For a number of reasons, the compost pile, an apparently harmless aspect of your outdoor garden, may seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, your dog may mistake this heap of organic matter that is decomposing for a free meal. A variety of molds may develop on food in a compost pile as it begins to go bad, but sometimes a dog won’t mind having a picnic outside. At least 20 different types of these molds are known to reside in compost piles, and many of them produce mycotoxins that may be harmful to your health. Small muscle tremors and ataxia (which makes your pet appear drunk or have trouble walking) can be brought on by ingesting even a small amount of mold and can last for hours or days. Exposure to a lot of mold can result in severe tremors, seizures, and even death.
Additionally, spoiled food and fats in the compost pile can result in gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea (which can occasionally be bloody). These kinds of problems are frequently caused by moldy grains, pastas, moldy nuts like walnuts or peanuts, moldy dairy products like cheese, and moldy grains.
In addition to food found in compost piles, your dog may come into contact with toxic molds from outside or trash-disposed moldy refrigerator food. Please take your pet to the veterinarian right away if you think they may have gotten into a compost pile or some moldy trash. Your dog might be made to vomit depending on whether the animal is exhibiting symptoms of toxicity. Due to potential side effects, we never advise causing vomiting at home. For example, if your pet is not stable, he or she may bloat or inhale their own vomit. A dose of activated charcoal is frequently administered by the veterinarian to help remove toxins from the digestive tract.
The majority of dogs who suffer from this type of mold toxicity will likely be kept in the hospital on IV fluids and given muscle relaxants to treat any tremors until the tremors stop. Antibiotics are also sometimes used to treat any diarrhea. Depending on how much mold your pet ingested and how quickly they were treated by a veterinarian, a hospital stay can last anywhere from one day to several days.
Just like anything else, with mold toxicity, prevention is key. Keep your pet’s reach away from compost piles by placing them there, or place the compost in a container that is secure. Also, don’t throw food away in inside trash cans. The majority of outdoor trash cans are much more durable, and some are designed to be challenging for a dog to open, even if the can is turned upside down. Avoid emptying your refrigerator of moldy food and throwing it in your backyard.
Animal Poison Control Alert: The Dangers of Moldy Food
Every year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) deals with thousands of cases of animal poisoning brought on by plants, medications, and other things consumed by animals. However, not all pet poisons are as obvious; in fact, one significant risk could be present on food, where you least expect it.
The APCC wants to inform pet parents about the risks of eating moldy food so that you will be equipped with potentially life-saving knowledge. A fungus called Penicillium spp., or “food mold,” develops on stale food. It is frequently visible to the unaided eye and, if ingested, can seriously illen a pet.
While it is important to avoid mold on dog food, the real threat comes from pets eating garbage that is left outside or in the home, such as moldy nuts or fruits that have fallen from trees or compost piles. Your canine companion could become seriously ill from fungus neurotoxins on stale food. Common signs that your dog has eaten mold include:
If untreated, symptoms can be life-threatening and last for 24 to 48 hours. The best way to protect your pet is to never let them eat moldy food; treatments are primarily focused on reducing tremors and keeping the animal cool and hydrated. Never leave your dog unattended outside of your home, especially when you’re going to be outside.
To find out what to do if your dog is seen eating moldy food, call your vet or the APCC right away. If your dog exhibits symptoms, take him to a veterinary clinic right away because the onset of symptoms can be very quick.
Please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away at 888-426-4435 if you suspect that your pet is sick or may have ingested any poisonous material.
Can Moldy Food Kill a Dog?
A dog eating moldy food will undoubtedly start to exhibit symptoms of ill health. This could ultimately result in your dog’s tragic death if it is not treated. Dogs can die from mycotoxin poisoning brought on by mold and bacteria, just like it can in humans. To save them, you must seek immediate veterinary care.
What happens if my dog eats moldy food?
Dogs seem to be willing to eat nearly anything. Although they are predators, they don’t mind scavenging in the wild. Domestic dogs are less likely to consume animal remains, but they still risk getting sick if they consume spoiled or moldy food.
Mycotoxin poisoning can make your dog very sick. Severe cases can even be fatal. Toxicological symptoms can last up to 5 days. The most typical symptoms are tremors and seizures, but they differ depending on the type of mold.
Disorientation or loss of balance, fever, and stomach pain are some additional signs and symptoms of mold poisoning. They may also be very restless or anxious. Dogs going through this might find it difficult to relax or sit still.
Dogs’ mold poisoning is most frequently caused by tremogenic mycotoxins. It’s found on moldy bread, dairy products, and nuts. The mold is actually a type of penicillin. Although penicillin was the first antibiotic, these varieties are harmful rather than helpful.
These mold poisoning symptoms include vomiting, tremors, and fever. Without treatment, seizures brought on by consuming a large amount of the mold can be fatal for the dog.
Aflotoxins are another type that causes issues for dogs. These aflatoxins are produced by aspergillus fungi. These toxins are processed by the liver. This can lead to liver cell death.
A yellow appearance, especially in the whites of the eyes, is one of the first symptoms of liver cell death. Other symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, and bloody stool. Liver cell death can be fatal if it’s severe. Additionally, your dog’s long-term health may be affected.
Old or tainted pet food may contain fusarium mold. It contains trichothecene mycotoxins. This will cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
The last thing you anticipate could make your dog ill is water mold. However, if your dog consumes contaminated standing water, they could get very sick. Due to the fact that these molds cannot withstand freezing temperatures, this usually happens in the warm gulf states.
This type of mold toxicity is called Pythiosis. Lethargy, vomiting, bloody stools, and chronic diarrhea are some of the symptoms. They may also develop an abdominal mass and excessive drooling.
Unfortunately, this type of mold toxicity can be fatal. Because it is difficult to treat, quick treatment is crucial for the best results.
FAQ
What do I do if my dog eats moldy food?
To find out what to do if your dog is seen eating moldy food, call your vet or the APCC right away. If your dog exhibits symptoms, take him to a veterinary clinic right away because the onset of symptoms can be very quick.
How long till your dog gets sick of they eat moldy food?
Within two hours of ingestion, symptoms may begin, and vomiting may be the first warning sign before tremors develop. Mycotoxins can cause severe muscle tremors that dangerously increase body core temperature.
How do I detox my dog from mold?
Food that is moldy, such as bread, nuts, and dairy products, can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that can seriously illfect your dog. Symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning include vomiting, fever, agitation, tremors, seizures.