Are Pets Affected By Mold?

While the positive effects of mold removal in Toronto and the GTA for the human members of your family are well known, most of us forget to consider the impact of mold on our four-legged friends. Mold exposure can be just as dangerous to our pets as it can be to us, sometimes even more so. While there are only a few truly toxic mold species, even the run-of-the-mill types detected during mold testing can make our furry companions seriously ill. 

What Are The Dangers of Mold For Pets?

While we are likely familiar with the effects and potential health implications of mold exposure to humans, we don’t often talk about how it affects the pets in our lives. Indoor-only pets spend their whole lives in the same environment, compounding and magnifying issues caused by mold growth. 

Your pet can be exposed to mold in several ways. Like humans, pets can breathe in mold spores, which will affect the respiratory system. Mold can also affect pets through their coat or skin, which may trap spores and make it difficult for your pet to get rid of them. Animals may also accidentally ingest mold spores, which can cause difficulties for their gastrointestinal tract. 

Mold Exposure Symptoms in Pets

Some of the common signs and symptoms of mold exposure in pets include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Wheezing or rapid breathing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Excessive licking or scratching
• Loss of appetite
• Skin sores

How to Keep Your Pet Safe From Mold-Induced Illnesses

If you are affected by indoor mold growth, so is your pet — and it can be much harder to learn when they’re feeling unwell since you can’t exactly ask them! If you suspect that there’s mold growth in your home, the first step is to book professional mold testing. At MoldTech, we conduct a comprehensive indoor and outdoor examination to identify areas where we need to take a closer look. We may take air or physical samples during our inspections, which are sent to a third-party lab that returns detailed, science-based results. 

Some quick tips for keeping your pet safe from mold are: 

• Throw out any toys or bedding affected by mold growth - mold is tough to remove yourself. 
• Keep pet food sealed in an air-tight container.
• Keep pets away from any visible mold growth. Besides getting sick, they may inadvertently make the problem worse by spreading spores on their paws or coats. 
• Book an appointment with your vet if you find or suspect mold is affecting your pet. 

MoldTech Helps People AND Pets

Removing indoor mold growth results in a healthier, safer home for all members of your family. At MoldTech, we’ve been doing mold removal in Toronto and the GTA for over a decade and can help you identify any changes to your indoor environment caused by mold growth. To learn more about how mold affects pets and how to test your home for mold, call our technicians at 1-866-684-7684 or send us an email.