Andy Montoya
Dogs eating moldy cheese is a common occurrence, but is it harmful to their health? The short answer is that it depends on the type of mold and the amount ingested. Some molds, such as tremorgenic mycotoxins, can cause serious health issues in dogs, including vomiting, agitation, tremors, seizures, and even liver failure. However, not all molds are toxic, and some dogs may experience no adverse effects after consuming moldy cheese. While cheese generally contains less lactose than milk, it can still cause digestive issues in dogs with severe lactose intolerance. Therefore, it is important for dog owners to monitor their pets closely and seek veterinary advice if any concerning symptoms arise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of toxicity | Yes, due to tremorgenic mycotoxins |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, agitation, incoordination, tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature |
| Severity | Mycotoxin poisoning is rare |
| Occurrence | Common |
| Recommended action | Observe for 24 hours, seek veterinary treatment if symptoms persist or worsen |
| Prevention | Keep moldy food out of pets' reach |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can have an upset stomach from eating moldy cheese
While dogs generally have a better ability to deal with mouldy foods than humans, eating mouldy cheese can cause an upset stomach for dogs. This is because mouldy foods can contain toxins called Tremorgens, which can cause significant tremors and seizures lasting for several hours or even days. Vomiting may be one of the earliest signs of Tremorgen ingestion. If your dog has eaten mouldy cheese and is vomiting, it is recommended that you observe them quietly. If you notice any signs of tremors, shaking, or seizures, they will need emergency veterinary care.
The risk of Tremorgen poisoning is relatively rare, and it is common for dogs to eat mouldy cheese without any adverse effects. However, it is still best to avoid giving mouldy cheese to your dog. If your dog has eaten mouldy cheese and is acting fine, there is no need to panic. Keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour or adverse reactions, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. These symptoms are typically expected to be minor and should go away within 24 hours without specific treatment.
It is important to note that the primary concern when giving cheese to your dog is not the mould but the cheese itself. Dogs do not handle lactose well, and it can cause them to have gas and constipation. Aged cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss have lower lactose content, but they can still upset dogs with severe lactose intolerance. When introducing cheese to your dog for the first time, start with a small amount and wait 24 hours to ensure they do not have a bad reaction.
Additionally, when choosing dairy products for your dog, it is best to opt for those made from grass-fed animals. Products from grass-fed cows, sheep, and goats have a healthier balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, less saturated fatty acids, and more protein. They also have a smaller environmental impact, and the animals are generally happier and less stressed.
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Mycotoxin poisoning from moldy cheese is rare
While moldy cheese can be harmful to dogs, mycotoxin poisoning from it is rare. Dogs have a digestive system that is better able to deal with moldy foods than humans. However, moldy foods can contain toxins called tremorgens, which can cause vomiting, agitation, incoordination, tremors, seizures, and elevated body temperature. A specific mycotoxin called aflatoxin can even lead to liver failure.
If your dog has ingested moldy cheese, observe them for any adverse reactions. Vomiting may be one of the earliest signs. If your dog starts to show signs of tremors, shaking, or seizures, seek emergency veterinary care. Medications to stop tremors, IV fluids, decontamination of the gut, and hospitalization for observation may be necessary.
It is important to keep moldy food out of your dog's reach. If you suspect your dog has eaten something potentially toxic, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline for advice. The amount of substance ingested, the size of the animal, and any allergies can determine the toxicity.
While mycotoxin poisoning is rare, it is still best to prevent your dog from ingesting moldy cheese. Choose cheeses made from organic grass-fed dairy and introduce new foods gradually. When giving your dog cheese for the first time, start with a small amount and wait 24 hours to ensure they do not have a bad reaction.
Overall, while mycotoxin poisoning from moldy cheese is uncommon in dogs, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns about your pet's health.
