Dog Ate Mushroom & Vomiting? Poisonous Types & Emergency

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If your dog ate a mushroom and is now vomiting, seek immediate veterinary attention. Mushroom toxicity in dogs can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe organ damage and even death. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve; prompt treatment is crucial.

Why is Mushroom Ingestion an Emergency?

Identifying the specific mushroom is incredibly important, but often impossible. Many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to non-toxic varieties. The toxins present in poisonous mushrooms affect dogs differently based on the species of mushroom, the amount ingested, and the dog’s size and overall health. Vomiting is a common initial sign of mushroom poisoning, but it’s only the beginning.

Common Poisonous Mushroom Types

While there are thousands of mushroom species, certain types are particularly dangerous to dogs:

Amanita species (e.g., Death Cap, Destroying Angel): These are among the most deadly. They contain amatoxins, which cause severe liver and kidney damage. Signs may not appear for 6-24 hours after ingestion but progress rapidly.
Galerina species: Similar to Amanita, these also contain amatoxins and cause liver damage.
Lepiota species: Some species in this genus contain amatoxins.
Gyromitra species (False Morel): These contain gyromitrin, which is converted to a toxic compound that damages the liver and nervous system.
Inocybe and Clitocybe species: These contain muscarine, which affects the nervous system and can cause SLUDGE signs (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastrointestinal upset, Emesis).

Symptoms Beyond Vomiting

Besides vomiting, other signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs include:

Diarrhea
Weakness
Loss of coordination (ataxia)
Tremors
Seizures
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal pain
Coma

The type and severity of symptoms depend on the specific toxins ingested.

What to Do in an Emergency

Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
Provide as much information as possible. This includes:
- Your dog’s breed, age, weight, and any known health conditions.
- When you think your dog ate the mushroom.
- The amount of mushroom ingested (if known).
- A description of the mushroom (color, size, shape, location where it was found). Even better, if possible, carefully collect a sample of the mushroom (wear gloves!) for identification.
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions. They may advise you to induce vomiting at home (only if instructed – never induce vomiting without veterinary guidance). They may also recommend bringing your dog to the clinic for examination, blood tests, and treatment.

Veterinary Treatment

Treatment for mushroom poisoning varies depending on the type of toxin and the severity of the dog’s condition. Common treatments include:

Inducing vomiting (if appropriate).
Administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins.
Providing intravenous fluids to support kidney function and prevent dehydration.
Administering medications to protect the liver and control symptoms.
Monitoring blood work to assess organ function.

Early and aggressive treatment is critical for a positive outcome. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you suspect your dog has ingested a mushroom. Prevention, such as removing mushrooms from your yard and supervising your dog during outdoor activities, is also essential.