Dogs (and outdoor cats) are curious. They might sniff, lick, or eat things they discover during walks or backyard playtime.
Garden mushrooms thrive in moist environments, making Denver’s yards, parks, and trails ideal spots for fungi growth after rainfall. Though some mushrooms are harmless, others are toxic and can cause severe poisoning. And it’s hard to know which are which, even for the most seasoned gardeners.
At Goodheart, we are dedicated to providing you with the best information to keep your pets safe and healthy.
Dr Sara Moreman, veterinarian at Goodheart Cherry Creek, has advice. Her tips will help you prevent your pet from eating them and also know what to do should they get into one of the Front Range varieties.
Is it dangerous if my dog ate a mushroom from the ground?
“The short answer is that it can be,” says Dr Moreman. “There are, of course, a lot of different kinds of mushrooms. Some of them aren’t very harmful and may only cause some gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting or diarrhea. Others can be very dangerous to dogs.”
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline (888. 426.4435) to describe the mushroom and get advice on next steps. It’s also helpful to get a photo of the mushroom they might have eaten.
How can I prevent my dog from eating a garden mushroom?
If you’re out for a walk after rainfall, watch that your leashed dog isn’t eating garden mushrooms while walking from house to house.
If you have a backyard where your dog and cat roam, check for any mushrooms after rainfall. Pluck them from the soil before sending your pet out to play. You can also put your dog on their leash for backyard playtime to better control what they’re getting into.
It’s hard to know which mushrooms are safe or toxic, even for seasoned gardeners. Assume they’re all hazardous and keep your pets away from them.
It’s best to avoid them since it’s hard to tell which ones are toxic.
What about grocery store mushrooms? Are they also toxic?
They are not toxic. Grocery store mushrooms are safe for dogs.
Goodheart loves to educate Denver about pet care. Dr Carrie Oakes at Goodheart Cherry Creek spoke with 9News about toxic-to-cats Easter Lilies and what to do if your pet eats something toxic.
If your dog sniffs a mushroom, there’s generally no cause for concern. Mushrooms are toxic only when ingested.
What about our outdoor cats? Are garden mushrooms also toxic for them?
Yes. Many of the same answers apply to cats. “It’s hard to say exactly what symptoms we might see,” says Dr Moreman. “So, if you know your cat has gotten into any mushrooms or is acting strange or sick after being outside, it’s best to call us or bring them in for a check-up.”
Pets can get into things they shouldn’t and we’re not here to judge. Life happens and we’ll support you and your pet. Visit this blog for more tips on what to do if your pet eats something toxic (chocolate, over-the-counter meds, onions, grapes, etc).
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If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, please call us or book your appointment online link to each location’s online booking page. We’re here for you 24/7 to ensure your pet’s health and happiness.