My dog ate poisonous mushrooms: what should I do?
Whether or not you have a garden of your own, poisonous plants can end up within your pet’s reach. But what happens when dogs eat mushrooms? What are the symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs?
Poisonous mushrooms that grow in the wild can be very hard to identify, and they can be very dangerous for dogs. While some poisonous mushrooms have clear warning signs, others look harmless and resemble the mushrooms you can buy in the supermarket. As a dog owner, keep a close eye out for the following symptoms.
Dog ate mushrooms: what happens next?
When dogs eat mushrooms, these are some of the more common symptoms of mushroom poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Bleeding
- Yellowing of the skin
- Uncoordinated movements
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive drooling
- Seizures
- Coma
Although the symptoms can vary depending on which mushroom your pet actually ate, how much and how big the dog is, you should always act quickly. Similar symptoms can also be caused by various foods that are toxic to pets.
If your dog has been poisoned, contact a vet immediately: there is no real home treatment for eating poisonous mushrooms. If there are any mushrooms left, take them with you so they can be identified.
Even if your dog doesn’t seem to have any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to visit your vet. At the very least you’ll find out what kind of mushroom your dog ate.
These mushrooms can poison your pet
Diagnosing mushroom poisoning in dogs
When you take your dog to the vet, it is important that you are ready to answer the following questions:
- When did your dog eat the mushroom? At what time?
- How much did your dog eat?
- Can you describe the mushroom?
- Is your dog showing any symptoms?
Knowing the symptoms of poisoning and getting the right treatment quickly can save your dog’s life.
Treatment for a poisoned dog depends on the poison involved and the symptoms. In some cases the vet will make your pet vomit or give it an antidote. Never try to make your dog vomit at home yourself, for example with salt water: this can be dangerous. Always leave that decision to the vet.
Source: Tractive Blog