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Stomach acid in dogs can kill mold spores
While dogs are known to have a better ability to deal with "gnarly foods", it is still not advisable to feed them moldy cheese. Moldy food can put dogs at risk for toxicity due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. Clinical signs of mycotoxin poisoning include vomiting, agitation, incoordination, tremors, seizures, and an elevated body temperature. In extreme cases, certain types of mold can even cause neurologic problems and death.
The prognosis for a dog afflicted by mold is generally good, and provided the source of the mold is removed, the dog should fully recover. It is crucial to keep pets away from any areas contaminated with mold and to prevent them from eating moldy food or garbage. Regular cleaning and maintaining low humidity can help prevent mold growth.
Additionally, dogs may experience digestive issues from consuming cheese due to their difficulty in handling lactose. This can lead to gas and constipation. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving moldy cheese to dogs and to take preventive measures to ensure they do not have access to moldy food or contaminated areas.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs can be aggravated by cheese
While mouldy cheese may not be toxic to dogs, cheese in general can be harmful to dogs that are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance in dogs can be aggravated by cheese, a dairy product that contains lactose, a sugar that dogs often lose the ability to digest after puppyhood. As a result, dogs with lactose intolerance may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Lactose intolerance in dogs is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down the lactose in dairy products. While some dogs may be able to tolerate small amounts of cheese without issue, for lactose-intolerant dogs, even small amounts of cheese can cause digestive upset and weight gain due to its high-fat content. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog's reaction to cheese and other dairy products and consult a veterinarian if symptoms of lactose intolerance are observed.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs can include diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, and weight loss. An elimination trial, conducted under the guidance of a veterinarian, can help diagnose lactose intolerance by removing all sources of dairy from the dog's diet and monitoring its reaction to the dietary changes. If lactose intolerance is suspected or confirmed, it can be easily managed by eliminating dairy products from the dog's diet.
While cheese may be a tasty treat for dogs, it is important to be mindful of the potential for lactose intolerance, especially in dogs that have not previously consumed dairy products. Introducing cheese in small amounts and observing for any adverse reactions is recommended. Additionally, moderation is key when feeding cheese to dogs, as excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
In conclusion, while mouldy cheese may not pose a specific risk to dogs beyond general food toxicity, cheese can aggravate lactose intolerance in dogs, leading to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. As such, it is important for dog owners to be aware of the potential risks associated with feeding cheese to dogs and to monitor their dogs' reactions to ensure their health and well-being.
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Signs of mycotoxin poisoning include vomiting, agitation, tremors, and seizures
While dogs have a digestive system that is better able to deal with mouldy foods than humans, it is still not recommended that they consume mouldy cheese. This is because mouldy foods can contain mycotoxins, which can lead to poisoning.
It is important to note that mycotoxin poisoning is rare, and it is common for dogs to eat mouldy cheese without any adverse effects. However, it is always best to keep mouldy food out of your dog's reach to prevent any potential health risks. If you think your dog has ingested something toxic, seek immediate veterinary treatment.
In addition to the risks of mycotoxin poisoning, it is important to consider the effects of the cheese itself on your dog's digestion. Dogs do not handle lactose well, and cheese can cause constipation and gas. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss, tend to have lower amounts of lactose, but they can still upset dogs with severe intolerance. When introducing cheese to your dog's diet, it is best to start with a small amount and wait 24 hours to observe any adverse reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is not expected to be dangerous for dogs to eat moldy cheese, it is still best to avoid it. Dogs have a better digestive system and may be able to tolerate moldy cheese, but it is always good to be cautious.
Observe your dog for any adverse reactions. Signs to look out for include vomiting, agitation, incoordination, tremors, seizures, and elevated body temperature. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary advice immediately.
It is relatively common for dogs to eat a small amount of moldy cheese and be completely fine. Their stomach acid may be able to get rid of the mold spores, depending on the species of mold.
In most cases, there are no long-term effects if the dog fully recovers from the initial ingestion. However, it is important to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.
Yes, if you want to give your dog cheese as a treat, opt for cheeses made from organic grass-fed dairy, such as cottage cheese. These have higher nutritional value and are generally safer for dogs to consume.
