Danger – Mushrooms Can Be Deadly

I am writing this not to panic you, but to make you aware of a potentially deadly problem in your yards. This is the time of year when mushrooms will start popping up, and most will not cause a problem. However, I have seen two dogs die in the past two years after coming in contact with mushrooms from the Amanita family. Only a few in this family are toxic, but the ones that are will cause rapid liver failure and death. The dog does not have to ingest the mushroom, only come in contact with it and then lick it’s paws.

My suggestion is to remove any mushrooms in your yard as often as you can to avoid any problem. Two dogs in two years is not an epidemic, but my hope is not to see any more pets die from this. Please wear gloves when dealing with the mushrooms and wash your hands well, as these are toxic to humans as well.

The Internet has a wealth of information on this at http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/amanita/amanita.html.

Kim Morey, DVM
Woodland Trails Animal Hospital