Are Mushrooms Poisonous to Dogs?
Various (e.g. Amanita phalloides, Galerina, Lepiota spp.) · Multiple fungal families (e.g. Amanitaceae)
Highly ToxicAlso toxic to cats
Mushrooms are highly toxic to dogs.
Why it's toxic
The toxic compounds in mushrooms:
- Amanitins (amatoxins) — hepatotoxic cyclopeptides in Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota species
- Muscarine and other muscarinic alkaloids
- Hydrazines (e.g. gyromitrin)
- Isoxazoles (ibotenic acid, muscimol)
- Psilocybin / psilocin (hallucinogenic mushrooms)
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog ate mushrooms, watch for:
- Vomiting and diarrhea (gastrointestinal; onset 15 minutes to 6 hours)
- Weakness and dehydration
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Ataxia / incoordination, tremors, and seizures
- Visual disturbances, disorientation, agitation, aggression, hallucinations
- Drooling (hypersalivation)
- Elevated body temperature
- Jaundice, lethargy, and coma with progression to liver failure (delayed 6–24 hours)
- Black-tarry stools and increased liver enzymes
- Anorexia, inappropriate thirst/urination, and kidney failure (delayed 12 hours to 1 week)
- Death in severe poisonings, sometimes within days
What to do if your dog ate it
- 1Remove your dog's access to the mushrooms and check how much may have been eaten.
- 2Do NOT induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert specifically tells you to.
- 3Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 right away.
- 4Note the amount eaten, the time, and your dog's weight and any symptoms — have this ready for the expert.
- 5Follow professional guidance and go to the nearest emergency vet if you are advised to.
A consultation fee may apply to the Pet Poison Helpline. When in doubt, contact your own veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic.
Frequently asked questions
- Are store-bought mushrooms safe for my dog to eat?
- Plain, washed culinary mushrooms sold for humans (button, cremini, portobello) are generally not toxic to dogs in small amounts. The danger is wild mushrooms, and also any mushroom cooked with butter, oil, salt, garlic, or onions. If you offer mushrooms at all, give only plain cooked store-bought ones in moderation.
- My dog ate a wild mushroom from the yard — how serious is it?
- Treat it as an emergency. Veterinary toxicologists say all mushroom ingestions should be considered toxic unless an expert can quickly identify the species as safe. Deadly species like Amanita can cause liver and kidney failure, and a single mushroom may contain a lethal dose. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately, and bring a sample or photo of the mushroom if possible.
- What symptoms should I watch for if my dog ate a mushroom?
- Signs vary by species and can be deceptively delayed. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, wobbliness (ataxia), tremors, seizures, disorientation, and yellowing of the gums or eyes (jaundice). Some toxins act within 15–30 minutes, while liver- and kidney-damaging types may not show signs for 6–24 hours or longer — so do not wait for symptoms before seeking help.
Sources
Last updated 2026-06-25
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This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Toxicity can vary with the amount eaten, your dog's size, and individual sensitivity. If you suspect poisoning, contact a veterinarian or poison-control hotline immediately.