My dog ate moldy bread. Is it an emergency? What symptoms to watch for?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Moldy food can produce serious problems, like uncontrolled twitches, lack of balance, hypersalivation or even seizures. It usually takes 1-6hrs after ingestion of mold for the symptoms to develop. If Indy is acting normal and he is not showing any of these symptoms, you should monitor him at home. However, if he starts acting strange, if he develops muscle twitches and problems with walking you should take him to your vets as an emergency.

I recommend monitoring her for the next 24 hours. If she develops diarrhea, has persistent vomiting, stops eating or drinking, becomes lethargic, or acts like she is in pain (abdominal pain), then she should be seen by a veterinarian ASAP.

I am so sorry that your pet ate moldy food. Mycotoxicosis can be mild or more severe depending on the amount ingested. In severe cases it can even lead to death. Severe signs can occur with dosages of 0.175 mg/kg PO. Death can occur with ingestion of 0.5 mg/kg PO. Early signs include restlessness, panting, hypersalivation, with or without vomiting. Mild to moderate muscle tremors develop and may progress to severe tremors, and/or seizures. I would highly recommend taking your pet to your local ER vet right away for detoxification, IV fluids, and supportive care to give her the best chance of survival. Here is website link for financial assistance if needed. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care carecredit.com should be used first since it offers quick financial support for pets that are in need of care immediately. I really hope your furry friend is able to make a full and speedy recovery! Best wishes and take care.

Poor Bailey! Moldy food of any kind can be toxic, and often causes neurologic symptoms such as muscle tremors and incoordination - it's possible that this is what you're seeing with Bailey. Difficulty walking is always a concerning sign regardless of the underlying cause, so I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam right away. He/she can do some diagnostic testing if needed to help determine what's wrong. If it is a mold toxicity problem, this can usually be treated successfully with IV fluids and medication to control the tremors until the toxic is flushed out of his system.

Dogs developed as scavengers so they can tolerate some food that we would consider rotten or moldy. He should be fine. If he was going to have a stomach upset it probably would have happened already, so no treatment is needed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Alfie.

That's not good! he might throw up and have a little diarrhea but it is unlikely to cause any further toxicity as dogs have very strong acids in their stomach which can kill most molds. Do monitor him in the 24 hours to make sure he is ok, probably give him smaller meals as well, if he is throwing up more than a couple times call the vet.

Your dog likely has a tummy ache now. If diarrhea and/or vomiting occurs and /or your dog has abdominal pain she may have pancreatitis and will need to be seen right away by a veterinarian or in a Pet ER for an exam. Pancreatitis often occurs when dogs eat stuff they are not used to and can be life-threatening. It is diagnosed by a thorough exam, and a pancreatitis test. treatment is usually iv fluids, pain medicine, and other supportive care incl. hospitalization.