Can Dogs Eat Wild Mushrooms?

• Different mushrooms contain different toxins that can cause a wide range of devastating effects on a dog's body.
• Liver and Kidney Failure: The most dangerous mushrooms, like the Amanita species, contain amatoxins. These toxins cause severe gastrointestinal distress followed by a deceptive "recovery" period, during which catastrophic liver and kidney failure is occurring. This is often fatal.
• Neurological Damage: Some mushrooms contain neurotoxins that can cause tremors, seizures, disorientation, and hallucinations.
• Gastrointestinal Illness: Even less toxic mushrooms can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration.

One of the most dangerous aspects of mushroom poisoning is that symptoms can be delayed for 6-12 hours or even longer after ingestion. This gives the toxins ample time to be absorbed and cause irreversible damage before the dog even appears sick.

This is a life-or-death veterinary emergency. Do not wait for symptoms. 1. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. 2. Try to Get a Sample: If you can do so safely, take a sample of the mushroom your dog ate. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. This can be crucial for identification and determining the correct course of treatment.

Plain, unseasoned, store-bought mushrooms (like button or portobello) are generally considered safe for dogs in small quantities. However, they don't offer significant nutritional value, and the risk of a mistake with wild mushrooms is so high that many owners choose to avoid mushrooms altogether.

Assume all wild mushrooms are poisonous. If you have mushrooms growing in your yard, remove them promptly. When walking your dog, steer them clear of any wild fungi. The consequences of a mistake are too severe.