Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs & Cats 2025: Symptoms, Toxic Types & Vet Advice 🍄🐾
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Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs & Cats 2025: Symptoms, Toxic Types & Vet Advice 🍄🐾
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025
Mushroom season is no treat for pet parents. While grocery store mushrooms are safe, many wild mushrooms can be toxic—even deadly—to dogs and cats. 🍄 Learn the signs, common toxic species, and what to do if your furry friend takes a bite.
⚠️ Are Mushrooms Dangerous for Pets?
Yes. Dogs and cats cannot tell the difference between safe and toxic mushrooms. Many toxic species grow in backyards, parks, and hiking trails year-round 🌦️, especially in moist spring and fall conditions.
Dogs are most frequently poisoned because of their curious nature 🐶. Cats can also be affected, particularly by indoor mushrooms or dried recreational varieties.
🧪 How Mushrooms Harm Pets
Some mushrooms cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Others contain neurotoxins, liver toxins, or kidney toxins that lead to seizures, organ failure, or death. In some cases, the most toxic mushrooms show only mild early signs before rapid deterioration.
📸 Recognizing Mushroom Ingestion
- 🍽️ Chewing something unknown outside
- 🌿 Mushroom bits around lips or in vomit
- 📷 Mushrooms growing in backyard or hike area
If you find a mushroom with a bite taken out—assume ingestion and call your vet!
💉 Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning
Symptoms vary depending on the mushroom species and toxin type:
- 🤮 Vomiting & diarrhea (may include mushroom chunks)
- 🥱 Lethargy or collapse
- 🫁 Drooling, breathing issues
- 🧠 Seizures, tremors, disorientation
- 🟡 Yellow skin or eyes (liver failure)
- 💧 Increased thirst, urination (kidney involvement)
🚑 What to Do if Your Pet Eats a Mushroom
Step 1: Try to stop chewing only if it’s safe. Don’t reach into their mouth if you risk being bitten.
Step 2: Collect the mushroom for identification (wear gloves, place in wax paper or bag).
Step 3: Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately.
Step 4: Follow their directions and get your pet to a vet ASAP. Even a small amount can be fatal.
🧠 Common Toxic Mushroom Types
- Amanita phalloides ("death cap") – severe liver failure
- Psilocybe species ("magic mushrooms") – hallucinations, tremors
- Galerina and Lepiota – GI upset, liver failure
- Inocybe/Clitocybe – muscarinic effects: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
- Gyromitra ("false morels") – liver and neurotoxicity
📊 Chart: Toxins, Mushrooms & Symptoms
| Toxin | Mushroom Type | Signs & Onset | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclic Peptides | Death cap (Amanita phalloides) | Severe liver failure (10-12 hrs delay) | Often fatal |
| Muscarine | Inocybe, Clitocybe | Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling (15 mins–2 hrs) | Good with prompt treatment |
| Psilocybin | Magic mushrooms | Hallucinations, disorientation (20–60 mins) | Good, symptoms often resolve in 6–24 hrs |
| Isoxazole | Amanita muscaria | Vomiting, tremors, seizures | Good with supportive care |
| Orellanine | Cortinarius spp. | Kidney failure, delayed onset (3–14 days) | Guarded |
🧬 How Is Mushroom Toxicity Diagnosed?
If your vet cannot identify the mushroom, they’ll treat based on suspicion. Diagnosis may include:
- 🩺 Examining vomit or feces for spores
- 📷 Photos or mushroom samples for mycologists
- 🧪 Blood work (liver, kidney markers)
💊 Treatment & Emergency Care
- 🤢 Induce vomiting (only if recent)
- 🟤 Activated charcoal to bind toxins
- 💉 IV fluids to protect organs
- 🧴 Liver protectants or antitoxin-specific drugs
- 🏥 Hospital monitoring & symptom management
⏱️ Prognosis
Prognosis depends on mushroom species, dose, pet health, and speed of treatment. Mild cases often recover fully. Deadly mushrooms require intensive care and may be fatal without it.
🚫 Prevention Tips
- 🚷 Check your yard daily for mushrooms & remove them
- 🦮 Keep dogs on leash in parks and trails
- 🧼 Store recreational mushrooms securely out of pet reach
- 🔍 Know what grows locally and stay educated
📞 Poison Control & Emergency Contacts
- ☎️ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 (24/7)
- 📱 Download the Ask A Vet App for fast access to veterinary help and poison support
🐾 Final Word
Every mushroom counts—whether wild, decorative, or recreational. When in doubt, toss it out and protect your pet. Quick action can save lives 🍄❤️.
Stay vigilant. Stay informed. Stay safe.
