{"id":51191,"date":"2026-11-13T19:24:02","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T19:24:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=51191"},"modified":"2026-11-13T19:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T19:24:05","slug":"are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Lawn Mushrooms Poisonous to Dogs? What to Do If Your Dog Eats One"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u25cf <strong>Assume mushrooms are toxic:<\/strong> Dangerous mushrooms can look like harmless ones.<br>\u25cf <strong>Call for help immediately:<\/strong> Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline, even if your dog seems fine.<br>\u25cf <strong>Check your yard daily:<\/strong> Remove mushrooms before your dog goes outside, especially after rain.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are mushrooms poisonous to dogs? Some lawn mushrooms are, and most people can\u2019t tell which ones by looking. If your dog eats a wild mushroom, assume it\u2019s toxic.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control helpline immediately, even if your dog seems fine. Signs of poisoning don\u2019t always show up right away.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make your lawn less inviting to mushrooms, hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/near-me\">local lawn care professional<\/a> to reduce the moisture and shade that help them grow.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-0bd6361d-c1e5-4ccc-8260-6e6505bdc578\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:\u00a0<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#0-are-mushrooms-dangerous-for-dogs\" style=\"\">Are mushrooms dangerous for dogs?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#1-can-you-identify-toxic-mushrooms-by-looking-at-them\" style=\"\">Can you identify toxic mushrooms by looking at them?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#3-lawn-mushrooms-that-worry-vets\" style=\"\">Lawn mushrooms that worry vets<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#6-signs-your-dog-may-have-mushroom-poisoning\" style=\"\">Signs your dog may have mushroom poisoning<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#7-what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-a-mushroom\" style=\"\">What to do if your dog eats a mushroom<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#13-how-to-reduce-mushroom-risks-in-your-yard\" style=\"\">How to reduce mushroom risks in your yard<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/are-lawn-mushrooms-poisonous-to-dogs\/#18-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-are-mushrooms-dangerous-for-dogs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"are-mushrooms-dangerous-for-dogs\">Are mushrooms dangerous for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of the more than 10,000 mushroom species in North America, about 100 are toxic, according to the veterinary publication <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/preventing-mushroom-toxicosis-in-our-companion-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dvm360<\/a>. These can cause severe stomach upset, difficulty breathing, seizures, liver or kidney failure, or even death.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your dog eats a mushroom, assume it\u2019s toxic and call your veterinarian or a 24-hour helpline right away.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-can-you-identify-toxic-mushrooms-by-looking-at-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"can-you-identify-toxic-mushrooms-by-looking-at-them\">Can you identify toxic mushrooms by looking at them?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/different-wild-mushrooms.jpg\" alt=\"close-up photos of wild mushrooms and fungi in a forest, arranged in an 8 by 6 grid, showing red fly agarics, orange chanterelles, brown boletes, white puffballs, yellow coral fungi and bracket fungi on moss, logs and leaf litter.\" class=\"wp-image-51195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/different-wild-mushrooms.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/different-wild-mushrooms-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/different-wild-mushrooms-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/different-wild-mushrooms-610x408.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Collage of wild forest mushrooms in many different species, shapes and colors. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/collage-of-wild-grown-mushroom-in-foerest-with-different-species\/2125252252\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Siyue<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t rely on appearance to decide whether a yard mushroom is safe for your dog. A wrong guess could be fatal.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is so much diversity in what poisonous and edible mushrooms look like, most people cannot identify them well,\u201d says Dr. Karyn Bischoff, DVM, a diagnostic toxicologist at UC Davis\u2019s California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLookalike mushrooms are a very common cause of mushroom poisonings in the US\u2026 If you have questions about a mushroom, it\u2019s extremely important to contact a mushroom expert from the area where the mushroom grows, either through a university extension or a mycology club,\u201d she says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-can-photos-help-my-vet-identify-toxic-mushrooms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"can-photos-help-my-vet-identify-toxic-mushrooms\">Can photos help my vet identify toxic mushrooms?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPhotos are very helpful, but if you\u2019re sure of what the dog ate, samples are better,\u201d says Anne Pringle, Ph.D., director of the Center for Botany at the University of Wisconsin\u2013Madison.