Can dogs eat mushrooms?

Can dogs eat mushrooms? No, dogs should not eat mushrooms. Mushrooms are complicated and which means it’s better to advise not to allow your dog to eat them.

Wild mushrooms can be deadly, while mushrooms sold in large and chain grocery stores are generally safe for dogs to eat. But feeding dog mushrooms from the store might interest them in other mushrooms and that could be deadly.

Wild mushrooms can be deadly for dogs. Part of the issue is that even though only 50-100 of 50,000 mushroom species are toxic. And those toxic mushrooms can be deadly. Mushrooms from the grocery store that you cook for dinner might be okay but might not be worth the risk.

If you are outdoors and your dog eats a wild mushroom you should contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Don’t be fooled into believing that your dog will not eat something toxic. Those mushrooms that are toxic don’t have a specific toxic scent–some have scents that might be pleasant to your dog.

Common symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Salivation
Weakness
Lethargy
Ataxia (staggering gait)
Coma
Seizures
Liver failure
Jaundice
Abdominal pain
Death

The toxic effects of mushrooms can also depend on any underlying condition your dog may have, or on a combination of ingested substances.

If your dog eats a wild mushroom make sure to get a sample and bring it to your veterinarian.