As a pet owner, you always want your furry family member to be safe, healthy, and happy. But what happens when they’re unknowingly exposed to a harmful substance? Mold is a potential health risk that could negatively impact your dog’s health if it’s not resolved fast. Mold is a fungus that can cause a wide range of health issues for both humans and pets alike. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors and if exposed to it can cause breathing difficulties, eye and skin irritation, and neurological problems. To protect your pup from mold you must be aware of the dangers of it and know what to do in case of an exposure emergency.
Mold Toxicity
When it comes to mold and dogs the primary concern is the ingestion of moldy food. Moldy food can be found in the garbage, compost pile, or even your pantry. The risk of toxicity is due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. These are metabolites produced by fungi that can cause neurological issues in dogs. These toxins can be found in moldy bread, cheese, nuts, and other decaying matter. Another mycotoxin, aflatoxin, can cause liver failure if ingested. Clinical signs of mold toxicity include the following:
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Incoordination
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Elevated body temperature
Treatment
If you see that your dog got into moldy food, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away for medical assistance. Symptoms of mold poisoning can occur quickly and last anywhere between 24 to 48 hours. Take your dog to the veterinary clinic so your veterinarian can evaluate the severity and prescribe the correct course of treatment. Your veterinarian will focus on controlling the tremors and keeping your pup hydrated. Further treatment will depend on the amount of mold ingested and your dog’s condition. To avoid your dog eating mold, make sure to routinely dispose of rotten food and make sure your dog can’t get to it.
