Balancing the demands of a bustling household, from maintaining cleanliness to managing errands, children, and pets, can be overwhelming. Yet, challenges can become more daunting when they involve problems that are not easily fixable, such as a broken window that poses risks to kids and pets in the home. But what happens when the issue is less apparent and cannot be resolved with a simple solution?
MOLD AND ITS EFFECTS ON YOUR PETS
Damage within a building often goes unnoticed because it occurs behind walls and under surfaces, making it a case of "out of sight, out of mind." However, by the time visible signs of damage emerge, more extensive harm may have already taken place. One of these hidden dangers is mold, and it can significantly impact the health of everyone in the vicinity, particularly pets. Pets are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of mold exposure due to their smaller and more sensitive immune systems compared to humans.
MOLD-RELATED ILLNESS
The discovery of mold-related illnesses in animals dates back to the 1930s in Russia when farm animals fell ill from sleeping on and consuming damp hay contaminated with mold. Fortunately, today, we have readily available information about black mold and better means of control. Identifying mold sickness in pets can be challenging because its symptoms often mimic those of a common cold. If your pet displays symptoms resembling a cold or similar illness, consider mold as a potential cause. Symptoms of mold exposure in pets mirror those in humans and include:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Loss of appetite
Skin rashes
Lethargy
Trembling
PAST CASES OF MOLD EXPOSURE IN PETS
While there may not be an overwhelming number of stories in the current media about pets and mold exposure, reports of such incidents have surfaced since 2000. In one unfortunate case, two cats lived in a home with flooding and water damage near their living area. Although sad, this story helped raise awareness and likely saved many pet lives. If you have a sick pet and have experienced water damage in your home, it's essential to inform your veterinarian about the water damage, whether it resulted from a flood, roof leak, or a common household issue.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT MOLD
If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms related to mold in your pet, the best course of action is to relocate them to a comfortable and mold-free environment. Consulting with a veterinarian is also a wise precaution. The vet may conduct routine tests to monitor your pet's health and may recommend treatments like a blood transfusion (if bleeding occurs) or antibiotics to combat secondary infections. Mold exposure in pets is a serious matter, and it's crucial not to underestimate its potential impact on your beloved animals.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD IN YOUR HOME
If you detect signs of black mold in your home, numerous resources can guide you in addressing the issue. If you're reading this blog, you've likely already completed the first step, which is identifying the mold problem. As indoor environmental professionals, we have multiple blog posts offering advice on handling mold problems. If you take one thing away from this blog, remember that mold should never be ignored, and even if you don't see symptoms now, they can manifest later. So, prioritize the safety of everyone in your home, including your pets. Whenever you encounter mold, please don't hesitate to reach out to Building Performance Solution!. Rest assured, we will take care of your pets and your home.