It's well-known that a balanced diet and regular exercise are pivotal for our dogs' happiness and well-being. So, it's understandably worrying when your dog suddenly turns up her nose at her usual food. If you've found yourself in this situation, it's natural to fear that it might be indicative of a serious health issue. A dog's loss of appetite can indeed be concerning, but it's important to approach the situation calmly.
If your furry friend is shunning her usual food, the first step is to stay calm. It’s not uncommon for dogs to skip a meal or two. This could simply be due to a minor ailment or a passing mood. However, if this disinterest in food persists for more than 16-18 hours, it’s time to delve a bit deeper.
Closely observing your dog is essential to determine the root cause of her reluctance to eat. Watch for any signs of illness, such as vomiting or lethargy. These symptoms, coupled with a refusal to eat, could point to underlying health issues, ranging from digestive troubles and dental pain to bacterial infections. In such cases, a vet visit is important.
We take care of everything when it comes to our dogs' health. But certain things can catch us off guard, prompting a frantic search on the internet about what to do. One situation that may send a ripple of worry to every pet owner is if our dog accidentally consumes moldy dog food.
While it may appear harmless, consuming moldy food is risky for their health. Let’s explore some details to understand better the potential risks of consuming moldy food and how to handle this situation.
Yes, moldy food can be harmful to dogs as it contains mycotoxins. Molds produce this toxic substance in food and plant material, including cheese, bread, fruits, and dog food.
Mold mainly occurs when dog food is improperly stored or kept past its expiration date. Moisture, warm temperatures, or exposure to air can also encourage mold growth in dry kibble and wet dog food.
If your dog has accidentally eaten moldy food, you should take prompt action to ensure their well-being. Here are a few steps to follow:
If your dog has ingested something potentially harmful, you should consult a professional. You should also tell your veterinarian what type and amount of moldy food your dog consumes and how long it has been since it last ate it.
If you cannot contact a veterinarian, contact the
Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
You should keep a close eye on your dog and keep track of any symptoms that might appear within 24-48 hours of eating moldy food. Some common symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning may include:
In addition, a specific type of mycotoxin, aflatoxin, can affect a dog’s liver function. In such cases, you’ll notice symptoms like yellowing of the skin (jaundice), lethargy, or changes in behavior. However, these symptoms might take a few days to appear, and it might be too late for treatment.
That’s why the best action is to consult a veterinarian immediately after your dog has eaten moldy food.
While you contact your veterinarian and wait for their instructions, ensure your dog can access clean, fresh water. This will serve a dual purpose: First, it’ll help flush out toxins from the dog's body, which might help reduce the impact of moldy food. Second, it will help prevent dehydration, especially in dogs who have experienced symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
Consuming moldy food can have a severe effect on a dog’s health. That’s why taking specific proactive steps to prevent such incidents is essential. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Ensure you’re storing your dog’s food properly and adhering to the storage guidelines recommended on the product packaging. Most dry dog foods should be kept in a dry place with a cool, stable temperature. The food should be kept away from moisture, heat, and excessive exposure to air, as that can trigger the growth of molds.
Our cold-pressed dog food may last longer because your dog needs less food to feel full. Airtight containers ensure that no food goes to waste.
Check your dog’s food regularly for signs of mold. If you notice unusual colors, odors, or textures, discard the food immediately.
Also, keep track of the food's expiration date, especially if you store it in a separate container rather than its original packaging.
Keep the trash cans in your home closed and secured to prevent your dog from scavenging for moldy or spoiled food. You can keep the trash can in a place that is less accessible to your dog and use childproof latches on the cabinet that holds it.
If you are disposing of something hazardous for your dog, try to use a secure outdoor trash can that is out of their reach.
Be mindful of the places where you take your dog for walks. They might be tempted to explore places where trash is stored and consume potential hazards like moldy food or discarded items, which could pose a health risk.
Use positive reinforcement techniques such as verbal praises and treats as rewards to teach your dog various commands, especially "leave it" or "drop it." These will help discourage them from picking and consuming anything that can harm their health.
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's overall health and well-being. This will help you address dietary concerns and get professional advice to prevent unforeseen health issues.
Moldy food can cause severe problems for dogs. Therefore, as responsible pet owners, we want to take every precaution to store their food correctly and regularly inspect the meals for any signs of mold.
If a dog accidentally eats moldy food, you should take prompt action to prevent unforeseen circumstances. We recommend contacting a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about a dog’s health and moldy dog food:
Yes, dogs can get sick from eating moldy dog food, as the mold may contain mycotoxins. These toxic substances can lead to various health issues in dogs.
If your dog has eaten moldy food, consult a veterinarian immediately. They’ll advise you on how to handle the situation based on what type and amount of moldy food your dog consumes.
