Is your pet feeling sick? It could be from the mold in your home.
When people think of black mold, they often think about the health effects this mold could have on their family members. But how many of us think about the furry members of our family? While black mold can be unpleasant for the humans of the household, it can be even more dangerous for the pets of the house. But what kind of health effects can black mold have on our pets? Let’s take a look at this type of mold as well as what it can do to our pets.
What is Black Mold?
Black mold, also called Stachybotrys chartarum, is just one of 150 different kinds of mold that are found in homes. But unlike many of these molds, black mold is actually harmful. Black mold gives off mycotoxins that can make a person (or animal) sick when breathed in. While it is mostly found on building materials, it can also be found on plants and other wet surfaces. Although it is called “black” mold, it is important to remember that not all black mold is black; it can look greenish in color. In humans, this mold can cause respiratory problems, skin inflammation, hemorrhages, runny nose, mental impairment, nausea, tiredness, immune system suppression, and internal organ damage. But what kind health problems can black mold cause for your pets?
Pets and Black Mold
While black mold has been known to cause health problems in farm animals, these health effects haven’t become well known in domestic pets until the last decade or so. The effects of black mold on pets came into view when a veterinarian claimed it was responsible for the death of two cats. Mycotoxins damaged the liver’s ability to produce blood clotting factors, which lead to fatal lung hemorrhages in the cats. Some symptoms of black mold in pets range from allergy-type symptoms to joint pain and blood clotting. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, lameness, nosebleeds, skin rashes, sores, loss of appetite, lethargy, and trembling.
But the treatment for pets with black mold include blood transfusions and antibiotics as well as tests to monitor liver functions. It is not only important for you to remove black mold from your home for your safety but the safety of every member of your family. For more information on our mold testing or mold remediation services, call Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group today!
Pets and Black Mold with Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group!
If you or a family member suspects the presence of black mold or any other type of mold in your home, contact the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group. With more than 30 years in the mold remediation industry, we have the experience and tools to help you. Contact us at 443-827-5264 or 1-877-591-MOLD (6653).
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Tags: Information, Pets