The Dangers of Mycotoxins in Dogs 

As a pet owner, it’s critically important to understand potential dangers lurking in the environment around your four-legged friend. One of those includes mycotoxins; something you may not have heard of before. Mycotoxins come from mold spores and can be found both indoors and outdoors. If inhaled or ingested by pets, they can cause a wide spectrum of health problems such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, or even worse, death. Continue reading below to learn about the dangers of mycotoxins in dogs and how you can protect them against these unseen threats. 

Mycotoxin Toxicity  

The main concern of mold ingestion in dogs is eating moldy food. Moldy food can be found in the garbage, compost pile, the pantry, and even outside. Mold can be found on old bread, cheese, nuts, and more. Dogs are at risk of toxicity due to the presence of tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are metabolites produced by fungi. These mycotoxins have the potential to cause neurological problems in dogs. Aflatoxin, another mycotoxin, can cause liver failure if ingested. Clinical signs of mycotoxin ingestion include: 

  • Vomiting 
  • Agitation 
  • Incoordination 
  • Tremors 
  • Seizures 
  • Elevated body temperature 

Treatment 

If your pup has ingested moldy food or mold from another source, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for first aid advice. Symptoms of poisoning can show quickly and last anywhere between 24 to 48 hours. Bring your pup to the veterinary clinic so your veterinarian can administer treatment. Controlling tremors and maintaining hydration will be the primary focus. More specific treatment will depend on the amount of mold ingested, when, and the symptoms that have manifested. To avoid a mold poisoning incident, you must dispose of rotten food regularly. Make sure your pup cannot get into the garbage bag or compost pile after throwing it away.