Bend vets see uptick in dog mushroom poisoning

Bend veterinarians are warning pet owners to be on the outlook for mushrooms following a recent spike in dogs coming down with toxicity illnesses.

The Bend Emergency Animal Center told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday that 15 dogs have been diagnosed with mushroom poisoning in just the last few days. Employees told KTVZ the rates are unusual and alarming.

“It’s huge,” clinic Manager Vicky Rubstein said. “We usually get some (mushroom toxicity cases) every spring, but lately it’s a big problem.”

Several visitors using the dog park at Riverbend Park told NewsChannel 21 they haven’t really given mushrooms much thought.

“I’m sure there’s mushrooms out there, we just don’t think about it,” Bend dog owner Michelle Mayo said.

Bend resident Connor Sawyer said his puppy, Apollo, will try to eat just about everything.

“We don’t know anything about mushrooms.” Sawyer said. “We don’t know what’s poisonous or dangerous.”

Bend Veterinary Clinic Veterinarian Dr. Lauren Stayer said her practice recently treated a puppy for suspected mushroom toxicity.

“I would definitely say we’re seeing more this year and hearing about it more,” she said.

If you suspect your dog has eaten mushrooms, veterinarians say seek medical care immediately.

Common symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic behavior, tremors and balance problems.

Left untreated, dogs can experience liver or kidney problems and in some rare cases, death.

Stayer said it’s difficult for veterinarians and most people to know the difference between what mushrooms are safe or dangerous.

“So many mushrooms look so similar,” Stayer said. “They’re not all poisonous, but it’s better to pull those mushrooms — remove them from the dog’s environment — just to be on the safe side.”

Sawyer said he’ll now be checking his yard.

“We’ll keep him on a leash and really keep him away from all the mushrooms,” Sawyer said. “We’re concerned about it. It seems like they’re (mushrooms) are popping up everywhere.”

Stayer said although her clinic typically sees more mushroom toxicity in the fall, the increase in poisoning cases are likely tied to more mushrooms sprouting up this spring. She said a mild weather with less freezing coupled with recent rains are more conducive to fugal growth.

The Animal Emergency Center said in a release that all wild mushrooms are potentially toxic for animals. However, Amanita pantherina mushrooms are known to be extremely toxic. These mushrooms have brownish or yellowish caps that are often covered in white warts. It is commonly called the Pacific Northwest mushroom.

Pet owners are encouraged to keep the grass on their property short and frequently inspect for fugal growth. Weed out mushrooms that you see and dispose of them in a garbage can. Mushrooms thrive in wet environments, and over-watering your lawn could lead to mushroom growth.