Are Mushrooms Toxic to Dogs? Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment
As dog owners, we love watching our furry friends explore the great outdoors with boundless enthusiasm. Their curiosity is endearing but can sometimes lead them into trouble—especially when it comes to mushrooms. These seemingly harmless fungi can pose a serious threat to dogs, with some varieties capable of causing severe illness or even death.
Mushrooms are tricky because they can pop up anywhere—your backyard, the park, or along your favorite hiking trail. Since it’s difficult to tell which mushrooms are safe and which are toxic, it’s always best to assume that all wild mushrooms could be harmful to your pup. But don’t worry! With a little awareness and some proactive steps, you can help keep your dog safe from accidental mushroom poisoning.
Understanding Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs
Not all mushrooms are dangerous, but many contain toxic compounds that can cause anything from mild stomach upset to severe organ damage. A dog’s reaction to mushroom ingestion depends on several factors, including the type and amount of mushrooms eaten, their size and overall health, and how quickly treatment is provided.
Even mushrooms that are safe for humans can be harmful to dogs because their digestive systems process certain compounds differently. This is why preventing your dog from eating any mushrooms they find outdoors is so important.
Common Toxic Mushrooms to Watch Out For
Although only a small percentage of mushrooms are toxic, those that are can be extremely dangerous. Here are some of the most harmful varieties:
- Amanita species (including the Death Cap and Destroying Angel): Highly toxic and can cause severe liver damage.
- Galerina species: Contains the same deadly toxins as Amanita mushrooms.
- Inocybe & Clitocybe species: Contain muscarine, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms.
- Gyromitra species: Can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological issues, as well as liver damage.
Signs of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog eats a toxic mushroom, symptoms can appear quickly or take hours to develop. Watch for signs such as:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly with blood), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
- Neurological symptoms: Weakness, confusion, lack of coordination, tremors, or seizures.
- Liver-related symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes), excessive drooling, and increased thirst.
- Other symptoms: Trouble breathing, excessive salivation, or changes in heart rate.
Treatment of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
As Veronica Higgs, DVM stated in the PetMD article: “Decreasing the stomach’s mushroom absorption is the top priority, so identifying what mushroom your dog ate may actually have to wait. Even veterinarians are not mushroom experts, so once your pet is stable, your vet may need to research the mushroom based on your sample and photos.
If your pet ate mushrooms within the past two hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting at the hospital as a means of decontamination. If your dog is already showing clinical signs, it may be too late to induce vomiting, as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia. The vet may also give your dog activated charcoal to bind any additional toxin in the stomach.
Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for mushroom poisoning in dogs. Treatment varies depending on the type and amount of mushroom ingested. Some dogs may be treated outpatient, with symptomatic care for vomiting and diarrhea. However, if the mushroom cannot be identified or is identified as highly toxic, your dog will need to be hospitalized and started on IV fluids for hydration and supportive care. Generally, therapy will be started to try to prevent signs from developing, even if the dog is not showing any immediate signs of illness.
Medications will be given to treat the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, as well as treatment for muscle twitching and seizures. Additional therapy may include liver-support medications.”
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Mushroom Poisoning
If mushroom poisoning is suspected, a vet may run tests to assess your dog’s organ function and overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to remove toxins from the body.
- Intravenous fluids and medications to control symptoms like vomiting and seizures.
- Specific antidotes (if available) for certain mushroom toxins.
- Liver support medications if the mushroom affects the liver.
Early treatment improves the chances of a full recovery, so acting quickly is always best.
Preventing Mushroom Encounters
The best way to protect your dog is to prevent them from eating mushrooms in the first place. Here are some simple but effective strategies:
- Check your yard regularly for mushrooms, especially after rain, and remove them immediately.
- Supervise outdoor activities and keep your dog on a leash in areas where mushrooms are common.
- Teach a strong “leave it” command to discourage your dog from eating things they shouldn’t.
- Choose mulch carefully, as some types encourage mushroom growth.
- Educate family members and pet sitters about the risks of mushrooms.
How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Dog Needs a Treatment?
Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.
Reimbursement
This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.
- You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
- You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
- Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer.
- After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:
Illness & Injury Plan
The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:
- 24/7 Televet Chat
- Emergency vet visits
- Overnight hospital stays
- IV Fluids & Medications
- Medical Supplies
- Surgeries
- MRI/CAT Scans
- Rehabilitative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Laboratory Tests
Accident-Only Plan
The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible.
Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:
- Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
- Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
- Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.
The Wellness Add-on Plan
The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available:
Basic Plan:
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $305 per year.
Plus Plan:
- Ideal for puppies and kittens.
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $535 per year.
