Pets are highly vulnerable to mold exposure in water-damaged homes, and restoration professionals can provide valuable guidance to clients about protecting their animals during and after remediation, according to veterinary health experts.
Dogs and cats that are exposed to mold in water-damaged homes can develop respiratory illness, skin conditions, neurological symptoms, and other health problems. Because pets spend more time close to the floor where mold concentrations are often highest, they may be exposed to higher levels of mold than their human owners.
Common symptoms of mold exposure in pets include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and skin irritation. In severe cases, mold exposure can cause more serious conditions including pulmonary hemorrhage, particularly in young animals.
Veterinarians advise that pets should be kept out of mold-contaminated areas and should not return to a remediated home until post-remediation testing confirms that mold levels are acceptable. Pets that show symptoms of mold exposure should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Restoration professionals who inform their clients about the risks of mold exposure to pets, and who provide clear guidance on when it is safe for pets to return to a remediated home, provide a valuable service that can differentiate them from competitors.
