As most dog owners know, dogs navigate their world using scent and when something smells interesting to them, they’ll naturally want to investigate. Usually, this isn’t a problem but when you’re out for a walk in a wooded area here in Peyton, Colorado and you encounter wild mushrooms it can literally become a matter of life or death. It’s important for responsible owners to understand what mushrooms are potentially toxic to dogs and what to do should your dog happen to ingest one.
Know your mushrooms and keep your pet safe
While mushrooms can be a delicious addition to any dish, for both humans and dogs it’s important to be careful, especially when you’re dealing with wild mushrooms. Some wild mushrooms can be particularly toxic to dogs and if they happen to eat one, acting quickly and decisively can make the difference between life and death.
So which mushrooms are the most dangerous? The answer can depend on a variety of conditions including the type of mushroom and the overall health of your dog. In short, a good rule of thumb for both humans and dogs is to treat all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic. Some people believe that dogs can determine the toxicity of a mushroom by its scent but that’s not really true. There are also certain types of toxic mushrooms, like death cap mushrooms, that smell fishy and that scent can actually attract dogs.
There are certain types of mushrooms here in the Peyton, CO area, like death caps, "deadly Galerina", "Deadly Agaric" and "false morel", which are more toxic than others but no matter which mushroom your dog encounters the key to being safe is to understand the potential symptoms of mushroom poisoning and get your dog emergency veterinary care as quickly as possible.
Specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of mushroom but the most common symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, weakness, lethargy, ataxia or a staggering gait, coma, seizures, liver failure, jaundice, abdominal pain and death. If your dog begins to experience any of these symptoms, get them to a veterinarian immediately and try to bring a sample of the mushroom that was eaten wrapped in a damp paper towel and tucked into a plastic bag.
Your veterinarian will be able to determine the proper course of treatment, which can include inducing vomiting if the mushrooms were eaten recently and administering drugs to counter the toxins, based on the type of mushroom and your dog’s overall health. Your vet will keep the dog comfortable and monitor their health until the symptoms have passed.
While store bought mushrooms are generally safe for dogs to eat, they are not a necessary part of a dog’s diet and so it’s probably a good idea to avoid feeding them to your dog too just to be on the safe side. There are other foods, like carrot sticks, that you can use for a treat that won’t risk your dog’s health. We here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado believe that in the long run it’s best to keep a safe distance between your dog and mushrooms so you can both breathe easier.
