Mushrooms are a complicated thing. It can be good and bad for the dogs. Isn’t it the same case even for us humans? So when does it become okay and when is it best to just stay away? Let us finally draw the line.
Mushroom 101
Mushrooms, or toadstools, are a type of fungus that are neither animals or plants. It grows on the base of trees and some are found on decomposing woods. There are about 10,000 mushrooms recorded and only about 100 of them are considered poisonous.
For both humans and dogs alike, mushrooms are poisonous even when consumed at a small portion. How to identify if a mushroom is poisonous? Our best advice: don’t. Leave that job to the mycologists, or fungi expert.
There are basically four types of toxic mushrooms.
- Poisonous Mushrooms causing Gastrointestinal Distress effects
○ Boletus
○ Chlorophyllum
○ Entolomo - False Morel Mushrooms
○ Gyromitra caroliniana
○ Gyromitra esculenta (Beefsteak)
○ Mushrooms in the Helvella genre
○ Mushrooms in the Verpa genre - Liver Toxic Mushrooms
○ Amanita phalloides (Death Cap Mushroom)
○ Amanita ocreata (Angel of Death)
○ Galerina
○ Lepiota (False Parasol) - Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
○ Conocybe
○ Gymnopilus
○ Panaeolus
○ Psilocybe - Poisonous Mushrooms with Muscarinic Agents
○ Clitocybe
○ Inocybe - Toadstool type Mushrooms
○ Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
○ Amanita pantherina (Panther Cap)
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
The answer is yes and no.
- Yes, if it is the same mushrooms humans consume
Yes, they can eat it if it is the non-toxic type we humans usually buy in the grocery or cultivate in our backyard as part of our meals.
According to Dr. Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC mushrooms sold in groceries are usually safe for dogs.
Fresh and dried mushrooms are the best option, of course. Especially those that are organic. It contains more beneficial nutrients than those canned or preserved.
Cultivated mushrooms are also good for dogs to eat.
- NEVER, if from the wild or unknown
No, if obviously, it is toxic and usually those are wild mushrooms that grow in the park or woods. Wild mushrooms are definitely a no-no. Unknown mushrooms are best to be ignored.
Again when in doubt, and if you are not an expert in mushrooms, never attempt to identify it. Veterinarians have warned against it. It is for your dog’s best interest.
What Kinds of Mushrooms Are Safe For Dogs?
Our favorite mushrooms are also the ones we can feed our dogs. Here are some on the list:
- Shiitake mushrooms- Considered one of the world’s healthiest types and a symbol of longevity in Asia, especially in Japan, Shiitake mushrooms are rich in protein, zinc, copper and folate. It is also packed with other vitamins and minerals such as selenium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5.
- Maitake mushrooms- For almost 3,000 years both the Japanese and the Chinese people have been using this mushroom for their healing properties. It can boost a dog’s immune system and suppress tumors because of its anti-cancer properties.
- Reishi mushrooms- Also called “Grass of Heaven”, this mushroom is used as a tonic to alleviate allergic symptoms, increase energy, support cardiovascular health, improve canine digestion and regulate the immune system.
- Button mushrooms- This commonly cultivated mushroom is rich in B vitamins, selenium, copper, potassium and phosphorus. Other varieties it produces are also Crimini and Portobello.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Generally speaking, edible mushrooms are packed in energizing nutrients including B vitamins specifically Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Pantothenic acid (B3) and Vitamin B6. It is also rich in minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, copper and potassium.
Some of the health benefits of mushrooms for the dogs are:
- Aids in preventing fatty liver
- Boosts immune system
- Boosts weight loss
- Help prevent viral infections
- Improves nutrition
- Lowers cholesterol
- Prevents and battle cancer
- Prevents heart disease
- Reduces blood pressure
- Stabilizes blood sugar and metabolism
- Supports liver and kidney function
A word of caution though: while we want our dogs to eat lots of healthy food, it should be served moderately as everything that is too much is also bad.
Cooked or Uncooked: Which is Best For Dogs?
Now we know that dogs can eat mushrooms that are also safe for us to eat whether canned or fresh. Remember though never to feed them uncooked mushrooms. Yes, you need to cook it.
A dog’s body does not create the enzymes needed to break down and digest the sugars and fibers in the mushroom. Dogs are prone to bad tummy and indigestion when we feed it to them off the bat. Do them a favor by cooking it.
