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Mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs

April showers are finally past, the flowers are blooming, and your yard is sprouting wild mushrooms?

While not all wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs, it is prudent to treat all mushrooms as toxic.  Toxic mushrooms are divisible into eight groups with varying symptoms and associated treatments (Toxicology Brief, Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs, Vetrinary Medicine 2007). If you suspect your dog has consumed wild mushrooms, it is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible including a sample of the wild mushroom (preferably in a moist paper towel rather than a plastic bag).

Suzy's dog Kalee helps inspect the yard for toxic mushrooms

Tips for preventing and recognizing exposure to wild mushrooms:

• Perform a daily inspection of your yard for mushrooms (perhaps while you are mowing and inspecting for sharp objects).
• Keep close tabs on your dog when hiking, at the dog park, or a friend’s house to be sure he or she is not indulging in an unknown treat.
• Know the common signs of wild mushroom poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abnormal drooling.

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You know how much you adore dogs. Share your passion for canine friends by sharing a good read, a helpful article, or time.

Books are a great way to promote empathy and responsible pet care. Check with your school or church about reading books to children or give young adult or adult readers a book  on dogs. Find books for children, young adults, and adults at the Doris Day Animal League ‘Book Bag,’ Humane Society Youth Best Books List, and Bark Notable Reads,

Find an interesting article or newsletter? Forward helpful dog training and health information to your friends. Make sure the information is correct by checking with experts in the field like American Veterinary Medical Association or local humane society fact sheets, and urban myth/internet rumor checkers like Snopes. Rest assured, any information you find at Online Dog Coach has been verified with trusted sources before we post it.

Volunteer for a local shelter. You can do anything from walking dogs and answering phones at the shelter, to doing laundry and helping run fund raising events from home.

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There are a multitude of ways to spend quality time with your dogs. You can have fun training, going somewhere special, and playing games with him or her. If you are living in a multiple dog family, find a little time to spend with each dog individually.

 Training

Spend a few minutes each day working with your dog. It doesn’t matter which dog training lesson you work on as long as you keep it fun with positive dog training methods. Work on a quick sit-stay before feeding your dog breakfast or shake before dinner. Not only does your dog have fun, but you’ll start seeing results in a matter of days.

Go Someplace Special

Have you ever been confined to your house for several days in a row? Did you get stir crazy? Your dog can get cabin fever too! Take your dog out once in awhile.

Take your dog for a walk or hike. Please obey the rules, pick up after your dog, and keep him on a leash everywhere you go. Even remote places are negatively impacted by things your dog does or leaves behind.

Many cities now have off-leash dog parks – see our list of off-leash dog parks in Metro-Denver, Co. Please follow the rules and read tips on off leash dog park etiquette.

Your dog even enjoys a car ride when you run quick errands. But don’t leave your dog in the car on mild or warm days – studies show even a 72 degree day can turn a car lethal. Go to MyDogIsCool.com to learn how quickly cars heat up even with windows cracked.

Games

There are many tricks and games you can play with your dog. Play “hide and seek” by moving from room to room in your house and calling your dog to you, rewarding with lots of treats, play, or love. Rotate your dog’s toys, pulling a different one out each week, so toys remain new and interesting.

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When driving through neighborhoods and around parks, keep a watchful eye for pets that may have gotten away from their owner. We have all had the experience of an accidental escape, hopefully minimized by teaching your dog to stay at the door.

Extend humane treatment of animals beyond companion pets to the wildlife in your community. Drive cautiously through wildlife areas and slow down at times wildlife is more active – dusk, night, and dawn.

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