Oh No! What Happens If Your Dog Eats Moldy Food (And What To Do About It)

Have you ever turned your back for a minute only to find your furry friend has gotten into something they definitely shouldn’t have? I’ve been there too, and let me tell you – discovering your dog has eaten moldy food can send any pet parent into panic mode But don’t worry, I’m here to help you understand exactly what happens when dogs eat moldy food and the steps you should take if this happens to your four-legged companion

Why Moldy Food Is Dangerous for Dogs

First things first – moldy food is bad news for dogs. When food gets old and starts growing those fuzzy green or white patches, it’s developing fungus called Penicillium spp. This isn’t just gross – it can be downright dangerous.

The real culprits are mycotoxins, which are produced by certain molds. These toxins can cause serious health issues in dogs that go beyond a simple upset stomach. Moldy food is especially problematic when dogs get into household trash, outdoor garbage, compost piles, or fallen fruits and nuts under trees.

Symptoms to Watch For

If your dog has eaten moldy food, they might show these symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Elevated body temperature
• Disorientation
• Unusual behavior changes

The really concerning thing is how quickly these symptoms can appear. In some cases, signs of mycotoxin poisoning can develop rapidly after ingestion, and they can last anywhere from 24-48 hours. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can become life-threatening.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Moldy Food

So your dog got into some moldy food – now what? Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do:

1. Don’t Panic (But Act Quickly)

I know it’s easier said than done, but try to stay calm. Your dog needs you to think clearly right now While you shouldn’t panic, you do need to act fast because mycotoxin poisoning can develop quickly.

2. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately

This is absolutely the most important step. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) right away. Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop – by then, it might be harder to treat.

3. Consider Inducing Vomiting (But Ask First!)

If your dog ate the moldy food within the last two hours, your vet might recommend inducing vomiting at home. However, never do this without professional guidance! Some situations make inducing vomiting dangerous, so always consult with your veterinarian first.

4. Bring a Sample of the Moldy Food

If possible, bring a sample of what your dog ate to the vet. This can help them identify the type of mold and determine the best treatment approach.

5. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Offer plenty of fresh water to help flush toxins from your dog’s system. However, don’t force your dog to drink if they’re showing signs of illness – just make water readily available.

6. Skip Home Remedies

While it’s tempting to try home remedies, mycotoxin poisoning requires professional medical care. Leave the treatment to the experts.

7. Monitor Your Dog Closely

Even after getting veterinary advice, keep a close eye on your dog for any developing symptoms. If your dog seemed fine initially but later starts showing signs of illness, get them to the vet right away.

Veterinary Treatment for Moldy Food Ingestion

When you get to the vet, they’ll likely perform these treatments:

• Decontamination procedures (if the ingestion was recent)
• Medication to control tremors and seizures
• IV fluids to keep your dog hydrated
• Cooling measures if your dog has an elevated temperature
• Supportive care to manage symptoms

The good news is that with prompt veterinary care, many dogs recover fully from mycotoxin poisoning. The key is getting help quickly before the toxins can do more damage.

Prevention Is Better Than Treatment

As a pet parent, I’ve learned that preventing these scary situations is much better than dealing with them. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe from moldy food:

• Keep trash cans secure with locking lids
• Store food properly in airtight containers
• Regularly clean your refrigerator and pantry
• Discard any food that shows signs of mold immediately
• Keep compost piles fenced off from pets
• Clean up fallen fruits and nuts in your yard
• Supervise your dog when outdoors
• Train your dog to “leave it” when commanded

Other Toxic Foods to Watch Out For

While we’re on the topic of food dangers, it’s worth mentioning other common foods that are toxic to dogs:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters)
• Alcohol
• Macadamia nuts
• Coffee and caffeine products

Real-Life Experience

We had a scare last year when our Lab mix, Buddy, got into the garbage and ate some moldy bread. I noticed him drooling excessively and looking disoriented about an hour later. We rushed him to the emergency vet, and I’m so glad we did – he started having mild tremors in the car.

The vet gave him medication to control the tremors and kept him on IV fluids overnight. It was scary, but Buddy made a full recovery. Now we have a locked trash can and are much more careful about food disposal. That one emergency vet bill was enough to make us super cautious!

When to Worry vs. When It Might Be OK

Not all mold exposure is created equal. If your dog licked a tiny bit of mold but didn’t actually consume any moldy food, they might be fine. However, even small amounts of certain mycotoxins can cause problems, so it’s always best to check with your vet.

The most dangerous situations include:

• Eating large amounts of visibly moldy food
• Consuming moldy dairy products or bread
• Eating moldy compost or garbage
• Ingesting moldy nuts (especially walnuts or peanuts)

The Growing Trend in Pet Safety Awareness

There’s been an increased awareness about mycotoxin poisoning in dogs in recent years. Pet insurance companies report more claims related to moldy food ingestion, and pet poison helplines have expanded their services to meet the growing need for information.

Pet owners are also becoming more proactive, with a rise in demand for pet-safe food storage solutions and growing interest in pet health education. This awareness is helping to prevent many cases of food poisoning in our furry friends.

Final Thoughts

Finding out your dog ate moldy food can be terrifying, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. The most important thing to remember is to contact your veterinarian immediately – don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

With prompt treatment, most dogs recover well from mycotoxin poisoning. And by taking preventative measures, you can help ensure your pup never has to go through this scary experience in the first place.

Have you ever dealt with a dog who got into moldy food? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Stay safe and keep those pups away from the moldy stuff!

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Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog has eaten moldy food, please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.

If your dog eats moldy food, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately for guidance, as some molds produce toxins that can cause severe illness, including tremors, seizures, and even death. While waiting for veterinary advice, monitor your dog for signs of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or incoordination. You can also provide fresh water and withhold food for a few hours to see if symptoms improve, but do not try home remedies like inducing vomiting without professional instruction.

To treat mold toxicity in dogs, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

A dog can become sick from bad food very quickly, with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea appearing in a few hours or even within minutes, while other toxins can take several days to show signs. The timing of the illness depends on the specific substance ingested, its amount, and your dog’s size.