How do mushrooms act as an immune booster for your dogs? You'd be surprised at the role mushrooms play when it comes to wintertime and when dogs can use a boost - just like us! How do mushrooms help?
According to Dog's Naturally Magazine,
"These are some of the actions of reishi mushrooms that have been confirmed by clinical studies..."
- Immune system support
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Protect the liver
- Support kidney health
- Relieve allergies
- Control blood sugar
- Regulate blood pressure
And mushroom supplements have been proven to help dogs with cancer, allergies, stress, urinary issues, liver and kidney disease, and inflammation! A holistic vet or integrative vet will prescribe a mushroom supplement that is safe for your dog.
Why are mushroom supplements helpful?
Mushroom supplements have been used for everything from abdominal pain to kidney failure. In recent years holistic practitioners have been using them as supportive care for dogs. Dog owners now have an entirely new way to care for their dog's health! There are different mushrooms that can be used for medicinal purposes!
There are herb mushroom extract powders and other forms your holistic vet can walk you through.
So, can dogs eat mushrooms? The answer is yes!
Animal Wellness Magazine tells us,
"The most common use of medicinal mushrooms is in the treatment and prevention of cancers. Results compiled from research suggest that whole-mushroom extracts contain compounds that modulate tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis at different stages. Because they have many different mechanisms and modes of action on cancer cells via the immune system, medicinal mushrooms could potentially provide additive benefits and synergistic effects in the prevention and treatment of cancer."
Are different types of mushrooms toxic for dogs?
99 percent of wild mushrooms are actually non-toxic. What you have to worry about is the one percent of highly toxic mushrooms that can cause life-threatening problems to pets!
According to the American Kennel Club, there are a few wild mushrooms that seem to cause the most problems.
- Amanita phalloides, known colloquially as "death cap"
- Galerina marginata, known as "deadly Galerina" or "Galerina autumnalis"
- Amanita gemmata, or "jeweled deathcap"
- Amanita muscaria, called "fly agaric" or "Deadly Agaric"
- Gyromitra spp., or false morel
- Inocybe spp. and Clitocybe dealbata mushrooms
Canine Matrix Organic Mushroom supplement for dogs is our favorite
Sprinkle this holistic defense onto meals. It's made with one of the most researched of all medicinal mushrooms, Turkey Tail. The beta glucans and other nutrients found in Turkey Tail support immune health. This is available for $29.86 on Amazon.
Have you consulted your vet?
It's important to consult with your vet or holistic vet with questions as there are poisonous mushrooms to avoid. The percentage is small and many species help dogs with a number of chronic illnesses and diseases. Talk to your vet about the clinical signs you're seeing and they'll come up with a plan for your four-legged friend.
If you suspect that your pet has consumed a poisonous mushroom, contact your veterinarian, pet emergency hospital, or the animal poison control center and there is a small fee for using this service. If you're interested in various species of mushrooms, we wrote an article on what types of mushrooms are safe.
If there is any question in your mind about whether or not a mushroom is safe or not, always check the type of mushroom with your vet. There are so many mushroom species that will cause toxicity in your dogs it's better to be safe than sorry!
Have you used mushroom supplements with your dogs before? Please leave us a comment if you'd had success!
WATCH NOW: People Are Poisoning Dogs
