Mushroom Season Hazards: Identifying Toxic Fungi in Your Yard
With every season, there comes a list of possible health hazards. Early fall means it’s time for mushrooms, many of which can be toxic to animals. Identifying toxic fungi in your yard is an important priority to keep pets safe, and we can help you do just that.
Where Curiosity Leads Us
Most of the time, sniffing and sampling certain things in the yard and garden is fairly safe. But when it comes to mushrooms, there is a certain and known risk of toxicity.
- Always keep an eye on the yard and garden, especially after periods of rain.
- Train your dog to “leave it” when out and about for walks or hikes.
Characteristics of Toxic Mushrooms
Mushrooms grow in wooded areas, grassy lawns/parks, and rocky terrains. Spring and early fall see an increase in mushroom numbers.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that all mushrooms could be toxic to your pet. While this isn’t true in general, this approach could save your pet from a very serious health situation. These are some of the symptoms of ingesting toxic fungi:
- Gastrointestinal distress is the most common outcome following the consumption of Inocybe mushrooms. Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may occur as early as 15 minutes after consumption, or as long as 6 hours later. Weakness, dehydration, decreased heart rate and breathing problems may follow suit. The restoration of fluids in the system may be required.
- Some types of mushrooms, such as death cap, death angel or Amanita, can cause liver failure. Known or suspected consumption of these fungi should result in emergency veterinary care. Often, a pet’s symptoms may appear to improve only to drastically worsen in a quick period of time.
- Nephrotoxic mushrooms affect the health of the kidneys. A pet owner may see increased thirst/urination, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Cases of nephrotoxic mushrooms are rare, but with a delay in time between consumption and clinical signs, it can be too late for effective treatment.
- Neurotoxic mushrooms grow plentifully in the Pacific Northwest, so if you’re planning a trip there be watchful of your pet in the forest. Known to cause a hallucinatory effect, neurotoxic mushrooms cause weakness, tremors, loss of coordination, disorientation, and seizures.
Going From Bad to Worse
The severity of illness is dependent on the type of mushroom consumed and how much. Mild gastrointestinal distress can resolve on its own without veterinarian intervention. That said, some cases require immediate emergency care and hospitalization. Without help, a pet with severe toxicity may experience dire, even fatal, consequences. Always act quickly when dealing with a possible mushroom poisoning.
- Try to find the evidence and bring it in for identification.
- A photo may work; but be sure to capture as many details as possible.
Minimizing absorption of the toxin is critical to a good outcome. Induced vomiting, activated charcoal, and IV fluids may all be necessary components of mushroom poisoning. Prescription medication can reduce neurological side effects.
If you have any questions or concerns about toxic mushrooms, please call us at (248) 646-5655. Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates are always here to help!