Pet Emergency: What to Do

  1. Stay Calm
  2. Call (727) 786-5755
  3. Be prepared with info:
    • Type/Breed
    • Details of problem
    • Any changes
  4. Be aware. Pets may bite if ill or injured.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 5:30PM-7:00AM
Weekend: Saturday Noon -
     7:00AM Monday morning
Holidays: Open 24 hours

Phone (727) 786-5755

Location

30610 US Highway 19 N,
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
One block north of Curlew Road on the west side Please call ahead for advice and so we can prepare your arrival.

Directions to
Veterinary Clinic

Click for larger map & directions


Mushroom Poisoning in Pets

There are thousands of species of mushrooms in the United States alone.  Mushrooms can be a delicious part of your meal, or they can be poisonous, even deadly.

Unfortunately, most mushrooms are too hard to identify. Poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms may resemble one another and grow right alongside each other. Because of this, although most mushrooms are not toxic, when it comes to your pets, all mushrooms should be considered dangerous.

Mushrooms can grow in your yard, the woods surrounding your home or in parks that you visit with your dog. If you have mushrooms growing in your yard or surrounding land that your dog or cat roams, get rid of them before your pet has a chance to notice them.  Check parks or other places your dog goes with you to play before you let him loose and remove any mushrooms you find.

Toxic mushrooms can range from slightly to very poisonous and your pet’s symptoms will vary according to how toxic the mushroom he was exposed to.  Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include both nervous system reactions and gastrointestinal reactions. Following are some symptoms to look for if you think your dog or cat has eaten a mushroom.

Less severe symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

More concerning symptoms are:

  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Slow heart rate
  • Excessive salivation
  • Small pupils

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, realize that you have a serious situation on your hands and your veterinarian needs to be notified immediately. If your pet vomits up any part of the mushroom, try to bag and save it in the refrigerator so it can be identified as quickly as possible. Any of these symptoms could signify a fatal poisoning so quick reaction is very important here.

Your veterinarian may want to induce vomiting to rid your pet of the toxic mushroom. If you suspect or know that your dog or cat has eaten a mushroom, the most important thing to do is to assume it is poisonous and contact your so your pet can begin receiving what could be lifesaving treatment.