Thanks for your question, Nancy. Mushrooms are a very complex group of fungi. Certain species of mushrooms, such as the types you find in the grocery store, are considered to be nontoxic, while other wild species can be very toxic. Some have been known to cause liver and kidney damage, while others result in severe gastrointestinal and even neurological effects.
Because a toxic mushroom could be growing right alongside a nontoxic one, identifying what type the animal ingested can be tricky. Because of this, we advise that pet owners not allow their animals to ingest any wild mushrooms. And since we often cannot get a positive identification of the exact species involved, it is important to treat all wild mushroom ingestions very seriously.
I found a toadstool in my yard that was identified as a Lantern Stinkhorn. Is this toxic to pets?
—Anne M.
Lysurus mokusin or Lantern Stinkhorn is not currently known to be a poisonous fungus. In fact, it is considered to be a delicacy in Asia! But because it is often difficult for even expert mycologists to definitively identify wild mushrooms—toxic mushrooms can look similar to non-toxic varieties, and may even grow alongside one another—we advise pet owners to keep all wild mushrooms away from pets. We also encourage you to treat all ingestions seriously, and contact your local veterinarian for assistance should an exposure occur.