Warning for Indiana Pet Owners – Death Cap Mushrooms Have Been Identified

Article Courtesy of Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital

Amanita phalloides, also known as the “Death Cap,” has appeared in yards and fields across central Indiana. These mushrooms typically emerge between July and November and can be deadly to dogs of all sizes—even with prompt treatment.

They look very similar to harmless mushrooms and can only be identified accurately by an expert. Ingesting them can cause severe liver and kidney damage within 24–48 hours and may be fatal.

If your dog eats a mushroom, contact a veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait—early intervention is critical.

The Purdue University Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) offers toxicology testing for suspected cases involving mushrooms, nitrates, cyanide, and blue-green algae.