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key is knowing which mushroom your dog ate. A mushroom growing next to it isn\u2019t necessarily the same species. Bischoff calls these \u201c&#8230;\u2018innocent bystander\u2019 mushrooms that just happened to be in the area.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 id=\"3-lawn-mushrooms-that-worry-vets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"lawn-mushrooms-that-worry-vets\">Lawn mushrooms that worry vets<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The riskiest mushrooms vary by location and season. Below are some that concern vets, but this isn\u2019t an exhaustive list.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-life-threatening-amanita-galerina-lepiota\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"life-threatening-amanita-galerina-lepiota\">Life-threatening: Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Death-cap_Galerina_Lepiota.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side collage of three poisonous mushrooms with green borders. On the left is a death cap (Amanita phalloides) with an olive-green cap, pale stem, and white volva among autumn leaves. In the middle is a clump of Galerina mushrooms with smooth golden-brown caps growing on moss-covered wood. On the right is a cluster of Lepiota mushrooms with white caps covered in reddish-brown scales on a pine-needle forest floor.\" class=\"wp-image-51213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Death-cap_Galerina_Lepiota.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Death-cap_Galerina_Lepiota-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Death-cap_Galerina_Lepiota-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Death-cap_Galerina_Lepiota-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Toxic mushrooms side by side: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/amanita-phalloides-poisonous-mushroom-commonly-known-as-the-death-cap\/419565440\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Death cap (Amanita phalloides)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Deadly_Galerina_(2061857977).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Galerina<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:2011-12-01_Lepiota_cristata_(Bolton)_P._Kumm_186612.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lepiota cristata<\/a>. Photo Credit: Image created using Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petpoisonhelpline.com\/poison\/mushrooms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pet Poison Helpline\u00ae<\/a>, most confirmed fatal mushroom poisonings in pets involve three groups of mushrooms:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><em>Amanita<\/em><strong>:<\/strong> Often grows near trees, but Bischoff notes tree roots can extend under grassy yards.<\/li>    <li><em>Galerina:<\/em> Commonly called \u201cdeadly galerinas,\u201d these mushrooms prefer rotting wood.<\/li>    <li><em>Lepiota:<\/em> Includes the \u201cdeadly dapperling,\u201d which can grow on lawns.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em>Some of the <em>Amanita<\/em> species can be white mushrooms, like the aptly named death caps and destroying angels,\u201d Bischoff says.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese can cause digestive upset early, but the dog will seem to recover for a while but later die of liver failure. It\u2019s an insidious type of poisoning, and is often fatal in dogs (and people).\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-less-life-threatening-fly-agaric-green-spored-parasol\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"less-life-threatening-fly-agaric-green-spored-parasol\">Less life-threatening: Fly agaric, green-spored parasol<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fly-Agaric-mushroom-and-green-spored-parasol-mushroom-side-by-side.jpg\" alt=\"A side-by-side comparison of two mushrooms: on the left, a red-capped mushroom with white spots and a white stem on a forest floor of dark soil and fallen leaves; on the right, a white green-spored parasol mushroom with tan scales on its cap, growing in a green lawn.\" class=\"wp-image-51311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fly-Agaric-mushroom-and-green-spored-parasol-mushroom-side-by-side.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fly-Agaric-mushroom-and-green-spored-parasol-mushroom-side-by-side-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fly-Agaric-mushroom-and-green-spored-parasol-mushroom-side-by-side-768x457.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fly-Agaric-mushroom-and-green-spored-parasol-mushroom-side-by-side-610x363.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Side-by-side image of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/volvob12b\/32830552834\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fly agaric<\/a> (left) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/scotnelson\/12348228145\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">green-spored parasol<\/a> mushroom (right). Photo Credit: Image created using Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/toxicology\/poisonous-mushrooms\/overview-of-mushrooms-toxic-to-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MSD Veterinary Manual<\/a> classifies fly agaric and the green-spored parasol as not life-threatening, though both can make dogs sick and fly agarics can still be lethal.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fly agarics<\/strong>, the yellow-to-red mushrooms with white dots often shown in pictures, are <em>Amanitas<\/em> that affect the nervous system.