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Veterinarians Warn Death Cap Mushrooms Pose Danger To Pets

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Deadly, poisonous mushrooms known as death caps are popping up around the area and putting pets at risk.

This specific type of poisonous mushroom tends to sprout after rain during the spring and fall. It tends to be found in shaded areas where dogs like to dig.

Joanne Abrams says her 18-month-old Labrador Jake almost died after he accidentally ate a poisonous mushroom growing in her backyard.

"Within 15 minutes he was slobbering down the jowls and probably about 15 minutes after that he had blood coming out of his bottom and just all over the house," she said.

That's why she's now taking extreme measures to keep her dog safe. She's burned all the pine needles on her property where the poisonous mushrooms like to hide, and she says she's dug up what seemed like hundreds over the weekend.

Veterinarian Randy Robinson says once the poisonous mushroom is eaten, the toxins begin eating away at the tissue.

"The first clinical signs I see is vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and I call it the Johnny Depp walk, where they look like they are a little bit drunk," Robinson said.

And even if you induce vomiting immediately, your pet may not be out of the woods.

"The worst part about it is it often causes liver and kidney disease and that can happen 24 to 48 hours later," Robinson said.

Luckily Abrams was able to get Jake to the vet in time to save his life, but she still worries about his curious nature.

"Since then we've had a couple of scares where I've seen him eating mushrooms and I did make him throw up once, because I know how deadly it can be," she said.

The death caps are also poisonous to humans, so you should wear gloves when handling them.

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