Dog's Health

Black Sand at Fort Funston

Janet Slissman · Nov 24, 2024 ·

So, what is that black stuff on the beach in Fort Funston? Is it oil left over from the Cosco Busan spill? No, in fact it is the chalky substance-veins of volcanic ash thrown from Mount Lassen thousands of years ago. After all of our heavy storms this winter, most of the top layer of silica sand had been blown or washed away to leave dark colored streaks on the beaches. This black sand is a kind of iron ore called magnetite. The magnetite is a part of the cliff walls, and as the sandstone erodes, it leaves the heavier iron-based magnetite on the beach.

Black sand can be seen as a layer on top of silica sand in regions with high wave energy. This weight enables it to remain when high-energy waves wash the lighter sand grains out into the surf zone.

Take a magnet with you to the beach and run it through the sand, magnetite will stick to the ends. The dark minerals in beach sand at right, from Fort Funston are primarily magnetite and amphiboles, which are non-magnetic black minerals. Both of these mineral types tend to fracture into very small grains that collect on the surface of the sand, by virtue of being smaller and, therefore, lighter.

Poisonous Mushroom Identification

Janet Slissman · Oct 11, 2024 ·

If you fear your dog or cat has eaten a poisonous mushroom seek veterinary help immediately. They can go into a coma-like sleep within hours of ingestion or suffer severe liver failure. Time is truly of the essence. Contact your veterinarian, a pet poison control center or visit your local Animal ER.

Resources

State-by-state list of mushroom experts who can help you with mushroom identification in poisoning cases
“Death Cap” (Amanita phalloides) and other poisonous Amanita mushrooms
General information on identifying Amanita mushrooms
General identification of poisonous mushrooms
Mushroom poisoning in cats and dogs

The Deadly Death Cap and Other Amanita Mushrooms

With names referencing death and destruction, it’s no wonder the Amanita mushroom genus contains some of the most famous and deadly of all poisonous mushrooms. The death cap (Amanita phalloides) is suspected to have caused more mushroom poisoning deaths than any other species!

Yet what makes some amanita mushrooms so poisonous? Certain species of Amanita contain amanitin, a deadly amatoxin.

Amatoxins are some of the most lethal poisons found in nature. These toxins work by slowly shutting down the liver and kidneys. Often the victim will appear sick at first, and then seem to get better. Unfortunately the amatoxins are still at work, and death may occur anywhere from a few days to a week after ingestion.

This poison knows no real antidote beyond treating the victim with an extract of milk thistle. Milk thistle protects against liver damage from toxins, and is one of the treatments for amanita mushroom poisoning.

Despite this treatment, it’s said that one cap of a death cap is enough to kill. Given the danger, we’d better learn some poisonous mushroom identification! Visit this page to learn how to identify poisonous amanita mushrooms in general.

Remember: Never solely identify any mushroom based on what you’ve seen on any website (including this one) or by comparing it to a picture in a book. Always obtain hands-on expert help when identifying a new mushroom and never eat anything you’re not sure of!

Death Cap Details

Cap

Convex initially but flattens with age, often sticky when touched
Between 3 to 6 inches across
Color is usually a shade of yellow to green, but sometimes white or brownish
White gills underneath the cap that don’t run down the stem

Stem

Between 3 to 6 inches across and less than an inch thick
Usually whitish, sometimes with scales
Often a ring around the stem right below the cap. This ring is the remnant of the partial veil, a piece of tissue that protected the mushroom’s gills as it grew.
Also present is a white sac around the base of the stem. All amanita mushrooms start their lives as small buttons in the shape of an egg. This egg-like covering is actually a layer of tissue called the universal veil, or volva.

Because they form as a small button, an amanita may sometimes be mistaken for an edible puffball. This is why it’s essential to slice a puffball open before eating it. Puffballs are white and solid on the inside with no gills. If you see gills, you may have an amanita on your hands.

Once the mushroom has grown, the sac-like remnants of this universal veil are still an important identification characteristic. It’s often underground so you may have to dig carefully around the base to find it.

However, never assume that you don’t have an amanita mushroom just because you can’t find the sac. It may have disintegrated or broken away. Use all features for poisonous mushroom identification, not just one!

Amanita phalloides, the death cap mushroom The mushrooms have a sweet odor (like honey) and are attractive to some dogs (whose owners report they actually seek them out to eat them). They are really non little white mushrooms. The toxic effects appear about 6-36 hours after the mushrooms are eaten, and once signs are seen the toxicity is poorly responsive to treatment (we try a lot of things to support the animal, but if enough mushrooms were eaten it will be fatal despite the treatment). If someone suspects their dog may have eaten a mushroom, the best treatment is to take the dog immediately to a vet or emergency clinic and have them induce vomiting and give activated charcoal. The mushroom toxin is absorbed fairly rapidly, but the damage to the liver can take hours before it is clinically apparent. Don’t waste time trying to figure out if the mushroom is toxic as speed in removing the mushroom from the digestive system is the most important thing in my experience.Here is a link with some pictures https://wikipedia.org/wiki/amanita_phalloides

