Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs: Symptoms and First Aid

Our dogs love to sniff around, and in the process, sometimes get a taste of things they come across. When you’re out and about in open green spaces, this can pose a potential danger. One common culprit that you need to watch out for are mushrooms. While wild mushrooms can look harmless, some are toxic and life-threatening to dogs. Even ordinary lawn mushrooms can harbor dangerous mycotoxins. A single bite might trigger severe poisoning. As a pet parent, you need to be aware of mushroom poisoning in dogs and prepared to both prevent it and deal with it in case your pet unwittingly ingests some. 

In this article, I cover all of the significant aspects of understanding and dealing with mushroom poisoning, right from how to spot toxic mushrooms for dogs, recognize symptoms early, perform immediate dog mushroom first aid, and prevent future incidents. Acting quickly can save your pet’s life. 

Why Mushrooms Are Dangerous for Dogs

Dogs are curious creatures and love to sniff and explore, which unfortunately puts them at risk of eating mushrooms. The trouble is, many mushrooms that are harmless to people can be very harmful to dogs. Explaining why mushrooms harm dogs, veterinarian Dr. Fraser Davidson, “Dogs lack natural resistance to these fungal toxins, so even the most commonly found woodland fungi may be lethal. The severity of illness depends on the type and quantity of mushrooms ingested.” However, common risks associated with mushroom toxicity in pets include, 

• Severe liver or kidney damage
• Seizures
• Even death

Since mushrooms easily sprout in damp grassy areas or leaf litter, accidental ingestion is a real possibility. And the toxins from these don’t always make dogs sick right away. Sometimes signs of mushroom toxicity in pets such as GI distress emerge hours after the ingestion. Often, by then, the liver or kidneys may already be failing.

Dr. Davidson warns, “Mushroom poisoning can be fatal, so do not wait for clinical signs if you know your pet has ingested some.” All wild mushrooms should be treated as poisonous mushrooms for dogs.

Common Toxic Mushrooms for Dogs

Several mushroom species are known for causing severe toxicity in dogs. The most commonly known toxic mushroom types for dogs include:

• Amanita Species: These include the deadly “death caps” and “destroying angels.” Amanita mushrooms contain amatoxins that attack the liver. “Amanita mushrooms cause liver failure, which can be deadly,” says Dr. Davidson. Dogs often appear normal for hours, then 6–24 hours later develop severe vomiting and diarrhea followed by jaundice and collapse. If not treated immediately, full-blown liver failure from amanita poisoning in dogs can result in death in a matter of days
• False Morels: Species like Gyromitra (beefsteak mushrooms) are also hazardous. They contain hydrazine toxins that irritate the GI tract and liver. Affected dogs often vomit, have diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. They may also experience neurological effects such as dizziness, tremors, and even seizures. Even one False Morel can induce serious poisoning and can prove life-threatening if untreated
• Hallucinogenic Mushrooms: This group, also known as psilocybin “magic” mushrooms, attacks the nervous system. These neurotoxic fungi trigger confusion and odd behaviors. The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms in pets include disorientation, dilated pupils, tremors, and incoordination. These don’t just upset the stomach, but produce intense neurologic effects

Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

Now, if you have been out and about, say out in the woods for a hike, where you didn’t have eyes on your pet at all times, how can you know if your dog may have eaten mushrooms or may be suffering from mushroom toxicity? If you have even the slightest reason to suspect that something is not right with your pet, keep an eye out for the following signs for recognizing mushroom toxicity:

Early Symptoms

Within an hour of eating a toxic mushroom, dogs often show signs of gastrointestinal distress. Dr. Davidson explains: “Dog poisoning signs after ingesting mushrooms include excessive salivation, a tender stomach, which can rapidly progress to vomiting and/or diarrhea.” You may see, 

• Drooling
• Loose stools
• Weakness or lethargy
• The dog may also seem anxious or very quiet

These early dog poisoning signs can fade and return, so don’t delay if you suspect your dog ingested a wild fungus.

Advanced Symptoms

Hours later, the more serious mushroom poisoning symptoms in dogs begin to emerge. At this stage, organ damage may already have set in. The dog may,

• Develop jaundice, indicated by yellowing of the gums and eyes
• Severe weakness
• Continue to vomit 
• Experience acute abdominal pain
• Look severely dehydrated. Signs to look out for are dry gums and sunken eyes
• Collapse or become comatose in severe cases

These alarming dog poisoning signs mean emergency vet care is needed.

