Do you know if you have mold in your home? If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check, because it’s a health hazard to both you and your pup. Mold exposure can cause many unwanted symptoms, both mild and severe. To ensure your dog’s wellbeing, it’s essential to know the risks of mold, where you can find it, and how to respond if exposed.
Dangers of Mold
Typically, with dogs, consumption of moldy food is a common concern. Dogs can find moldy food in your garbage, pantry, refrigerator, or compost bin. Common moldy food you may see is cheese, bread, and nuts. What makes mold dangerous is the tremorgenic mycotoxins that are produced by fungi. These metabolites cause neurologic issues in dogs. If ingested, aflatoxin can cause liver failure. Other places where mold thrives include basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, vents, plants, and more. It’s a good idea to check these areas for mold growth and eliminate it if found. Common symptoms of mold poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Incoordination
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Elevated body temperature
Mold Poisoning Treatment
If your dog consumed moldy food or licked any areas with mold, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for medical advice. Mold poisoning symptoms can develop quickly and last anywhere between 24 to 48 hours. Transport your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic so the veterinarian can perform a proper evaluation and administer treatment. Your veterinarian will work on controlling tremors and combating dehydration. Specific treatment will depend on when the mold was ingested and how much. To avoid mold poisoning, properly dispose of any moldy food and check your home to ensure there is no mold growth. If you have further questions or concerns about mold poisoning, give Pet Poison Helpline a call anytime.
