Many people think mushrooms are a good treat for dogs because they are high in protein. However, we’ve all heard stories of certain varieties of mushrooms that can be toxic or poisonous for us. Oftentimes, people wonder if the same types of mushrooms that some humans eat on a daily-basis are also safe for dogs. Or if mushrooms are similar to garlic and onions, and should never be given to dogs. If you’re curious and think your dog would enjoy having a mushroom on occasion, read on to learn more about which type of mushrooms you can feed your pet and which you should avoid.
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Are Mushrooms Bad For Dogs?
How many times have you been told to never pick and eat wild mushrooms unless you know for certain that they are okay to consume? While many wild mushrooms are not poisonous, there are plenty that are. If you don’t know one from the other, it’s best to avoid eating them yourself or feeding them to your pup. Some poisonous mushrooms include:
- Death Cap (Amanita Phalloides)
- Deadly Galerina (Galerina Autumnalis or Galerina Marginata)
- Jeweled Death Cap (Amanita Gemmata)
- Fly or Deadly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria)
- False Morel (Gyromitra spp)
- Inocybe spp. And Clitocybe Dealbata Mushrooms
While it’s never a good idea to feed your dog wild mushrooms, most store-bought mushrooms are harmless for your pet. However, if you’re wary or unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding your pup mushrooms. Accidentally feeding your dog the wrong type of mushroom can be lethal.
What if Your Dog Eats Wild Mushrooms?
If you plan to feed your dog commercially grown mushrooms, make sure that they’re not cooked with butter, seasonings, or oils. Raw mushrooms are fine to feed your dog occasionally, however, it’s another story if your dog eats wild mushrooms. If you think that your dog has ingested wild mushrooms, be watchful for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
- Muscle weakness
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pains
- Staggering
If you think your dog has ingested wild mushrooms, take him to the vet right away so they can start the right treatment immediately (even if they don’t exhibit the above symptoms).
Veterinary Treatment for Wild Mushroom Poisoning
The type of treatment for mushroom poisoning is dependent on three factors:
- The type of mushrooms your dog has eaten
- The symptoms your dog is experiencing
- Tow recently your dog ate the mushrooms
It’s vital for the vet to know what type of mushroom your dog has eaten. If you can, take a sample of the mushroom with you to the vet so it can be analyzed. The more the vet knows, the better able they will be to treat your animal. This sort of treatment can include inducing vomiting and giving your dog drugs that can counteract the effects of the poison. In extreme poisoning cases, your dog may become comatose. If this happens, treatment can also include constant monitoring until your dog wakes up.
No, Dogs Should Not Eat Mushrooms
Even if your dog looks up at you with those big, beautiful eyes begging you for a bite of your mushroom pizza, keep strong and don’t give in. While most commercially grown mushrooms are okay for your dog to eat, they can be a risky treat. In addition, mushrooms have little nutritional value for dogs so the risk clearly outweighs any perceived benefits.