Emergency Symptoms

Not recognizing mushroom toxicity in time can send a dog into full nervous-system collapse. 

• Victims often develop tremors or seizures, then collapse
• Coma or death are real risks without immediate treatment
• You might notice blood-tinged vomit or dark urine as organs break down
• Late-stage signs also include uncontrolled seizures, collapse, unconsciousness

At this point, the situation is often fatal and you must seek instant veterinary attention if you want any hope for a different outcome. 

Timeline of Symptoms

Signs can appear very quickly or much later, depending on the toxin. Some mushrooms act within 15–30 minutes. With others, like Amanita’s amatoxins, the signs of poisoning can take time to appear. A dog may seem fine for the first 6–24 hours after ingestion. Full organ failure might only become evident 1–3 days later. Never wait for symptoms if you suspect ingestion, treat it as an emergency immediately. 

First Aid Steps for Mushroom Poisoning

If you suspect your pet has eaten mushrooms, even one or two, you must take action and seek the right help immediately. Here are some essential dog mushroom first aid steps to bear in mind:

Immediate Actions

Act quickly. If you catch your dog with a mushroom, gently remove any pieces from its mouth. Save a sample. Wrap it in a damp towel or take photos. Having a sample or photo helps the vet identify the species. Then call your vet or pet poison hotline immediately. 

At-Home First Aid

Do not try to induce vomiting or give any medications without professional advice. Instead, keep your dog calm and offer small sips of water or a bit of bone broth. Veterinarian Dr. Linda Simon advises, “Offer fresh chicken and water to help settle his stomach.” Monitor closely for new symptoms, but do not wait for them to start.

Emergency Veterinary Care

Time is critical. You must seek emergency care for dogs if mushroom poisoning is suspected. Contact your vet or a poison-control center immediately. For treating a poisoned dog, the vet may induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to bind toxins. They will start IV fluids to flush poisons and support blood pressure.Anti-seizure medication like diazepam and liver-protective drugs may be used if necessary. Vets will monitor your dog around the clock, repeating blood/urine tests to track organ function.

What Not to Do

Don’t wait for signs to appear before treating a poisoned dog. By then it may be too late. Never assume a wild mushroom is safe just because humans eat similar ones. And don’t rely on home remedies like hydrogen peroxide or ipecac on your own. Leave all decontamination to the professionals.

Diagnosis and Treatment at the Vet

At the clinic, the veterinarian will take a complete history and do a thorough exam for dog poisoning diagnosis. They’ll run blood and urine tests to evaluate liver and kidney function. A stomach or vomit sample may be sent for analysis. Imaging such as ultrasound/X-ray might be used to check for organ swelling or fluid buildup.

Treatment is focused on decontamination and organ support. Vet treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs often includes, 

• Inducing vomiting and giving activated charcoal for toxin absorption
• IV fluids to flush out toxins and rehydrate your pet
• Additional therapies like anti-seizure drugs, anti-nausea medications, vitamin K, and liver protectants are used as needed. 

Many dogs stay hospitalized for several days for constant monitoring and repeat blood tests. In severe cases involving shock or massive poisoning, blood transfusions and intensive care may be required.

With prompt emergency dog care, prognosis is generally good. In a study of 421 dogs, a 98.6% survival rate was reported when cases were treated promptly. Early intervention is the difference between a full recovery and serious organ damage.

Preventing Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

Vigilance is your best defense in preventing mushroom poisoning in dogs. Mushrooms can sprout overnight, so take stock of your yard daily, especially after rain, and remove any mushrooms immediately. When out on walks or hikes, always keep your dog on a leash and within sight. 

Distractions like treats or toys can stop a curious dog from eating wild fungi. A solid “leave it” command is priceless for dog outdoor safety. Avoid letting dogs sniff or drink from puddles, which attract certain mushrooms.

Be prepared. Save your veterinarian’s number and a pet poison-control hotline in your contacts. Quick action can save your pet’s life. By staying alert outdoors and treating every wild mushroom as potentially toxic, you can prevent most poisonings.

Takeaway

As a dog mom, I know mushroom poisoning is a serious threat to dogs. Awareness and quick action can protect them. If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, every second counts. Watch closely for early symptoms and get to the vet right away. It can truly mean the difference between life and death.

Also make it a practice to check your yard and the routes of your walks diligently, keep your dogs on leash near fungus, and teach strong obedience cues. Prevention is the best protection.  By treating every unknown mushroom as dangerous, you’re doing everything you can to keep your dog safe.