Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms

Every dog owner fears a situation in which, after rain, while out on a walk with his pet, the dog suddenly goes off the track, nose down, and eats something beneath a tree.

What if it is a mushroom?

Can dogs eat mushrooms, though? People may think that dogs can smell harmful mushrooms and avoid them. However, this is not true. There is more to the answer than a simple yes or no.

It could save your dog's life if you know the types of mushrooms poisonous to dogs and how to spot the signs of poisoning.

Wild mushroom poisoning is thought to be an underreported source of fatal poisoning in dogs, according to veterinarians and mycologists.

Continue reading this blog to find out everything the dog owners should know about dogs and mushrooms.

A Word of Caution: Dogs and Mushrooms 

Dogs use their sense of smell for exploring the world, and mushrooms may attract them because of their texture or earthy smell.

Puppies and curious dogs often taste literally anything they find outdoors.

There is a vast variety of mushrooms, and they are difficult to differentiate; some are toxic.

If you suspect your dog has eaten mushrooms harmful to dogs, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Which Wild Mushroom Types Can Be Toxic to Dogs?

Dogs cannot eat the wild kind of mushrooms that grow in parks and backyards in Australia. Even experienced mycologists may find it difficult to distinguish between mushrooms toxic to dogs and safe-to-eat mushrooms.

The death cap mushroom, which is found all over south-east Australia, especially around oak trees, can kill a dog within 24 to 48 hours after it is consumed, and symptoms may show up within minutes or take up to 12 hours to appear.

The Animal Poisons Helpline receives over 50 calls about wild mushroom ingestion during peak mushroom season. So, the golden rule of dogs and mushrooms is simple: If you didn't buy it from a reputable grocer, don’t serve it to your dog.

There are over 250 species of wild mushrooms that are known to be toxic. The following are some of the most toxic mushrooms to watch out for.

• Amanita bisporigera (The Destroying Angel)
• Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
• Amanita pantherina (Panther Cap)
• Amanita phalloides (Death Cap)
• Yellow-staining Mushroom (Agaricus xanthodermus)
• Ghost Fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis)
• Galerina autumnalis (Funeral Bell)
• Clitocybe, Conocybe, and Inocybe Species
• Psilocybe Species (Magic Mushroom)
• Scleroderma Species (Common Earthball)

Which Store-Bought Mushroom Types Can Be Safe for Dogs? 

Fortunately, dogs can eat mushrooms, but they should only eat certain types that are bought from reputable stores.

According to Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), "Mushrooms from the grocery store are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but wild mushrooms are a different story."

There are a few conditions before dogs can eat mushrooms that you purchase for yourself. The popular types seen in Australian stores are usually considered safe for dogs. However, are mushrooms healthy for dogs? They can provide certain benefits when used in limited amounts. They have antioxidants, minerals like potassium, and vitamins like B vitamins.

Mushrooms must, however, always be fed to dogs as an occasional treat rather than a staple part of their diet. The safe types of mushrooms the dogs can eat are: 

• White Button Mushrooms
• Cremini Mushrooms
• Portobello Mushrooms
• Porcini Mushrooms
• Shiitake Mushrooms
• Reishi Mushrooms
• Maitake Mushrooms

Mushroom Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs

If your dog ate a mushroom from your yard or during a walk, different species can cause the different symptoms that appear anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours after ingestion.

• Gastrointestinal Upset: The initial symptoms are vomiting and explosive diarrhoea.
• Weakness and Lethargy: Your dog can show unusual signs of weakness, ataxia, or tiredness.
• Drooling: When dogs eat mushrooms, one common symptom is heavy salivation.
• Neurological Signs: In severe circumstances, the dog may experience agitation, seizures, or tremors.
• Organ Failure: Toxins that are most harmful target the kidneys and liver. It can cause jaundice, or yellowing of the gums and eyes, thirst, and eventually total organ failure (liver or kidney). Dogs may experience seizures and coma in more severe situations. 

Can a Dog Eat Cooked Mushrooms? The Safe Way to Serve Mushrooms

Can dogs eat raw mushrooms? The best way to offer your dog a store-bought mushroom is cooked and plain. Why is it better? Raw mushrooms can be difficult for dogs to digest, and cooking makes them much easier to digest.

You should follow the guidelines below if you are wondering, can dogs eat fresh mushrooms?

• Pick only store-bought varieties like button mushrooms, shiitake, cremini, or portobello.
• Wash thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants. Cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
• Cook the mushrooms completely plain. Do not use oil, butter, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings. Cook completely by steaming, boiling, or sautéing in water.
• Never feed your dog mushrooms cooked with onions or garlic, as both are toxic to dogs.
• You can offer a quarter to half of a small mushroom to your small dogs. Medium dogs could be given half to a whole small mushroom, whereas giant dogs could be given a full small mushroom or a portion of a larger mushroom. 

If Dogs Eat Mushrooms, What Should You Do?

You need to take quick action if you even believe your dog has eaten a wild mushroom. It is a serious veterinary situation.

1. Take Action: Get your dog away from the source immediately to prevent them from eating more.
2. Get a sample (if safe): Take a picture of the mushroom and get a sample (if safe) quickly and safely. Wrap it in a wet paper towel and put it in a paper bag (not plastic, as this can speed up the decomposition of the mushroom).
3. Contact a vet or an emergency animal hospital: Don't wait till the symptoms show up. The sooner your dog is treated, the better their prognosis.
4. Don't induce vomiting: Do not try to induce vomiting at home unless a veterinary specialist specifically instructs you to.
5. Call the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline: Call 1300 869 738 to get specific advice for you and your vet. This service may come with a fee, but it is well worth it.

How to Avoid Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs eat raw mushrooms, so you need to keep an eye on things. Dr. Bailey suggests the following strategies:

• Check your yard regularly for mushroom growth, especially after rain.
• Remove any mushrooms toxic to dogs using gloves before your dog can investigate.
• Keep dogs leashed during walks away from home to prevent them from eating mushrooms.
• Teach your dog the command “leave it” to prevent accidental ingestion of mushrooms. 
• Don't compost wild mushrooms, as this can spread spores.

Final Verdict: Are Mushrooms Safe for Your Dog?

We return to our first queries at the conclusion of this blog: can dogs eat mushrooms? Are mushrooms bad for dogs? Store-bought mushrooms aren't a concern as long as they are cooked properly and eaten in small quantities, but wild mushrooms are a whole other matter.

All Australian dog owners should follow the basic rule, "When in doubt, leave it out." Be cautious at all times for mushrooms poisonous to dogs and contact your veterinarian right away.

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