Some dogs like to nibble on the mushrooms. Depending on the type of mushroom, it can lead to massive symptoms of poisoning with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas build-up in the gastrointestinal tract, neurological symptoms. In the worst case, circulatory failure and death. The smaller the dog, the lower the levels of fungus can have serious consequences.
If you suspect that your dog has been eating mushrooms in the forest or garden, see a veterinarian immediately. If possible, take the fungus with you so that it can be identified. Under no circumstances should you wait for the dog to show symptoms because some of the active ingredients have already reached the bloodstream and cannot be removed. The safest measure after ingestion of a poisonous mushroom is to inject an agent under veterinary supervision that reliably induces vomiting. For example, if it is already too late for this, because the dog is already showing massive symptoms, intensive medical care and possibly gastric lavage are indicated.
Important: Remove mushrooms that you cannot clearly identify as non-toxic from the garden and carefully supervise your dogs outside or use a muzzle for very eager dogs.
Dog suffers from mushroom poisoning
Mushroom poisoning in dogs can result in death, so dog owners must find out which mushrooms are poisonous to their dogs. These mushrooms can not only grow in the forest and on the meadow. Your own garden could also have these mushrooms and should be removed immediately. The poisonous mushrooms include fly agaric, death cap mushroom, Satan’s boletus, Lorchel, Häublinge, panther mushroom, crack mushroom, and Rötlinge. If you are not sure whether the fungus is poisonous to your dog, you should remove it from the garden immediately.
How do I recognize mushroom poisoning in dogs?
Dogs suffer from stomach pain and bloated stomachs as a result of mushroom poisoning. There is also diarrhea and vomiting. Palpitations, faintness attacks, and excessive salivation can also indicate fungal poisoning in dogs. If the dog is trembling badly, appears uncoordinated and apathetic, and gets convulsions, you should go to the vet as soon as possible. In the best case scenario, you will have the poisonous fungus with you so that the vet can start the appropriate treatment immediately. However, the doctor can also determine what type of mushroom poisoning it is based on the contents of the stomach.
What can you do?
As with all poisoning, it helps to have charcoal pills at home and give them to your dog right away. The activated charcoal binds toxins in the stomach and intestines and prevents them from entering the bloodstream or being absorbed through the mucous membranes. It is difficult to make your four-legged friend vomit yourself, but the vet can quickly trigger this and thus reduce the risk. Many fungi cause severe liver or kidney damage in dogs, which can only become noticeable much later. Therefore, it is important that blood tests are carried out every several days and that the vet keeps a close eye on the values. The dog is treated with medication and, if necessary, with infusions, and in most cases, healing occurs thanks to quick help.