Moldy conditions can put your health at risk. But it’s not just humans who can be affected – it’s dogs, too. And this story certainly proves that point.
Laura Becerra, her boyfriend, and their dog were living in a Kansas City apartment when mold started growing in their closet. Apartment maintenance simply painted over it and brushed off any concerns, but the mold did not stop growing.
Then, one day, Laura had to be rushed to the ER when she developed hives. It turned out that she had a lung infection due to a severe mold allergy. Meanwhile, Bella, her pup, was suffering too. Patches of her fur were coming off in droves. She, too, had a mold allergy!
Luckily, the family moved out of the apartment before anything fatal occurred. But their story serves as an example of the dangers of mold.
So what, exactly, is mold? It is a fungus variety that tends to breed and spread in environments that are warm and moist. Not all kinds are totally harmful, but there are some which can be very dangerous to both humans and pets.
There are five kinds of toxic mold:
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Fusarium
- Penicillium
- Stachybotrys
These types of mold can just cause coughing and mild illness, but they can also lead to neurological disorders and can even be fatal to some. Worried that your pup has been affected by mold? Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Breathing difficulty
- Breathing changes
- Coughing fits
- Sneezing fits
- Wheezing fits
- Nasal discharge
- Decreased energy
- Mouth or nose bleeding
- Appetite change
- Bowel movement change
- Vomiting
- Fidgeting with itchy spots
Bring your pup to the vet if you notice these symptoms!
Feature Image Source: Pixabay