Mushrooms can be toxic to dogs and cause serious or even life-threatening illness. It is important to keep your dog away from mushrooms, especially wild mushrooms, as it can be difficult to identify which ones are toxic. Here are some mushrooms that are toxic to dogs:

• Liver-Toxic Mushrooms: These mushrooms contain hepatotoxic cyclopeptides, such as amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins, and can cause serious harm to your dog if ingested. Examples include Amanita phalloides (Death Cap Mushroom), Amanita ocreata (Angel of Death), Lepiota (False Parasol), and Galerina.

• Gastrointestinal Toxins: Many mushroom varieties can cause upset stomach, and pets may become ill within 15 minutes of nibbling on these mushrooms or symptoms may be delayed for up to 6 hours. The muscarinic mushroom is a noted variety that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Pets may become weak and dehydrated. Out-patient treatment may suffice, but hospitalization is often required to stop vomiting and diarrhea and restore fluid balance.

• Nephrotoxic: Mushrooms in this category affect the kidneys, and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Fortunately, these mushrooms are not as plentiful in North America, so cases of toxicity in pets are rare. When illness does occur, signs can be delayed for 12 hours up to a week or longer, so by the time treatment is sought, the damage is done.

• Hallucinogenic Mushrooms: These mushrooms cause abnormal mentation, behavioral changes, or increased vocalization when eaten by pets. Examples include Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Conocybe, and Gymnopilus spp. .

It is important to note that even store-bought mushrooms, such as portobello mushrooms, can be harmful to dogs if they are served with oils, butter, seasoning, garlic, or onions. If you suspect your dog has ingested toxic mushrooms, contact your veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital immediately.