05/27/2026
Be sure to check your yard for toxic mushrooms!
It is that time of year again! Rainy and warm... the ideal environment for mushrooms! One day you're good, the next day the yard is full of them! That also means there is possible danger for your dogs!
About 99% of mushrooms have little to no toxicity to dogs. However, about 1% can cause life-threatening problems for our furry family members. The toxicity of mushrooms varies causing symptoms which include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, then weakness leading to collapse and organ failure. Some mushrooms cause neurotoxicity leading to drunken like movements, hallucinations, seizures, and more severe being coma or death. The Amanita Phalloides, also known as the Death Cap, is one of the most dangerous types of mushroom for dogs to ingest. It is believed that dogs may be drawn to the fishy smell it produces. Once ingested, a dog will demonstrate severe gastrointestinal issues within 6-24 hours. This can be followed by a short period in which the dog appears to be fine. About 36-48 hours from ingestion, the dog can experience severe liver failure. A playful and healthy dog can deteriorate quickly over a very short period of time.
If a dog owner suspects or sees their dog has ingested a mushroom, it is best to get the dog to the veterinarian immediately! The sooner you can get your dog treatment the better, especially since early treatment will be less expensive and less damaging to the dog's system. If a dog has ingested a poisonous mushroom, and you wait to seek treatment it may be too late. Note the approximate time the dog would have eaten the mushroom and be sure to take a mushroom sample for the vet to identify in order to know how to treat the dog.
Treatment by the veterinarian could include procedures such as inducing vomiting, administering IV, running several blood tests over time, taking drugs to protect the liver, preventing dehydration by anti-vomiting medicine. Many times, the dog may be required to stay at the vet to continue treatment and monitoring over a period of time. Then, follow up visits are a necessity once the dog returns home to continue treatment.
Prevention can be key in helping to avoid such an encounter with one’s beloved dog. Inspect the yard and remove mushrooms where the dog plays. Mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom; they are not plants. They reproduce with spores which release from the cap and then require moisture to sprout. Be vigilant after rainy days and avoid overwatering your yard to reduce the growth of mushrooms. Teaching your pup commands “leave it” and “drop” can benefit you as you monitor your curious furry friend in their outside play. Remember, only a few mushrooms are poisonous. However, if a dog owner has those culprits in their yard, it can become a nightmare! Keep your furry friends safe!
