Six most common poisonous mushrooms as dog owners warned during season ‘peak’

DOG owners on the Forest are being warned to keep a close eye on their pets during “peak” poisonous mushroom season.

Dog experts at Kennel Store said: “Wild mushrooms are extremely common in autumn and are often found in parks, woods and even your own garden.

“But some wild mushrooms can be toxic to dogs to pets and can grow rapidly overnight in mild, wet weather and can be hard to avoid.

“September to November is peak mushroom season, and while they are nice to see on a winter walk, they are incredibly dangerous and in some cases fatal to dogs.”

Common symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs include vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive salivation and drooling, wobbling and a loss of balance, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin and gums, seizures, loss of motor control, collapse, liver or kidney failure, and coma.

If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Take a picture, or if possible, a sample of the mushroom that was eaten.

You may not see your dog eat a mushroom, but if you notice neurological signs, agitation, vocalisation, or odd behaviours following a walk, take your dog to the vets.

The most common poisonous mushrooms in the UK include fly agaric, death cap, deadly webcap, funeral bell, destroying angel, fool’s funnel, panther cap and angel’s wings.