotenic acid. Clinical signs from this type of mushroom include ‘walking drunk,’ severe sedation, tremors or even seizures.
- The false morel (Gyromitra spp.) causes profuse vomiting and diarrhea and is generally not fatal. Rarely, it can cause seizures.
- Some types of mushrooms just cause gastrointestinal irritation (e.g., vomiting and diarrhea) and are rarely life threatening when ingested. Signs can be seen in 1-6 hours, and generally resolve after 1-2 days. These types of mushrooms include the following types: Agaricus, Boletus, Entoloma.
- Hallucinogenic mushrooms aren’t life-threatening and rarely need treatment. That said, signs of ataxia, acting abnormal, howling, abnormal eye movement and hyperthermia can be seen when dogs ingest them. These types of mushrooms include the following types: Psilocybe, Conocybe, Gymnopilus spp.
Signs of mushrooms toxicity in dogs
Depending on the type of mushroom, how much, and the length of time since they ate it, the signs of toxicity will vary. But, common signs might include any of the following:
- Wobbling, loss of balance, or walking as if drunk (“ataxia”)
- Vomiting
- Salivating
- Yellowing of skin and “whites of eyes”
- Sleep-like coma
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Vocalizations
- Disorientation
- Agitation
- Seizures
- These toxins can also affect the kidneys and liver causing a myriad of problems.
If you see mushrooms in your yard, carefully remove one or two and bring them for identification to a local garden store or a local mushroom (mycology) expert. Alternatively, you can take pictures of the mushrooms for identification (just make sure you photograph all of the identifying parts – the gills, the cap, the base of the stem, etc.).
Because mushroom growths can be difficult to fully get rid of, it’s best to consult with a local expert on ways to deal with them in your yard. And if the mushrooms in question are confirmed to be toxic to dogs and cats, be sure to keep them out of the yard (or at least that part) until the mushrooms are removed or sectioned off.
If you’ve got mushrooms in your yard, take a look at the articles and resources below. They can better help you identify and react to those little fungi popping up all over the place. And hopefully they will help you and your pup better enjoy your walks together and romps in the yard.
If you’re worried that your pet may have eaten a poisonous mushroom get samples and good pictures of the mushroom(s) and then contact your veterinarian, local Animal ER, or a Pet Poison Hotline immediately! You can also upload your photos and where the mushrooms were found to the Poisons Help: EMERGENCY Identification for Mushrooms & Plants Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/144798092849300) – this open Facebook group can be a great resource in the event of an unknown mushroom or plant ingestion by your cat or dog. The admins are skilled at mushroom & plant ID and typically respond quite quickly. Be sure to have good pics of the offending plant or mushrooms, from all angles and in good light, as these will be crucial to help ensure the best chance of an ID.
You Might Also Like
Help Jasmine Get Adopted!
Jasmine A sweet pitbull named Jasmine is sitting at the Hancock County Animal Shelter waiting for adoption. My cousin adopted Jasmine from this shelter two years ago. Sadly, my cousin passed away recently, and the police were instructed to take Jasmine directly...
Air Quality & Pets: How To Stop Your Home From Getting Musty & Smelly
As absolutely amazing as a pet is, you can’t deny that they may give your home a certain odor. You know what we’re talking about; there’s a mustiness that comes with having a pet, which can make the quality of the air feel almost thick and a bit harder to breathe in....
What Is A Velcro Dog?
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today we are asking…What Is A Velcro Dog? All dogs have different cuddling styles and ways of showing affection. Jake loved being near me, and his favorite spot was on the couch, lying with his head in my lap while I massaged his ears and...
Cancer In Dogs
Happy Wednesday, everyone. Today, we're discussing cancer in dogs and what to look for. But first, I want to give a big thank you to all of you who called, sent texts, emails, and cards over Jake’s passing. Mr. TAL and I received messages from all over the world,...
Rest In Peace, My Sweet Jake
Today I write with overwhelming sadness as I pay tribute to our Jake. His sudden passing has left us heartbroken. My words can’t describe the pain we feel without him. Jake passed away last week from a large cancerous mass on his spleen that ruptured, metastasized,...
Sick Day? How to Stay Nourished While You Recover
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Sick Day? How to Stay Nourished While You Recover When you're feeling under the weather, your body shifts into a healing mode. This requires the right fuel so that you can feel as well as possible as quickly as possible. While your appetite...
Good morning to you! Thanks for this timely blog. Your resources are excellent. I am going outside now to double check!
Good morning! Thank you. I’m so glad you found this post helpful. Keep me posted on what you find.