Dogs are curious & may scavenge in their yard, especially puppies. Likewise, some cats may eat things in the yard, including mushrooms. Inspect yards often, removing any mushrooms. Wild mushrooms grow in spring & autumn but may grow in summer when rainfall is paired with warmth & sunshine. Wild mushrooms grow anywhere, from garden lawns to woodlands when conditions are right.

Pet mushroom poisonings can range from serious illness to fatal. All parts of toxic mushrooms are poisonous. If you find mushrooms in your yard, dispose of them in a bin using gloves.  

If you suspect a pet has eaten mushrooms, advise your veterinarian immediately. They may induce vomiting if safe to do so. Your pet may need to attend an Emergency Centre if poisoning is advanced. IV Fluids & intensive treatment may be needed to prevent organ damage & failure. If possible, take a sample of mushroom type in a paper towel, sealed in a plastic bag, to aid treatment.  

Signs of mushroom poisoning 

Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, restlessness, whining, pacing, excessive drinking/thirst. Serious cases show difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, inability to walk/stand, weakness, seizures, coma, organ failure (liver/kidney), & if left untreated, death.

Treatment depends on when your dog ate mushrooms. If recent, they’ll be induced to vomit if safe to do so. If longer (some mushroom poisoning symptoms are delayed) they may need intensive emergency hospitalization. Knowledge of mushroom types is ideal as different types affect in different ways.

Avoiding mushroom poisoning

- Consider ALL mushrooms growing wild as toxic

- Only feed dogs commercial store-bought mushrooms. Dogs DON’T need mushrooms for nutrition. High-quality pet foods will ensure a balanced diet.

- Check lawns where pets wander unmonitored

- Throw out mushrooms found in yard

- Don’t let dogs off-leash in woodland areas, avoid walking pets where mushrooms grow.

NB

Foraged mushrooms safe for humans can be toxic to pets.

Store-mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions (hives, itching, difficulty breathing) in pets.

A useful App ‘Mushroom Identifier’ helps identify mushrooms.

 © Mittagong Vet 2025