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese are generally not lethal to humans, but they can be lethal to dogs,\u201d Bischoff says.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common in the Southeast, the <strong>green-spored parasol<\/strong> (<em>Chlorophyllum molybdites<\/em>) grows in full or partial fairy rings in lawns. It\u2019s the most common cause of mushroom poisoning in the United States, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/ask.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/PP324\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UF\/IFAS Extension<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can cause stomach upset in dogs, though \u201cmost recover just fine after a day,\u201d says Matthew Smith, Ph.D., a University of Florida plant pathology professor who identifies unknown fungi for the UF veterinary school and Florida\u2019s Poison Control Centers.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your lawn mushrooms grow in a circle, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-fairy-ring-how-to-get-rid-of-it\/\">Fairy Rings and How to Get Rid of Them<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"6-signs-your-dog-may-have-mushroom-poisoning\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"signs-your-dog-may-have-mushroom-poisoning\">Signs your dog may have mushroom poisoning<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/the-vet-is-checking-the-dog-for-any-sign-of-sickness.jpg\" alt=\"A veterinarian in a white coat with green trim holds a stethoscope to the chest of a golden retriever puppy sitting on a white exam table, while her other hand steadies the puppy\u2019s hindquarters. The puppy wears a dark collar and looks toward the camera, and a bright clinic shelf with binders and potted plants is blurred behind them.\" class=\"wp-image-51214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/the-vet-is-checking-the-dog-for-any-sign-of-sickness.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/the-vet-is-checking-the-dog-for-any-sign-of-sickness-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/the-vet-is-checking-the-dog-for-any-sign-of-sickness-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/the-vet-is-checking-the-dog-for-any-sign-of-sickness-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If your dog eats any mushroom, call your vet right away. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/examining-of-lovely-dog-by-stethoscope-in-vet-clinic\/433700025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ievgen Skrypko<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Pet Poison Helpline\u00ae, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petpoisonhelpline.com\/poison\/mushrooms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">signs of mushroom poisoning<\/a> depend on the toxin and the body part it affects. Some toxins cause signs within 15 to 30 minutes, while others can take up to 24 hours.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Digestive system:<\/strong> Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, stomach pain<\/li>    <li><strong>Nervous system:<\/strong> Poor muscle control, tremors, seizures, trouble seeing, aggression, disorientation<\/li>    <li><strong>Liver:<\/strong> Vomiting, black-tarry stools<\/li>    <li><strong>Kidneys:<\/strong> Loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst or urination<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/poisoning\/mushroom-poisoning-in-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PetMD<\/a>, other symptoms may include drooling, weakness or lethargy, and yellow gums or eyes. PetMD adds that liver or kidney failure may take 2 to 3 days to appear. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/toxicology\/poisonous-mushrooms\/toxin-latent-period-24-hours-after-ingestion-of-mushrooms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MSD Veterinary Manual<\/a> says kidney failure from some mushrooms may take 3 to 20 days.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Mushroom<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Body part affected<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>First signs appear<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Green-spored parasol<\/td><td>Stomach and gut<\/td><td>15 minutes to 3 hours&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fly agaric<\/td><td>Brain and nerves<\/td><td>30 minutes to 2 hours&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Death cap, destroying angel<\/td><td>Primarily liver, kidneys secondarily<\/td><td>6 to 24 hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Deadly galerina, deadly dapperling&nbsp;<\/td><td>Primarily liver<\/td><td>6 to 24 hours&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Source:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/toxicology\/poisonous-mushrooms\/overview-of-mushrooms-toxic-to-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>MSD Veterinary Manual<\/em><\/a><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>    <h2 id=\"7-what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-a-mushroom\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-a-mushroom\">What to do if your dog eats a mushroom<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 id=\"8-step-1-stop-further-exposure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-1-stop-further-exposure\">Step 1: Stop further exposure<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your dog tries to eat a mushroom, stop your dog and make it drop the mushroom. If your dog has already eaten one, move it away from the area. If it\u2019s safe, remove any mushroom pieces from your dog\u2019s mouth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-step-2-call-your-vet-or-a-helpline\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-2-call-your-vet-or-a-helpline\">Step 