Mold isn’t just a problem for your home and your health, it’s a health risk for your pets too!  Pets breath and play in your house, just like you do.  Since mold spores are typically airborne, and cause the most damage when inhaled, they’re just as likely to affect your pets as they to affect your family.  While black mold, the one that homeowners fear the most, is dangerous to humans, it’s also dangerous to your pets.

Identify the Symptoms

Not everyone reacts to mold in the same way, or to the same amounts.  With only a little mold hiding behind wallpaper, under carpet, or in your ventilation system may have no effect on you (that you can see) while still having a strong effect on your pets.  Keep an eye out for signs of irritation that you can’t explain, such as:

• Excessive scratching in the absence of fleas
• Sores and bleeding from scratching
• Excessive licking
• Hair loss due to excessive scratching and/or licking
• Runny nose
• Runny eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Heavy or labored breathing
• Wheezing sound when breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

What to Do Next

The problem with symptoms is that many different causes can generate those symptoms.  If the symptoms are serious, always go see a veterinarian immediately.  Your vet is trained to recognize the differences in causes and can help you find a remedy if the source isn’t mold.

If you can’t get to your vet for some reason, or the symptoms are relatively minor, try removing your pet from the home for a few days.  Let a friend take care of them and see if their symptoms disappear.  In the meantime, inspect your home for mold.  Whether it’s your vet that informs you, or you simply find mold hiding in your home, it’s time to take action.  If you’re pet has already been reacting to it, keep them away from the mold and start getting it cleaned up immediately.

Follow your vet’s instructions for treatment while you’re having your home cleaned as well.  Failing to treat or clean your home will only have half the effect you intend and you could see a resurgence of symptoms.  Mold is no laughing matter and no one enjoys seeing a pet in discomfort.

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