Mold is often undetectable to the human eye, but can have serious effects on people and pets. This silent threat can creep up with no visible symptoms, forcing you to rely solely on smell and physical reactions. It can be easier to detect mold exposure in humans, because you may develop allergy-like symptoms. However, when it comes to mold and dogs or cats, you have to trust your intuition about whether they’ve been exposed to mold.
The feeling when your pet is having an “off” day can possibly be a sign of infection caused by mold exposure. That’s why it’s important to keep tabs on your pets’ typical behavior, dietary habits, and any changes in their sleeping patterns. LHere’s how to tell if your pet is experiencing mold exposure symptoms.
Different Types of Mold
There are three different types of mold: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic. Each type is more dangerous than the one before. As the names indicate, allergenic mold produces allergy-like symptoms. Pathogenic mold produces symptoms of acute illness. Toxigenic mold produces toxic substances that can cause deadly health conditions.
5 Signs of Mold Exposure In Dogs
When dogs inhale enough of a certain type of mold, it can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of mold exposure in dogs include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing, sneezing, or coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Nose and/or mouth bleeding
8 Signs of Mold Exposure In Cats
Cats aren’t as quick to show how they’re feeling as dogs. This makes it harder to distinguish between typical standoffish behavior and sickness. Any variance in your cat’s behavior could be the difference between a severe mold reaction and a bad day.
Symptoms of mold sickness in cats may include:
- Excessive sleeping
- Hiding
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Coughing or sneezing
- Runny nose or eyes
- Wheezing sound when breathing
Treatment for Mold Exposure
Veterinary treatment for mold exposure is usually centered on supportive care which focuses on managing the more urgent symptoms. Treatment for respiratory issues, vomiting, gastric distress, and dehydration can help your pet make a full recovery.
Even if your pet’s condition is not life-threatening, the vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic are available for urgent care. If your pet’s condition feels severe enough to where you can’t wait for a scheduled appointment, please contact us right away.
Mold Prevention
It’s especially important to monitor your pet’s bedding and toys for mold, especially when living in a humid environment. When the air quality is inconsistent, it’s safest to store your pet’s food in air-tight containers to avoid mold contamination.
Plastic or rubber chew toys should also be checked for water damage, especially if they are around mud or left on the floor. Cleaning toys regularly and making sure they’re completely dry is the most efficient way to prevent mold from entering toys with holes.
Schedule a Wellness Exam Today
Mold exposure in dogs and cats is a common but preventable issue. If your pet is experiencing discomfort associated with mold exposure, please contact us right away. At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we will treat your pets with the utmost care. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of your furry friends.