Frederic Melton
Dogs are known to have a better digestive system than humans, but can they eat mouldy cheese balls? The answer is not so simple. While some dogs may eat mouldy cheese and be fine, others may experience gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. The real danger occurs when dogs eat mouldy food from the trash, as it may contain mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances produced by fungi and moulds that can cause severe symptoms like seizures and tremors, and even lead to death if left untreated. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving your dog mouldy cheese balls and seek veterinary advice if they have ingested any mouldy food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How dangerous is it for dogs? | The danger depends on the species of mold. In some cases, the stomach acid should get rid of the mold spores. However, mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi and molds that grow on spoiled food and can be toxic to dogs. |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, tremors, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, seizures, and in some cases, death. |
| Treatment | Initial treatment focuses on eliminating the toxic substance. Vomiting may be induced or gastric lavage may be done under anesthesia. Activated charcoal may be used to reduce absorption in the stomach, along with cathartic medication to initiate bowel movements. Intravenous fluids are usually part of the therapy as well. |
| Prevention | Keep an eye on your dog at all times, especially when outside, and avoid leaving your dog outside of your yard unattended. Do not leave moldy food lying around. |
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What You'll Learn
Mycotoxins in mouldy cheese
Mould growth on cheese is a common problem. Cheese is an excellent substrate for mould growth, but it is a poor substrate for mycotoxin production. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by moulds that can adversely affect human and animal health. They can cause acute and chronic mycotoxicoses, which may lead to fatal poisoning. Mycotoxin production in foods is influenced by temperature, food substrate, strain of mould, and other environmental factors.
In cheese, mycotoxins such as patulin, penicillic acid, sterigmatocystin, penitrem A, and mycophenolic acid have been detected in small and variable amounts. The health significance of these mycotoxins is not fully understood, but sterigmatocystin is of greater concern due to its carcinogenicity. To prevent mycotoxin contamination, it is crucial to maintain high standards of hygiene and sanitation throughout the food chain. Cold storage, typically between 5 and 7°C, is essential for inhibiting mycotoxin formation. Additionally, chemical preservatives, antimicrobial herb extracts, vacuum packaging, and microbial control can be employed as prevention approaches.
In the context of dogs consuming mouldy cheese, it is important to note that while dogs have digestive systems that can tolerate some mouldy foods, cheese itself can cause digestive issues due to lactose intolerance. Most dogs who consume a small amount of mouldy cheese are unlikely to experience any adverse effects. However, in rare cases, a mild upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhoea may occur, which typically resolves within 24 hours without treatment. Nonetheless, if symptoms persist or other concerning symptoms develop, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
To summarise, mycotoxins in mouldy cheese can pose a risk to human and animal health, and the best way to avoid them is to prevent mould contamination. In terms of dogs consuming mouldy cheese, the greater concern is typically the cheese itself rather than the mould, and most dogs do not experience any significant adverse effects. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to monitor your dog's health and behaviour and seek veterinary advice if any concerning symptoms arise.
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Gastrointestinal issues
While dogs have a digestive system that is better able to deal with spoiled food than humans, moldy cheese balls can still cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs. The likelihood and severity of these issues depend on the amount of cheese consumed, the type of mold present, and the individual dog's sensitivity.
Gastrointestinal upset can manifest in several ways, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and constipation. These symptoms are typically mild and self-resolving within 24 hours. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention.
The mold on the cheese produces mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that can be toxic to dogs. Mycotoxin poisoning can lead to more severe gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can even result in hepatocellular necrosis (liver cell death) and affect liver function. Therefore, it is essential to prevent dogs from consuming moldy cheese balls to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal distress and potential poisoning.
Additionally, there is a risk of foreign body obstruction in the stomach or intestines if the dog consumes any non-digestible material, such as plastic or wrapping, along with the moldy cheese balls. This situation would present similar symptoms and require immediate veterinary intervention.
To summarize, moldy cheese balls can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs, ranging from mild stomach upset to more severe poisoning and obstruction. It is important for dog owners to be vigilant and seek veterinary advice if their dog consumes moldy cheese balls to ensure the best outcome for their furry friends.
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Foreign body ingestion
While dogs have a digestive system that is better able to deal with mouldy foods, it is still not recommended to feed your dog mouldy cheese. Dogs do not handle lactose very well and it can cause them to have gas and constipation. In addition, mouldy cheese may also be considered a foreign body ingestion hazard.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a foreign object, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. The vet will be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action based on the clinical examination, symptoms, and information about the foreign body and its likely location. In some cases, the vet may induce vomiting to remove the object, especially if it was ingested recently. A small camera inserted into the oesophagus or stomach may also allow the vet to retrieve the object without surgery.
However, if the foreign body is sharp, too large, or obstructing the gastrointestinal tract, surgery may be required to remove it. The longer the foreign body is present, the more problematic the outcome. In some cases, a section of the bowel may need to be removed if it is unhealthy and likely to break down post-surgery. Timely intervention is essential to prevent life-threatening complications such as intestinal perforation or infection.
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Fungal neurotoxins
While dogs are known to have digestive systems that can handle "gnarly foods", such as half-rotten meat, mouldy cheese can still be harmful to them. This is because cheese is a substrate rich in proteins, fats, mineral salts, and vitamins, making it highly susceptible to microbial growth. Cheese that has gone bad can contain fungal neurotoxins, which are harmful to dogs.
Several types of mycotoxins have been detected in cheese samples, including enniatin B, which was found in all analysed samples, and 3-nitropropionic acid (3NPA), which is a neurotoxin produced by several plants and fungi. Other mycotoxins that may be found in cheese include aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, trichothecenes, and ergot alkaloids. These toxins can come from various sources, such as pasture grasses, preserved feeds, or the cheese-making process.
The presence of fungal neurotoxins in mouldy cheese can pose a risk to dogs. While some dogs may experience no ill effects, others may have an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhoea. In more severe cases, or if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, veterinary care is recommended. To prevent harm to dogs, it is important to keep mouldy cheese out of their reach and dispose of it properly.
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Treatment for mouldy cheese ingestion
Initial treatment will focus on eliminating the toxic substance. Vomiting may be induced, or gastric lavage may be performed under anaesthesia. Activated charcoal may be administered to reduce absorption in the stomach, and a cathartic medication may be given to initiate bowel movements. Intravenous fluids usually form part of the therapy too. Lab testing of the spoiled food or the contents of the dog's stomach will be necessary to definitively diagnose mycotoxin toxicosis and identify the substance causing the symptoms.
The veterinarian will also need to test for alternative causes since the ingestion of other toxic substances like ethylene glycol, hydrocarbons, or amphetamines could cause similar symptoms. A history of the dog's recent activities may be helpful, especially if the owner did not witness the incident.
Most dogs will survive mycotoxin poisoning with aggressive treatment. However, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible, as this type of toxicity can be fatal.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not expected to be dangerous for dogs if they eat a small amount of mouldy cheese balls. However, dogs can have an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
If your dog ate mouldy cheese balls, you should monitor them for any symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur and last for more than 24 hours, take your dog to the vet.
Mouldy cheese balls can contain mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances produced by fungi and moulds. Mycotoxin poisoning can cause vomiting, tremors, fever, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
To prevent your dog from eating mouldy cheese balls, keep them away from household trash and garbage outside. Also, ensure they cannot access any mouldy food in your home.
If your dog is showing symptoms of illness after eating mouldy cheese balls, contact your vet immediately. Initial treatment will focus on eliminating the toxic substance and controlling symptoms like tremors.
