You'd Never Eat These Poisonous Mushrooms, but Your Pet Might
Be careful if you live in certain areas where this is prevalent. It can be highly toxic to your beloved animals. And it's often nearly impossible to tell whether or not it's safe. Know what to watch out for, because this can be fatal — and that's when minutes count.
Reviewed by Dr. Becker
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STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- “When it rains, it spores.” In other words, wet weather encourages the growth of mushrooms, some of which are toxic to pets
- Mushrooms can range from very medicinal for pets to fatal, depending on the species
- Types of toxic mushrooms include the Amanita phalloides, Amanita muscaria, and Amanita pantherina. Also the Inocybe, the Clitocybe, and the Scleroderma
- The symptoms of mushroom toxicity depend on the species of mushroom ingested, the specific toxin the mushroom contains, and the individual animal's susceptibility
- Treatment depends on the animal’s symptoms. Holistic veterinarians use homeopathic remedies to successfully decreasing mushroom toxicosis
Editor's Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published February 3, 2016.
"When it rains, it spores," says the Santa Cruz Sentinel.1 The clever play on words is actually a warning to pet owners that with wet weather comes fungi blossoms, some of which can be highly toxic to companion animals.
Thankfully, 99% of mushrooms present little or no problem for pets, however, the remaining 1% can be fatal if ingested by a dog or cat. And to make matters worse, very few people can tell the difference between a toxic mushroom and a safe one.
Since pets (typically dogs) come across wild mushrooms during walks and other outdoor activities, especially if you live in a region with lots of moisture, it's important to take extra care to keep pets away from areas where mushrooms might be sprouting.
Types of Toxic Mushrooms
According to the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), dogs tend to gravitate to two deadly mushroom species: Amanita phalloides and Inocybe. Both varieties have a fishy odor, which may be the attraction.
The Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina varieties of mushroom also have a fishy odor, and are also frequently eaten by dogs. They contain the toxic compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol, which in rare instances can cause death in dogs.
Even cats, who typically don't sample mushrooms, are particularly attracted to dried Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina, sometimes with lethal results.
The Inocybe and Clitocybe mushrooms contain a compound called muscarine that can be lethal to dogs. Since muscarine doesn't seem to be a problem for humans, it's assumed dogs must be uniquely sensitive to it.
Some Scleroderma mushroom species are also toxic to dogs, but the poisonous substance hasn't yet been identified.
Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning
Mushroom poisoning symptoms depend on the species of mushroom ingested, the specific toxin the mushroom contains, and the individual animal's susceptibility.
Generally speaking, mushroom poisoning has four distinct clinical syndromes, according to Dr. Charlotte Means of the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center:2
- Gastrointestinal (GI) irritation — This is the most common symptom and is rarely serious enough to be fatal. Vomiting and diarrhea typically occur within about 6 hours of ingestion. GI upset runs its course in about 24 hours and requires minimal veterinary care.
- GI upset plus muscarinic effects — Muscarinic effects include excessive drooling and tear production, which are also symptoms of carbamate and organophosphate insecticide poisoning. Pupils may be small and constricted, but the most serious sign is a significantly slowed heartbeat.
This clinical syndrome usually occurs within six hours of mushroom ingestion and almost always requires veterinary care. Species of mushrooms that commonly cause this syndrome are from the genera Inocybe and Clitocybe. - GI upset, muscarinic effects, depression, and lethargy — This clinical syndrome is characterized by severe abdominal pain and vomiting. There can also be jaundice (a yellowing of the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes), bleeding disorders, and seizures as a result of liver damage.
These symptoms occur between 6 and 20 hours after mushroom ingestion, and without prompt, aggressive treatment, they are often fatal. The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is most often the culprit in these cases. - Hallucinogenic syndrome — Illegal "street" mushrooms commonly known as magic mushrooms, blue legs, or liberty caps, cause this syndrome. These are nontoxic mushrooms (the kind sold in grocery stores) that have been tainted with LSD or other illicit drugs.
Pets typically find these mushrooms in someone's indoor stash, not in the yard or the woods. Symptoms of magic mushroom ingestion can include restlessness, hallucinations, "air biting," extreme depression, staggering, muscle tremors, seizures, and coma.
If you suspect your pet has ingested this type of mushroom, you should get him to your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
In addition to the above symptoms, according to NAMA, dogs typically go into a deep coma-like sleep a few hours after eating Amanita muscaria or Amanita pantherina. Recovery is typically complete in about 6 hours, but can be up to 72 hours later.
If a pet has consumed Amanita muscaria or Amanita pantherina, the administration of atropine can intensify a coma-like sleep, greatly increasingly possibility of death. Tragically, misguided veterinarians sometimes euthanize dogs in deep sleep. In most cases, dogs do recover, so patience must be exercised.
Treatment for Mushroom Poisoning
Treatment for mushroom intoxication depends on the symptoms, and is focused on stabilizing your pet, decontamination, and managing any clinical signs that may develop. Decontamination includes inducing vomiting to remove any remnants of the mushroom from the stomach. The next step is typically administration of activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins.
Many holistic veterinarians and MDs have had good results decreasing mushroom toxicosis with homeopathic remedies.3 The remedy selected should be based on the animal's symptoms. Milk thistle has also proven to be beneficial for human mushroom poisoning and shows promise for use in veterinary medicine as well.4
If your pet continues to show signs of toxicity, the veterinary staff will try to identify the type of mushroom ingested by contacting a mycologist in the area. NAMA provides a list of volunteer mushroom identification consultants here. It's often impossible to predict the outcome for your pet until the mushroom is identified.
The need to identify the specific mushroom your pet ingested is why it's important to bring any uneaten mushrooms with you to the vet or emergency animal clinic. Wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a paper (not plastic) bag. If there will be any delay between wrapping the mushrooms and leaving for your vet's office, place the mushrooms in the refrigerator and mark the bag "Do not eat!"
Preventing Mushroom Poisoning in Your Pet
Mushrooms in yards (yours and your neighbors') should be removed promptly before neighborhood pets have a chance to notice them. As a general rule, veterinarians and pet poison experts consider all mushroom ingestions in pets toxic unless a quick and accurate identification of the mushroom can be made.
If you know or suspect your pet has eaten a mushroom, immediately contact your veterinarian, the nearest emergency animal clinic, or the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. If your pet throws up or poops, collect a sample, place it in a plastic bag, and bring it with you.