You might start noticing symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning caused by eating moldy food within 24-48 hours. The initial symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, lethargy, tremors, incoordination, seizures, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever.
However, a specific type of mycotoxin, aflatoxin, can take a few days to show the first symptoms. That’s why it’s recommended that you consult a veterinarian immediately after your dog has eaten moldy food.
Did the vet mention giving your dog a Bordetella shot, you may be wondering what that is. The confusion is understandable. We care so much about our dogs that an unfamiliar term like “Bordetella” can spark concern.
But don’t worry - we’ve got your back.
This article will explain everything you need to know about Bordetella and how it affects a dog. We’ll cover various topics, including what Bordetella is, its symptoms, and the importance of its vaccine. This information will help you decide about your dog’s health and well-being.
In simple terms, Bordetella is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections in various species. It is also known more commonly as “kennel cough.” Bordetella bronchiseptica is the primary species of this bacteria and is explicitly associated with respiratory issues in dogs.
This bacteria is spread through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected animals, or contaminated environments. That’s why it’s more common in kennels, dog parks, grooming facilities, boarding facilities, daycares, etc.
The likelihood of a dog catching an infection by this bacterium increases under certain conditions, including:
It’s also important to note that humans can't contract Bordetella from dogs. However, since the bacteria can stay on surfaces, there’s a risk that we can transmit this bacteria from one infected dog to another. Taking proper precautions, like regularly washing and disinfecting our hands and surfaces that dogs frequently interact with can help stop the spread.
The most common symptom of Bordetella bronchiseptica is persistent coughing that sounds similar to honking. This cough is loud and harsh because it irritates the respiratory tract. It often differs from a regular cough, but the exact sound can vary among dogs.
Apart from that, some other clinical signs can accompany this respiratory infection. These may include:
You should consult a veterinarian if your dog shows any of the above signs of a respiratory infection. Also, in such cases, it is advised to avoid taking your dog to parks or other public places until they are correctly diagnosed to prevent the spread of this infection to other dogs.
Despite being highly contagious, respiratory infections caused by Bordetella are treatable. In fact, in the case of a healthy dog, the symptoms can even resolve on their own within a few weeks. Nevertheless, you should visit a veterinarian if you suspect any problems with your dog’s health.
This is especially important if you have a dog with a weakened immune system, a puppy, or an older dog. These dogs typically need extra attention and proper care to fight against Bordetella.
You should also contact your vet in advance or before visiting so that they can prepare for the visit and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Bordetella.
A Bordetella vaccine is your best bet to protect your dog against the infection caused by this bacteria. This preventive measure will significantly reduce your dog's risk of contracting the illness, ensuring their well-being.
If you’re unsure when or if your dog needs this vaccine, talk to your veterinarian. They can better advise you based on your dog’s lifestyle and health condition.
You can also take the following preventive measures to protect your dog against Bordetella:
Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is a common and highly contagious bacteria that leads to respiratory infections in dogs. It can spread through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated environments.
However, you can take preventive measures, including vaccinations, to reduce your dog's risk of contracting this infection. This is especially important if you have a dog with a weakened immune system, a puppy, or an older dog who needs extra care.
Remember that respiratory infections caused by Bordetella are treatable, but you should visit a veterinarian to ensure your dog gets proper treatment.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Bordetella in dogs:
Bordetella is a type of bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the primary species. It’s known for causing respiratory infections in dogs.
Bordetella is highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated environments. It’s common in places where dogs gather closely, such as kennels, dog parks, grooming facilities, boarding facilities, and daycares.
The Bordetella vaccine protects dogs against respiratory infections caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. It’s a preventive measure that significantly reduces their risk of contracting the illness.
You should consult your veterinarian to know more about this vaccine and its importance. They’ll help you determine whether your dog needs it based on their lifestyle and health condition.
Yes, Bordetella in dogs is treatable. In fact, in a healthy dog, the symptoms can even resolve independently within a few weeks. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to visit a veterinarian if you suspect any problems with your dog’s health. This is especially important if you have a dog with a weakened immune system, a puppy, or an older dog that needs extra care.
Dogs are known for their boundless enthusiasm when it comes to eating, matched only by their curiosity and their impressive scavenging skills. However, this combination sometimes leads them to consume things they shouldn’t, resulting in avoidable digestive issues. A more discerning approach to their diet, such as choosing
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, can help prevent many of these issues.
Digestive problems are quite common among dogs, akin to the digestive sensitivities we humans often experience. Fortunately, most of these issues with dogs are minor and resolve naturally over time. For more severe cases, modern veterinary medicine provides effective treatments.
