Fall Safety: The Season of Toxic Mushrooms

Pets are explorers and wanderers, and because of this they are at a higher risk for consuming toxic mushrooms in the fall season. The good news is, 99% of the mushrooms you will find in your yard or on a hike thru the woods are non-toxic, but it is important to remember that dogs and cats are not able to sniff out the toxic ones, so the best solution is to discourage investigation and consumption of mushrooms all together.

Some of the initial symptoms of toxic mushroom consumption include: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, and elevated heart rate. Without treatment of these symptoms, the pet is at high risk for liver and kidney failure within 3-5 days.

Three of the deadliest mushrooms your dog or cat might consume include:

Pets are attracted to these mushrooms due to their fishy odor.

If your pet may have been poisoned by a mushroom, try to get a sample of what they consumed to aid in identification. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Stay safe this season and keep an eye on your pet.

Our Recipe for Homemade Dog Biscuits

Baking your own dog biscuits can be a fun way to reward your pet for good behavior… And aside from being a fun activity, they are also healthier for your dog than the store-versions. See below for the recipe for homemade dog biscuits (Recipe credit to Cesar Milan).

*Note: buy all organic ingredients for an even cleaner alternative to store-bought treats!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (substitute regular flour or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• 1 tsp. salt (or less)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. Beef or chicken Bouillon granules (can substitute beef or chicken broth/stock)
• ½ cup hot water
• Optional: Add bacon or chicken broth, eggs, oats, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese, bacon bits, to (your dog's) taste

Directions

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.    Dissolve bouillon in hot water

3.    Add remaining ingredients

4.    Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes)

5.    Roll dough until ½ inch thick

6.    Cut into slices or bone shapes (you can purchase a bone shaped cookie cutter to make shapes with)

7.    Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet

8.    Cook for 30 minutes