Although most SF/local mushrooms are not poisonous, and those that are usually cause only digestive upset (perhaps causing someone to wish they would die), Death Caps (Amanita phalloides) are aptly named. After an initial digestive upset death caps prevent liver cells from regenerating. Within a few days after ingestion there are no new liver cells to replace the old ones, and liver failure occurs. The below message describes death caps as “little white mushrooms.” Note: They might look like that in the early stages, but mature mushrooms can grow quite large (check yahoo group for photo of mushroom I’m holding in hand) and they have a slight metallic, greenish look. Check out the wikipedia link for photos of death caps in various stages. I have seen death caps south of SF and in the east bay. There might be some in SF. The common “white mushrooms” I’ve seen in SF, e.g. growing in lawns, are not death caps (various Agaricus–see photo). Death Caps have WHITE GILLS (e.g. the radiating blades on the underside of the cap), while most of the “lawn” mushroom have brown gills. At Fort Funston beneath the trees, I’ve spotted white-gilled mushrooms, but they have shaggy scales on the cap (see photo). Not death caps. Possibly Lepiota rachodes. Don’t take a chance w/mushroom, especially death caps. Supervise your dog.

Other Infamous Amanita

No page on poisonous mushrooms would be complete without discussing the death cap’s deadly cousin, the destroying angel.

The term “destroying angel” actually refers to a few all-white poisonous mushrooms in the Amanita genus. They are:

Amanita bisporigera in Eastern North America
Amanita ocreata in Western North America
Amanita virosa in Europe (below)

Amanita virosa is known as the “European destroying angel”. There is some disagreement as to whether this mushroom exists in the United States.

Destroying angels are sometimes mistaken for edible mushrooms such as young puffballs, button mushrooms, and meadow mushrooms. Thus it’s important to learn how to identify them.

The destroying angel is very similar to the death cap in terms of identification. The biggest difference is that they’re all white, with no green or yellow tint. They’re recognized by their rounded base, white color, and smooth cap. One bite of these may contain enough amatoxins to kill!

Of course, not every species in the Amanitamushroom genus is poisonous. Some, such as Amanita caesarea (Caesar’s mushroom), are edible. Yet given the danger involved in eating the wrong amanita, it’s best to avoid the genus entirely unless you really know what you’re doing.

It’s important to learn how to recognize Amanitas (especially the death cap and the destroying angel) if one is going to start eating wild mushrooms. Proper knowledge can prevent a fatal mistake!

– See more at: https://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/death-cap.html#sthash.aPp52tla.dpuf

Hemlock in Our San Francisco Parks

Janet Slissman · Oct 6, 2024 ·

Hemlock in Our San Francisco Park

Maybe you have seen this plant at a San Francisco dog park? . . . I took these pictures at Stern Grove. I was told by a former San Francisco city parks gardener that this plant is called Hemlock and is very poisonous to dogs! What makes it particularly troubling is that is grows in abundance and it grows next to that tasty grass your dog loves. If you see this plant, keep your dog away!

As a San Francisco dog walker, I spend countless hours exploring the city’s parks and trails with my furry clients. While these outings are usually a joyful part of our routine, I’m always looking for potential dangers lurking in the greenery. One particularly concerning hazard I’ve encountered is poison hemlock.

What Is Poison Hemlock?

Poison hemlock is a highly toxic plant that can be deadly to dogs, humans, and other animals. It’s often mistaken for harmless plants like Queen Anne’s lace or wild carrot because of its similar appearance. However, its toxicity makes it a serious threat to pets and people alike. It is particularly troubling because it grows in abundance and next to that tasty grass your dog loves. This means your pup might inadvertently come into contact with it while nibbling on nearby greenery.

Poison Hemlock Symptoms in Dogs

Recognizing poison hemlock symptoms in dogs is critical for acting quickly in case of exposure. Symptoms can include

Excessive drooling
Muscle tremors
Weakness or collapse
Dilated pupils
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Seizures

These symptoms can appear rapidly, depending on how much poison hemlock your dog ingests. If you suspect your dog has eaten this plant, immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic.

Where Is Poison Hemlock Found in San Francisco?

Poison hemlock is surprisingly common in San Francisco. It thrives in open spaces, alongside trails, and near water sources. I’ve personally spotted it in areas like Stern Grove and other parks where dogs love to roam. As a dog walker, it’s part of my job to know where these dangers lie and to guide the dogs I walk away from risky areas. Hemlock tends to grow near other plants your dog may find irresistible, making vigilance crucial.

Are Hemlock Trees Poisonous to Dogs?

While this article focuses on the plant, many wonder, “Are hemlock trees poisonous to dogs?” The answer is no—hemlock trees are not the same as poison hemlock and are not toxic. However, poison hemlock (a herbaceous plant) is extremely dangerous and can cause severe poisoning if ingested by dogs.

