New Jersey - Guardians of a beloved dog are sharing their personal tragedy in the hopes that it will prevent other dogs from dying in the same manner.
The tragedy occurred in New Jersey, but it could have taken place in any dog owner's backyard. Lucky, still a puppy at just 9 months of age, was playing in his backyard in early November.
His owners noticed that he had picked up a mushroom and was carrying it in his mouth. Though they immediately tried to get the mushroom away, not all of it was removed - the pup had already eaten a small portion.
The next two hours revealed nothing ominous. Lucky continued to play and act normally, but that changed suddenly and dramatically.
Lucky became very ill in a short period of time. His owners rushed him to a vet clinic and that veterinarian advised that he be transported to another veterinary hospital.
Rushing, medications and specialized care were not enough - within 3 hours, the 9 month old dog was dead. The animal hospital told Lucky's tramautized guardians that they see approximately 25 such cases each year - of those mushroom poisonings, only 1 or 2 survive. Horrible odds.
According to PetPlace.com, mushroom toxicity can cause the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- jaundice
- seizures
- excess salivation
- coma
Time is of the essence - if you notice these symptoms and suspect that your dog may have ingested mushrooms, your dog must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Other than administering IV fluids for dehydration, providing activated charcoal to combat the toxins, and helping to support the body's struggling organs - there isn't much that the veterinarians can do.
As seen in Lucky's tragic incident, even rushing to the vet clinic may not be enough. Dog owners, as guardians to your 4-legged friends, you must be vigilant and prevent your dog from encountering the poisonous mushrooms.
Regularly walk through your yard and remove any and all traces of mushrooms. If you head to the forest, be on the lookout as mushrooms can be anywhere in this environment.
On a personal note, I have noticed many mushrooms in my own yard this Fall - while I was somewhat concerned about the damage that they could cause, I had no idea that it could be this dangerous and deadly.
In the past, I had removed the large mushrooms as I found them, but I know that I have missed some of the smaller ones growing in the grass...suffice to say, I will be remedying that problem as soon as the sun comes up today.
Please share this story so that other dog owners can avoid a tragic death such as Lucky's.
Examiner note: Lucky was a rescued puppy. His guardians notified the rescue, Furever Home Dog Rescue, of his death and they are hoping that others will share his story and prevent other dogs from dying. The rescue, like the owners, are grieving for this wonderful life lost.
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Comments
So tragic. RIP, Lucky. I've seen the mushrooms in my back yard when we get too much rain or whatever else causes them to grow. I didn't do anything with them and neither of my dogs bothered them (thank goodness since Labs will eat ANYTHING). You can bet that I'll be getting rid of those mushrooms next summer, for sure. My condolences to Lucky's family but also thank them for sharing their tragedy in the hope that it will save another dog from the same fate.
I sure didn't know that, i see them in my yard, have never seen any of mine eating them. Thanks so much for the info and the share. Posting on facebook.
GOD BLESS YOU PUPPY NAMED LUCKY!!!!!!
R.I.P.!!!!
YOUR STORY WILL BE SHARED WITH OTHERS AND BY OTHERS SO THIS WILL BE SOMETHING PARENTS OF PETS WILL BE AWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I knew mushrooms were really bad for dogs; I didn't realize how lethal or fast acting. I have a rescued Irish Setter who will steal anythng she can get a hold of. Fortunately, I haven't had that. I did have a dog who ingested those red berries from a pine tree type of bush which I knew were poisonous. He was faster than I was. I immediately called the vet. I was advised to give him some hydrogen peroxide to make him vomit. We immediately did that; within a minute to two, he threw everything up. We had to check to make sure those berries came up. We were so fortunate; he had vomited the berries back up. I feel so badly for that family. My prayers & thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
R.I.P. Lucky, such a tragedy, i've seen them in my back garden but never did anything about them, in future I shall make sure they're picked and trashed. Sharing on FB thanks.
I learned this lesson as my 12 week old chi X dachsie chewed on a mushroom. Within half an hour, he was having severe diarrhea, vomiting, was foaming at the mouth and his eyes were "glazed".
We took him to the vet and the vet told us he wouldn't probably make it through the night. The tiny pup (he was not even 2lbs at the time) did make it though and we've learned our lesson. He's now a great companion that never leaves my side/lap :)
RIP to Lucky, my heart goes to his family!
this is a real wake up call...I had no idea that mushrooms are so deadly. Thank you do for this information and I, like the others who posted, surely will be super vigilant to this danger.....my heart hurts for this baby and his family.......
you can bet my husband will be ripping apart our yard once its warm out, our rottie puts everything in his mouth, we wrestle acorns mostly but better to be safe then sorry. Rest In Peace Sweet baby Lucky.
Rest in Peace little Lucky.. yes, mushrooms are dangerous,, I fear them walking on one I didn't catch and licking their paws even..
So sorry for this family losing Lucky,, prayers and hugs..
Oh bless !
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