Chlorophyllum molybdites As we are once again entering ‘mushroom season’, the Animal Poisons Helpline is beginning to receive a significant increase in the number of calls about pets eating wild mushrooms. Due to their indiscriminate eating habits, dogs are most frequently involved in these cases. Whilst many wild mushroom species are minimally toxic, some have the potential to result in severe effects including but not limited to liver failure and death. Australia is home to a huge variety of wild mushrooms and accurate identification is notoriously difficult. Furthermore, a 2023 Australian study found that mushroom identification apps misidentified mushrooms more often than they identified them correctly. As a result, these apps should not be relied upon to determine edibility.

The fungi pictured here is Chlorophyllum molybdites more commonly known as the vomiter or green-spored parasol. After rainfall, these mushrooms are commonly found growing in lawns and garden beds often occurring in large groups. Chlorophyllum molybdites is well distributed across Australia and has been reported to grow in all states and territories other than Tasmania. To our knowledge, this mushroom is not found in New Zealand. Dogs that ingested this mushroom can develop severe gastroenteritis which can result in significant fluid and electrolyte loss.

Please be cautious when walking your pets during this time of the year, particularly in the days following heavy rains. Keeping dogs leashed during walks can be an effective measure to reduce wild mushroom ingestion. Where possible, remove any mushrooms from your own yard before pets have a chance to eat them. In the case of wild mushroom ingestion, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately for advice even if your pet appears well.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.