How to Get Rid of Hemlock

If you’ve found poison hemlock growing in your yard or a space your dog frequents, it’s essential to remove it safely. Here are some tips on how to get rid of hemlock:

Wear Protective Gear: Always use gloves and long sleeves to avoid skin contact.
Pull by the Root: Poison hemlock can regrow if the root system is left intact. Carefully pull the plant from the ground.
Dispose Properly: Seal the plant in a bag and dispose of it in the trash—never compost it.
Monitor for Regrowth: Poison hemlock spreads quickly. Regularly inspect your yard or nearby areas for any signs of regrowth.In public spaces like San Francisco parks, report poison hemlock to park authorities so they can address the issue safely.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

The best way to protect your dog is through prevention. As your San Francisco dog walker, here are the steps I take to keep my canine companions safe:

Stay Vigilant: I’m always scanning the environment for poison hemlock, especially in areas where I’ve seen it before.
Avoid Risky Areas: I immediately steer the dog away if I spot poison hemlock.
Educate Dog Owners: Sharing knowledge about this toxic plant helps everyone keep their pets safe.

When out walking your pup and suspect poison hemlock is in the area, redirect your dog and avoid the area completely.

Final Thoughts: A San Francisco Dog Walker’s Perspective

Poison hemlock poses a risk to dogs in San Francisco parks and trails. As a dog walker, that is my job to keep an eye out for these dangers.

If you ever come across poison hemlock, keep your dog far away. Its proximity to other plants your dog loves makes it particularly risky, but with awareness and caution, you can protect your pup. And if you ever need a helping hand or guidance in navigating these hazards, I’m here to help. Let’s keep our furry friends safe together.

Preventing Dog Heat Stroke: Essential Tips for Pet Owners

Janet Slissman · Jul 15, 2024 ·

Dogs Can Die From Heat Stroke!

Animal experts say that it’s a common misconception that dogs can survive if the windows are cracked on a hot day, or if the car is parked in the shade. They said people often think that dogs can handle high temperatures. Wrong! In fact, even a dog walk in high heat can hurt or kill them. Dogs can get overheated much quicker than we can. Their temperature can shoot up to 104, 105 in just a matter of ten to fifteen minutes, and that can lead to a seizure. Even cracking a window a little bit, thinking they’ll be okay isn’t enough in to keep them safe. There’s not enough breeze. Dogs don’t cool down the way we do. They cool down by panting.

If you think your Preventing Dog Heat Stroke , get him out of the heat as soon as possible. Here are a few other things you can do:

Put rubbing alcohol on the pads of their feet.
Pour cool – not cold – water on them. Start with their feet, neck, and genital areas.
Wrap them in a sheet or other cloth that’s been soaked with cool water.
Get your dog to the vet! Even if you think your dog is OK, it’s a good idea to have him checked out.

Heatstroke or exhaustion can occur very quickly for our dogs as they only have the ability to sweat throught the pads of their feet. The major way they expel heat is through panting. The two most common ways that pets get overheated is being left in cars or kennels when it is too hot or playing or running excessively in the heat. Our canine friends are almost always up for a brisk dog walk or a game of fetch. The problem is that they do not know when they are overheated until it is too late. Thus, it is up to us as their caregivers to understand when it is time to take a break, drink some water and rest in the shade for awhile. A dog’s normal temperature runs between 101 and 102.5 degrees so they are naturally warmer than we are. When their temperature exceeds 106 degrees there is a very real danger in damaging cells in their brain and causing permanent damage or even death. Treatment for heat stroke is immediately getting the pet into a cool shady area or inside an air-conditioned building. Cooling can be continued with cool cloths or ice packs in the groin area or in the armpits. It is important not to submerge the pet in cold water as this can lead to shock.

Bottom line: Dogs can’t handle the heat as well as we can and run the risk of developing heat stroke much more quickly. Even if you leave the window open and park in the shade, it may not be good enough. The test to tell if it is too hot to leave your pet in the car, if it is too hot for you in the car, it is way to hot for your dog. And don’t forget the longer you are away, the hotter your car gets. Even 15 minutes may be too long.

Some summer problems to look out for!

Janet Slissman · Jul 9, 2024 ·

It is very common at this time of the year that dogs will have swollen faces with eyes that are nearly closed up. In most cases this is from a bee sting. It can also be from vegetation that is caused by allergies. In most cases an antihistamine, such as Benedryl, will will take the swelling and discomfort down rapidly, but in severe cases it may be necessary for the pet to be seen to receive treatment with cortisone or even epinephrine. During times when insect activity is high, it is not safe to use repellants like OFF to discourage them from attacking your pet, because it contains DEET which is poisonous if ingested by dogs. Instead try, K9-Advantix, which repels mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

By far the most common concern seen in the spring and summer months involves pets that eat things that they shouldn’t. This can happen any time of the year, but when the weather is nice and the ground is warm and moist it becomes a perfect incubator for viruses, bacteria and parasites.