There are many good reasons to keep your pet away from the garbage. One of these reasons is that moldy food may contain a toxin, specifically a mycotoxin, which can cause tremors in your pet. These mycotoxins can cause weakness, muscle tremors or convulsions and the symptoms can last for several days.

Foods such as grains and nuts, including walnuts, almonds, and pecans have all been associated with these mycotoxins. Symptoms will occur rapidly and can include drooling, panting, restlessness and mild incoordination. More severe symptoms, including muscle tremors, will be seen with higher doses of the toxin and death can occur in some cases.

If your pet exhibits these signs, and is known to scavenge in the garbage, you should seek veterinary help immediately. Treatment consists of inducing vomiting and introducing activated charcoal to the stomach. These steps help to minimize absorption of the toxin. Tremors and seizures can be controlled with medications and with supportive care and with early aggressive treatment, the prognosis is good.

It is important to finish all of a pet’s food in a can or bag prior to adding new food. Adding new food on top of old food can allow for the growth of molds. In addition one should ensure that all garbage containers are closed and secure.

Most importantly, if you wouldn’t eat it, then don’t feed it to your pet!

This handout provides advice only. For specific advice regarding your pet please speak to your veterinarian at The Lost Dogs Home Veterinary Clinic.

The Lost Dogs Home Veterinary Clinic, 2 Gracie St, North Melbourne, 3051.
Phone: (03) 9329 2755