
Spring Texas Rains May Bring Hidden Backyard Dangers To Your Dogs and Cats
There has been no shortage of rain in East Texas this spring. This has led to lush, green yards and a flourishing array of wildflowers.
It's also the perfect breeding ground for mushrooms, especially in shaded, moist areas near trees.
The World's Deadliest Mushroom
Death Cap mushrooms are the number one fatal cause of mushroom poisoning in the world. They can be found across Europe, Australia, and North America...and, yes, in the forests and tree-covered yards of Deep East Texas.
They can emit a fish-like odor, which can attract dogs (and cats), and that could lead to a fatal ingestion.
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What Do Death Cap Mushrooms Look Like?
I'm not a fungi expert, but after looking at pictures of the Death Cap, I would have a difficult time distinguishing the fatal mushroom from other mushrooms that I've seen in my backyard.
In its young stages, the Death Cap mushroom has a rounded, bulbous shape on top.
When it matures, the top of the mushroom flattens out. It features a yellowish-green cap, beneath which numerous fibrous layers exist.
One of the best identifiers of the Death Cap can be seen when you pull up the mushroom from the ground.
At the base of the stalk is a cup-shaped tissue. Skin contact with this deadly fungus is not dangerous, just don't put your hands to your mouth.
What Are The Symptoms of Death Cap Ingestion By Your Pet?
It may take 6-12 hours before your pet starts presenting symptoms of ingesting this mushroom. Nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting are pretty standard.
These gastrointestinal issues will usually resolve on their own, but the worst is yet to come. 48-72 hours following ingestion, liver and kidney failure will often occur. At this point, the prognosis is not good.
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten any type of mushroom, you should seek a veterinarian's care immediately.
Steps To Avoid a Tragic Mushroom Incident
These may seem rather elementary suggestions, but they should be noted.
- Be aware of what grows in the area that your pets visit
- Unearth and dispose of any mushrooms in that area
- Try your best to keep a watchful eye on your pets when they are outside
Death Cap mushrooms can be fatal to humans and pets. If you have children, the suggestions above also apply to them.
Even if you consider yourself an expert at identifying mushrooms, it's best to steer clear lest you end up like the person in this video.
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