How to Help Pets That Have Mold Allergies

Dogs and Cats Allergic to Mold May Need Medication and Treatment

Sep 13, 2009

People aren't the only ones with mold allergies. Pets can be allergic, and it's up to owners to keep their pets safe, happy, and feeling well with allergy treatment.

Sniffling and sneezing are just part of life for the millions of people who have allergies to things like pollen, ragweed, mold, and mildew. Unfortunately, their pets can have allergies to these things, too, and that can result in a lot of scratching and biting as well as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. In order to help a pet with allergies the owner needs to discover what the allergy is caused by. Very often, that cause is mildew or mold spores in the home.

Even pets that generally don't have an allergy problem can become sick from spending too much time around mold or mildew, just like a person. This is especially true of dogs because of the way they use their noses so frequently. Dogs are more likely than cats to sniff out, lick, and even eat mold, but that doesn't mean they're the only pets who risk harm from mold or mildew in a home.

Pets that are allergic to mold or mildew sneeze often, and they scratch, lick, and bite themselves a lot because their skin itches. They may also develop a cough and have runny or watery eyes, or a discharge that builds up in the corners. If a pet owner notices these kinds of symptoms in their pet it's important to have a veterinarian determine the cause of the problem. Mold and mildew are not the only things that can create these kinds of symptoms.

Indoor Exposure to Mold Can Cause Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Once it's been determined that a mold allergy is what a pet has, it's very important for the pet's owner to take steps to reduce the level of mold and mildew the pet is exposed to. The humidity in the home is important, and a dehumidifier can be used to control humidity in a wet climate. That will help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew in the home.

Another way to lower the chance a pet will be exposed to mold inside a home is to clean food and water dishes frequently. These can get moldy very quickly, especially if a pet eats wet or moist food that's not cleaned up at each meal. A water dish grows mold because a pet gets food crumbs and particles in it from eating and then drinking. These start to decompose, creating mold.

Dogs, Cats, and Outdoor Exposure to Mold

Dogs and puppies spend a lot of time outdoors. Some cats also spend time outdoors, and any pet that's outside has the chance to be exposed to mold. Mushrooms and other fungi growing in a yard should be removed, and mold or mildew growing on the side of a home, on a patio, or in a driveway should also be removed so that pets don't come into contact with it. There are many products sold online that can help a pet owner get rid of mold and mildew. Pet owners can also get advice about treating mold that way, and find companies that can help them.

No matter how careful a person is, his pets can still be exposed to mildew and mold, but taking precautionary measures in and around the home can help lessen the chances of exposure. It can also help the pet breathe easier, feel better, and have a more enjoyable life with its owner. That's certainly something that most pet owners would feel was worth the effort.

Resources for Treating Mold Allergies in Pets:

The copyright of the article How to Help Pets That Have Mold Allergies in Pet Diseases is owned by Michielle Beck. Permission to republish How to Help Pets That Have Mold Allergies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.