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Pet owners warned following dog's death after 'eating toxic mushrooms'

There has been an urgent warning to pet owners after a puppy who is believed to have eaten a toxic mushroom died.

Walter the dog was being walked in the North Adelaide parklands when it is believed he ate the poisonous fungi.

The seven-month-old puppy was rushed to a vet a day later with vomiting, serious seizures and eventually a coma.

Less than three hours later Walter died.

There has been a warning to Adelaide pet owners after it is believed a dog ate toxic mushrooms before he died. Pictured is Walter. Source: 7 News
There has been a warning to Adelaide pet owners after it is believed a dog ate toxic mushrooms before he died. Pictured is Walter. Source: 7 News

Veterinarian Dr Derrick McNair said poisonous mushrooms generally affect the liver first, leading to pets becoming “jaundiced”, not eating food and feeling “lethargic”.

Concerned dog owner John Swan described the dog’s death as “terrible” and could not think of anything worse.

Seven News found potentially toxic wild mushrooms growing rife in the North Adelaide parklands.

It has sparked calls for council to remove them and install warning signs.

Veterinarian Dr Derrick McNair said poisonous mushrooms generally affect the liver first. Source: Seven News
Veterinarian Dr Derrick McNair said poisonous mushrooms generally affect the liver first. Source: Seven News

The local council said it was impractical to erect signs as the mushrooms could just pop up anywhere.

Instead locals have vowed to put up their own.

It follows a warning from health authorities about toxic mushrooms in the Adelaide Hills.

Foragers have been warned not to pick wild mushrooms and dog owners urged to keep a watch over their pets.