Autumnal hazards

The recent weather change means that Autumn is really setting in. Wild mushrooms will be popping up in our favourite woodland spots and even in the garden. As dog owners it is important to ensure we are aware of any possible hazards.

Although most mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat. There are many wild mushrooms which are poisonous. It can be difficult to recognise different species of mushrooms, even the experts find it difficult! Therefore it is best to discourage your dog from eating any mushrooms out of walks.

Sometimes despite our best efforts, our dogs still manage to ingest things we don’t want them to. Symptoms vary, depending on the species of mushroom ingested. Mushroom toxicity is split in to 4 different categories.

Category A – these mushrooms are most toxic. Destroying cells within the body. This can lead to kidney and liver failure

Category B and C – mushrooms in these categories affect the nervous system. They can cause tremors and seizures

Category D – Ingestion of mushrooms from this category can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Rarely is this life threatening.

Most common symptoms

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Jaundice

• Abdominal pain

• Seizures

• Excessive drooling

• Coma

If you suspect your dog has ingested any type of mushroom. Our advice would be to contact a local vet practice, mushroom toxicity should be regarded as an emergency, in some cases it could be fatal to your dog.

Try to find a sample of the mushroom to take with you, or take a picture. This can help with identifying the level of risk.

There are several steps the vets will follow. This may include inducing vomiting, taking bloods and close monitoring. It can be difficult to determine which mushroom has been ingested and the level of toxicity to be expected, therefore, time is a huge factor to consider.