A dog expert is urging owners to ‘go straight to the vet’ if they stop any of these signs after a walk.
Dog owners are being urged to look out for signs and remain vigilant on walks this November as dangerous fungi are poisoning our beloved pooches.
While autumn can be a lovely time to go out on walks in the UK, with its picturesque scenaries and golden colours, it can also be a dangerous time for our canine companions as mushrooms take over woodland walks.
November is a prime time for dangerous wild fungi to grow, resulting in a spike of mushroom poisoning cases in dogs, which can be fatal if left unnoticed.
Due to the weather taking a colder and wetter turn as the seasons change, the damp conditions can create the ideal breeding ground for mushrooms to grow in parks, gardens and woodland areas, reports the Express.
Sadly even the smallest nibble of the wrong fungi can lead to serious illnesses in your furry pals, with some cases proving fatal.
On top of this, if dog owners aren’t able to catch the symptoms early, they could end up facing hefty veterinary bills between £800 and £3,000 in emergency situations.
Michael Nelson, canine expert at outdoor dog kennel distributor Kennel Store, explained: “Every year, vets see a spike in mushroom poisonings around November.
“The combination of wet ground and mild temperatures causes fungi to flourish almost overnight. Even experienced foragers can’t always tell safe and toxic species apart, so the only safe approach is to treat all wild mushrooms as dangerous.”
If your dog consumes a poisonous mushroom, they can fall critically ill in a matter of hours. While some symptoms can take a few days to manifest, in extreme cases the fungi can cause liver failure or death if medical attention isn’t swiftly given.
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
For those unsure of what to look out for, here are the signs that your dog may have been poisoned while out on a walk:
Vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive droolingAbdominal pain or collapseSeizures or confusionJaundice or yellowing of the eyes and gums
Michael cautioned: “If you suspect your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, contact your vet immediately, don’t wait for symptoms to develop. Quick action can be the difference between recovery and tragedy. If it’s safe, take a photo or sample of the mushroom to help with diagnosis.”
To try and keep your furry pal safe while out on a walk, it is recommended that owners keep their dog on a lead while in wooded or grassy areas where mushrooms are prevalent.
Additionally, owners are urged to stay vigilant in parks, and even in their own garden, as fungi can quickly breed and sprout overnight following rainfall.
It is also a good idea to do a quick sweep of your own garden and remove any mushrooms as soon as you notice them before letting our canine out to do their business.
Alternatively, for dogs that have a tendency to explore and scavenge while out on walks, owners may want to consider using a muzzle.
Michael added: “With the financial and emotional toll of mushroom poisoning cases rising every November, a few moments of vigilance could save your dog’s life and save you a hefty vet bill.”
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