2: Call your vet or a helpline<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI consider any wild mushroom ingestion to be a potential emergency,\u201d Bischoff says. Call your vet, an emergency vet, or one of these 24-hour helplines right away:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>&nbsp;ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:<\/strong> (888) 426-4435<\/li>    <li><strong>&nbsp;Pet Poison Helpline\u00ae:<\/strong> (855) 764-7661<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have this information ready when you call:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Your dog\u2019s weight and age (smaller dogs are more likely to get seriously ill from even a small amount of toxin, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vets-now.com\/pet-care-advice\/dogs\/dog-breed-weight-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vets Now<\/a>)<\/li>    <li>When it ate the mushroom<\/li>    <li>Roughly how much it ate<\/li>    <li>Any symptoms<\/li>    <li>Whether you have a photo or sample<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"10-step-3-follow-professional-instructions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-3-follow-professional-instructions\">Step 3: Follow professional instructions<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow the guidance of your vet or helpline. Don\u2019t make your dog vomit unless they tell you to. Inducing vomiting without guidance can do more harm than good.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-step-4-photograph-and-save-the-mushroom\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-4-photograph-and-save-the-mushroom\">Step 4: Photograph and save the mushroom<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Identifying the mushroom helps your vet decide on treatment. Only photograph and collect the mushroom your dog ate, not others growing nearby.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Take photos:<\/strong> Photograph the mushroom from many angles, including the top, bottom, and sides.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Save pieces:<\/strong> Keep any pieces from your dog\u2019s mouth or vomit, even if they\u2019re chewed.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Store the sample:<\/strong> Smith recommends you \u201cplace the mushrooms in a Tupperware and refrigerate them.\u201d For safety, wear gloves when handling it and label the container \u201cDo not eat.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid plastic bags. Smith says mushrooms break down quickly in them, and samples need to be fresh to be useful for analysis.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-step-5-take-your-dog-to-the-vet-clinic\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-5-take-your-dog-to-the-vet-clinic\">Step 5: Take your dog to the vet clinic<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your vet or helpline recommends treatment, take your dog to the clinic right away and bring a sample.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t wait for symptoms to appear. Bischoff says some mushrooms cause signs within 15 minutes, while liver-damaging mushrooms can take hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to expect at the vet:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no proven antidote for mushroom poisoning in pets, so treatment focuses on removing the toxin and supporting recovery.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the mushroom and how long ago your dog ate it, your vet may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal to limit toxin absorption, or give IV fluids for dehydration.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"13-how-to-reduce-mushroom-risks-in-your-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-reduce-mushroom-risks-in-your-yard\">How to reduce mushroom risks in your yard<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/accompany-your-dog-always.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling young woman with long brown hair sits on a grassy lawn in a park and gives a high five to a white Labrador puppy wearing a teal collar and leash. The puppy sits upright with one paw raised to meet her palm, with green trees blurred in the background and a striped bag resting on the grass nearby.\" class=\"wp-image-51215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/accompany-your-dog-always.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/accompany-your-dog-always-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/accompany-your-dog-always-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/accompany-your-dog-always-610x407.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Always supervise your dog outdoors, and remove any mushrooms you see in your yard. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/beautiful-young-girl-playing-with-a-puppy-labrador-in-the-park\/210462811\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lordn<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mushrooms thrive in moist conditions, so they often sprout after rain. They\u2019re most common from spring to fall but can appear year-round in mild climates, sometimes overnight.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe only way to keep a dog from eating wild mushrooms is supervision,\u201d Bischoff says.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-supervise-your-dog-outdoors\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"supervise-your-dog-outdoors\">Supervise your dog outdoors<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDogs eat first and ask questions later,\u201d Bischoff says. Stay with your dog outside, and stop it if it tries to eat a mushroom.