Incorporating Mushroom In The Dog’s Diet
Make sure to introduce mushrooms in the dog’s diet gradually, just like with any new food. Pups who are past its weaning period and already eating solid food can also eat mushrooms in bits and pieces.
How do you introduce mushrooms in a dog’s diet? Incorporate it as part of their meal or serve separately, dogs will love any. Best also to serve it plainly cooked without any frills.
As we humans almost never eat plain mushrooms, we tend to smother it with delicious sauces, oils and seasoning. All these are harmful to our pets including garlic and onions. Spare them from these. The simpler, the better.
When they do eat mushrooms or any new healthy food for that matter, make sure to praise them for a job well done. It doesn’t matter if they only eat a little. Let them know that it is appreciated and it will go a long way.
While some dogs can eat mushrooms, some are also allergic to it. Spot allergic reaction with the following signs:
- Vomiting especially immediately after eating
- Excessive gas
- Skin problems
There are rare cases where dogs exhibit severe reactions to it. Be on the lookout for the following to ensure their health is not compromised:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hives
- Increased heart rate
- Swelling of the face or neck
How Can We Prevent Dogs From Toxic Mushrooms?
Dogs are inquisitive and they experience the world through their smell. Unfortunately, some mushrooms really pique their curiosity because of its smell and texture. Some varieties of mushrooms, including Amanita phalloides (death cap) and Inocybe have fishy smells and that explains why many dogs fall into the trap.
Nobody wants their dog to be poisoned! Here are a few precautions to take to prevent them from eating poisonous mushrooms:
- Even in the yard, mushrooms thrive and they grow fast! Allot time to weed the yard out of mushrooms.
- When strolling at the park or hiking, do not leave them unattended. Better if they are on leash. Especially avoid damp, warm and wooded areas where mushrooms proliferate.
- If your dog also tends to scavenge, consider using a basket muzzle.
- Teach them essential commands like “drop it!” or “leave it”! It could literally save their lives. Consider training them to follow these as soon as possible.
How To Spot If They Are Poisoned?
Wild mushrooms are dangerous. It can damage the dog’s liver and kidneys. It can also leave serious neurological and digestive consequences. Worse, it can lead to death.
Symptoms of poisoning depend on the kind of mushroom induced but here are some signs to be aware of:
- Abdominal pain
- Ataxia (staggering gait)
- Diarrhea
- Hyperthermia/ increased body temperature
- Increased urination
- Jaundice (Skin turning yellow)
- Ptyalism or Excessive drooling
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes/ Abnormal Eye Movement
- Weakness/ Lethargy
- Seizure
- Coma
The last two symptoms mean that the dog is near death because of the level of toxins induced.
What To Do When They Induce Toxic Mushrooms?
We hope you will never be in such a scary situation. But being alert can spell life and death. Here are two things to do immediately:
- Seek Medical Attention
Veterinarians believe that mushroom poisoning is an under-reported cause of death in pets. Seeking medical attention immediately is important. Contact your veterinarian, animal poison control center or emergency veterinary hospital right away.
Dr. Heather Loenser, Senior Veterinary Officer with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) explained that it usually takes between 15 minutes and 6 to 12 hours for the dog to start showing signs of toxicity. Even if the dog is also showing no signs yet, it is still better to bring it to the vet right away.
The sooner the dog is confined, the sooner vets can decontaminate and treat the dog. Veterinarians usually use activated charcoal to bind the poison. Additional treatment might include IV fluids, blood work monitoring for two days, prescription of liver protectant drugs, anti-vomiting medication and supportive care.
Do not wait for clinical signs to develop as it is usually too late already. Act fast!
- Get a Sample
It is better if there is a sample of the mushroom available. Wrap it in a damp paper towel stored in a paper bag, instead of putting it in a plastic bag. It will help veterinarians determine the best course of medical action to treat away the toxin.
Conclusion
We love our pets and we only want the best for them. Sometimes though we forget that they are unlike us humans. What is bad for us is likely bad for them. But it doesn’t mean that what we can eat safely, their little organs can handle (hello sauces, seasoning and salty foods). Not just for the case of mushrooms, but in anything, always research first or seek vet’s expertise when feeding furballs.
Best of all, give them 100% love and attention and they will surely give it back a thousandfold.
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