Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

At a backyard BBQ, my 12 kg dog ate one small unidentified wild mushroom — is this an emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, treat this as an emergency and contact your vet or an animal poison hotline right away. Wild mushrooms are extremely dangerous because some species can cause rapid liver failure or death, and identification is nearly impossible for owners. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as they can be delayed and severe. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately for urgent advice.

Wild mushrooms — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Never feed wild mushrooms — several species cause liver failure or death. Even store mushrooms are best cooked.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Wild mushrooms should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Wild mushrooms has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Wild mushrooms food facts page.

Open the full food page: Wild mushrooms food facts →