The Problems

Pets Can Be A Source for Mold In Your Home

There are many sources for mold exposure beyond water damaged building materials— including our pets. When pets live indoors they are likely contributors to mold, yeast, and bacteria contamination. The fur of pets, similar to carpet, can be a reservoir for mold spores. The mold can get into their fur through digging in decaying debris outside, or by laying on dust inside of a mold contaminated environment. Once mold is present within the pet’s fur, it can be distributed into the indoor environment by agitation of the fur when they run around inside, rub against furniture, or are petted.

Mold Can Make Pets Sick

Mold can affect pet’s health in similar ways to how humans are affected. The mycotoxins produced by molds are dangerous to pets and can produce many symptoms, a depressed immune system, and even cancer. If the pet’s immune system is depressed, the mold, yeast, and bacteria can also grow internally or on their skin/fur. Pets can also have opportunistic mold, yeast, and bacteria infections, or simply be allergic to the molds that they are exposed to.

Mold Prevention & Recommendations

How To Prevent Pets From Being A Mold Risk

Although source removal is always the best way of addressing mold issues, very few people are willing to get rid of their pets. Therefore, treatment is the best option. To learn more about finding out if your pet has mold read the My Pet Might Have Mold? article. It’s essential to identify and address mold problems in your home to protect your family and your pets.