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/training\/teach-leave-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Kennel Club<\/a>, the \u201cleave it\u201d cue teaches a dog to ignore items on the ground and look to you for permission instead of grabbing them.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"15-remove-mushrooms-promptly\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"remove-mushrooms-promptly\">Remove mushrooms promptly<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the yard daily, especially after rain, and remove any mushrooms before letting your dog out. Wear gloves, bag the mushrooms, and toss them in a trash can your dog can\u2019t reach.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-prevent-access-to-mushrooms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"prevent-access-to-mushrooms\">Prevent access to mushrooms<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider installing a fence or outdoor playpen to keep your dog out of areas where mushrooms tend to grow.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mushrooms grow outside your yard, too, so keep your dog leashed and supervised at parks, on trails, and in wooded areas.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"17-reduce-mushroom-growth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"reduce-mushroom-growth\">Reduce mushroom growth<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help keep mushrooms from coming back, reduce excess moisture and shade by <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-lawn-aeration\/\">aerating the soil<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\">trimming overhanging branches<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more methods, see our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-mushrooms-in-yard\/\">How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-causes-mushrooms-in-yard\/\">What Causes Mushrooms in Your Yard<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"18-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1794326732745\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are lawn mushrooms dangerous to cats and kids too?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some can be. If your cat eats a mushroom, call your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.<br><br>If your child eats a mushroom, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Call 911 if your child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can\u2019t be awakened.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1794326747437\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are store-bought mushrooms safe for dogs?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Plain store-bought mushrooms are generally considered safe for dogs. Don\u2019t share mushrooms cooked with oils, seasonings, or ingredients that may be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onion, and chives.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1794326756198\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How much does it cost to call poison control?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Pet Poison Helpline\u00ae charges a one-time $99 fee per incident, which includes follow-ups with the owner or vet. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center may also charge a fee.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1794326761156\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does mowing over lawn mushrooms slow or spread their growth?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Probably neither. \u201cMowing has no credible impact,\u201d Smith says.\u00a0<br><br>\u201cThere are no data (that I know of) to say whether mowing slows mushroom development or simply aids their spread,\u201d Pringle says. \u201cI speculate it doesn\u2019t matter much.\u201d<br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1794326777133\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why do dogs eat mushrooms?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some toxic mushrooms, including death caps and fly agarics, have a fishy odor that may attract dogs, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/namyco.org\/interests\/toxicology\/mushroom-poisonings-in-dogs-and-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North American Mycological Association<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"19-hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\">Hire a local lawn care pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawn mushrooms usually point to excess moisture and shade, not disease. If you\u2019d rather play fetch with your pup than change your lawn\u2019s growing conditions, find a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/near-me\">local lawn care professional<\/a> to tend the yard and help make it safer for you and your pets.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A curious dog sniffs a small mushroom growing in a grassy lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/nosey-dog\/204083585\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Derrick<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are mushrooms poisonous to dogs? Some lawn mushrooms are. Learn which ones worry vets, what to do if your dog eats one, and how to reduce the risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":51193,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[226],"class_list":["post-51191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/dog-sniffing-a-mushroom.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51191"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51368,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51191\/revisions\/51368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}