Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs: Symptoms, Dangers, and Treatment

Despite what Alice in Wonderland might have taught us about eating strange mushrooms, most of us know that many wild mushrooms are poisonous and dangerous to consume. The same caution applies to our dogs, as mushroom toxicity presents a significant health risk for them, especially for those dogs that tend to scavenge during walks or explore foliage and grass where mushrooms grow.

Dogs cannot distinguish between safe and harmful mushrooms, and even seemingly harmless picked mushrooms at home should not be part of their diet. This guide will explain the types of poisonous mushrooms, how to recognise signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs, and what steps to take if your dog has ingested a toxic mushroom.

Understanding Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs

While many edible mushrooms for humans are generally safe for dogs if occasionally scavenged, wild mushrooms are a different matter altogether. The complexity of mushroom species and similarity in appearance make correct identification challenging. Because of this, it’s safest to assume any wild mushroom is potentially harmful to your dog.

Mushroom toxicity is categorised into four seriousness levels:

• Category A: Extremely toxic mushrooms causing severe liver and kidney damage, possibly fatal.
• Category B: Mushrooms that seriously affect the central nervous system and can be life-threatening.
• Category C: Mushrooms causing milder neurological issues.
• Category D: Mushrooms that lead to gastrointestinal upset and general sickness.

Because mushrooms grow in diverse environments including wooded areas and gardens, many dogs may inadvertently encounter them. Mushrooms can also grow low and small in grass, making them hard to spot. If your dog eats grass, there’s an added risk they might ingest mushrooms accidentally.

Recognising Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can be immediate or delayed and vary with the type and amount ingested. Early and accurate recognition is vital for successful treatment. Watch out for:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• Weakness, lethargy, and incoordination
• Excessive salivation and drooling
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Seizures or trembling
• Unconsciousness or collapse

Neurological symptoms such as clumsy movement or seizures indicate potentially severe poisoning and urgent clinical attention.

Emergency Treatment and What You Should Do

If you suspect your dog has eaten wild mushrooms, treat this as an emergency. Even if your dog shows no immediate symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Bringing a sample of the mushroom your dog ingested, if possible, helps the vet with diagnosis.

Veterinary treatment may involve:

• Inducing vomiting to remove remaining mushrooms from the stomach
• Administering activated charcoal to bind toxins inside the gastrointestinal tract
• Conducting blood and urine tests to monitor organ function
• Providing intravenous fluids to support kidney and liver detoxification
• Managing symptoms such as seizures or liver failure

In severe cases, advanced treatments like dialysis or blood transfusions might be necessary.

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis depends on how quickly treatment begins, the type and amount of mushroom ingested, and your dog’s health. Toxic compounds from mushrooms don’t linger long inside the body, so prompt veterinary care and hydration help reduce long-term damage.

To reduce risk, regularly check your garden for mushrooms and remove any wild fungi. On walks, monitor your dog closely, especially in mushroom-rich areas like wooded or marshy grounds.

Quick action saves lives; don’t delay if you suspect mushroom ingestion. Your vigilance and rapid response can make all the difference.