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Moldy Food / Compost

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Moldy Food / Compost — toxicity in dogs and cats

EmergencyApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Moldy foods and compost can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that trigger severe neurologic poisoning in pets. Dogs are especially at risk because they rummage in garbage, compost bins, and yard waste. Signs can escalate rapidly from vomiting and agitation to full-body tremors and life-threatening hyperthermia. This is a true emergency that often requires intensive stabilization.

Symptoms

Tremors, fever, seizures, vomiting

Typical onset

30 minutes - 6 hours

What to do

Emergency care is needed immediately.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Moldy foods and compost can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that trigger severe neurologic poisoning in pets. Dogs are especially at risk because they rummage in garbage, compost bins, and yard waste. Signs can escalate rapidly from vomiting and agitation to full-body tremors and life-threatening hyperthermia. This is a true emergency that often requires intensive stabilization.

Symptoms
Tremors, fever, seizures, vomiting
Onset
30 minutes - 6 hours
What to do now
Emergency care is needed immediately.
Call UVEC now: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.