As the cooler damp weather returns, fungi and mushrooms are sprouting up in gardens, parks and woodlands.

Many fungi are harmless but some can be highly toxic to pets and can start causing clinical signs from as early as 10 minutes, so it is important to act quickly.

Toxic mushrooms can cause:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Drooling
• Liver or kidney problems
• Wobbliness
• Seizures
• Collapse

Some symptoms may take longer to show so even if your dog seems fine, we still recommend seeking veterinary advice.

Call us immediately and try and bring a sample of the mushroom including the root, or a good photo. If you are touching the fungi we recommend you wear gloves.

We will call the veterinary poisons line and they work with mycologists to identify the fungi, determine if it is a toxic species,  and the expected symptoms.

Sadly, some cases of mushroom ingestion can be fatal, so it really is vital to act fast.

Contact us on 01606 880 890 or 01606 717 969 if you have any concerns that your pet has ingested any wild mushrooms.