With the weather transitioning into fall and later winter, you might be noticing some new developments in your yard beyond just the changing colors of the leaves. Case in point? More mushrooms may be popping up this time of year, and if you have a dog, there may be some serious risks associated with these backyard fungi. Certain wild mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs, and some of these yard mushrooms can actually cause serious side effects if your pup eats them, such as organ failure and even death if the mushroom toxicity is not caught in time.

Before you panic, we went straight to an expert to get the facts on these fungi that tend to crop up this time of year. To learn more about toxic mushrooms and dog health, we spoke with veterinarian Dr. Liane Merritt of VEG ER for Pets in Winter Park, Florida. Below, Dr. Merritt gives us her professional advice when it comes to dealing with wild mushrooms when you’re a dog owner. From prevention strategies to signs and symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs, Dr. Merritt explains it all so you can best protect your pup.

Read on to learn more about toxic yard mushrooms and how to keep your pup safe, according to a veterinarian.

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Common Toxic Yard Mushrooms in the Fall

Fall is a prime time for mushrooms to pop up in your yard thanks to the weather changes happening this season.

“This time of year, you may notice more wild mushrooms in your yard, especially after periods of rain and cooler temperatures,” Dr. Merritt says. “Some of the most concerning mushrooms for dogs include Amanita species, also known as Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera), which can cause severe liver or neurologic toxicity and potentially death within 6 to 24 hours. Another very dangerous one is the Galerina species, which can also cause potentially fatal liver failure.”

That said, it’s usually not possible to tell if a wild mushroom is safe for your dog just by taking a quick look. Identification can be difficult even for the most seasoned experts.

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“Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble nontoxic ones,” Dr. Merritt warns. For this reason, any wild mushroom ingestion should be treated as potentially toxic, and you should call your vet right away.

Related: Why Dogs Get Ear Infections in the Fall—and What to Do About Them

Signs of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

When it comes to signs of toxic mushroom poisoning in dogs, symptoms will vary. “Potential signs depend on the mushroom encountered, and can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening organ failure,” Dr. Merritt explains.

She says some common early signs may include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Lethargy or weakness
• Incoordination or stumbling
• Tremors or seizures
• Changes in behavior or mentation

It’s very, very important to note that some of the most toxic varieties of wild mushrooms can have symptoms that have late onset (meaning they may develop later, potentially long after the mushroom has been ingested).

Even if your dog seems OK after eating a mushroom, they may later develop illness associated with the mushroom ingestion. “A dog may initially appear normal or develop mild gastrointestinal signs and then become seriously ill hours to days later as liver damage develops,” Dr. Merritt says. That’s why you shouldn’t wait for symptoms before contacting your dog’s veterinarian if you suspect your dog has eaten an unknown mushroom.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe From Wild Mushrooms

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your pup from wild mushrooms.

“The best approach is prevention,” Dr. Merritt says. “Regularly inspect your yard, especially after rain, and remove mushrooms before allowing your dog outside. Keep dogs supervised/leased when walking in wooded or grassy areas where wild mushrooms may grow, and discourage them from eating anything on the ground. If your dog does eat a mushroom, take a photograph of the mushroom and/or collect a sample for identification.”

Source:

• Dr. Liane Merritt of VEG ER for Pets in Winter Park, Florida.

Related: If Your Dog Eats an Apple, Here’s What Veterinarians Want You To Know