What Pet Parents Need to Know About Mold

Written By Dana Brigman

Mold is sneaky. It hides in walls, lurks under sinks, clings to air vents—and yes, it even lives in some pet foods. But what many pet parents don’t realize is how much mold exposure can impact your dog’s health, especially when symptoms seem mild or unrelated.

happy dog mold exposure

If your dog struggles with chronic inflammation, itching, gut issues, behavior changes, or immune problems, mold may be at the root of it.

Let’s dig into what mold exposure can do, how to spot it, and what you can do to support your dog naturally.

Risks of Mold Exposure for Dogs

Dogs can be exposed to mold in three main ways:

  • Environmental mold – in homes with moisture issues, water leaks, or poor ventilation

  • Ingested mold – from contaminated kibble, treats, or decaying organic matter

  • Internal mold/mycotoxins – overgrowth of mold in the GI tract or organs

Even small exposures can build up over time and start to affect your dog’s immune system, behavior, and overall vitality.

Some breeds and individuals are more sensitive, especially:

  • Dogs with prior vaccine reactions or immune suppression

  • Senior dogs

  • Dogs with existing skin or respiratory issues

  • Dogs living in humid or flood-prone areas

Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure in Dogs

Mold-related illness often goes misdiagnosed because the symptoms mimic other conditions. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Chronic itching, hotspots, or skin infections

  • Ongoing yeast overgrowth (especially ears or paws)

  • Respiratory issues – sneezing, coughing, congestion

  • GI upset – diarrhea, vomiting, inconsistent stools

  • Behavioral changes – anxiety, clinginess, brain fog

  • Fatigue, tremors, or mobility issues

  • Unexplained inflammation or immune-related conditions

  • Slow healing or frequent infections

Long-Term Effects of Mold Exposure

If mold toxicity isn't addressed, it can contribute to more serious or chronic issues like:

  • Leaky gut and food sensitivities

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Liver and kidney stress

  • Nervous system dysfunction

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Poor detoxification or methylation issues

Steps to Support a Dog Exposed to Mold

Supporting your dog through mold exposure isn’t just about “killing mold”—it’s about safely binding, detoxing, rebuilding, and preventing re-exposure. Here are some core tools I use with clients:

🌀 1. Use Gentle Binders

Some molds produce mycotoxins, which need to be bound and escorted from the body.
I often recommend Cellcore binders (BioToxin Binder, ViradChem, or Para 1) to help dogs gently release mold toxins. These must be introduced slowly and paired with plenty of water and mineral support. Contact me and I can drop ship them to you)

Note: Always work with a practitioner for binder dosing in dogs.

💧 2. Replenish Key Minerals

Mold drains minerals—especially those that fuel the liver and kidneys.

I suggest Beam Minerals (Electrolyze and Micro-Boost) to support detox and cellular health. These are easy to add to water or food and are well-tolerated even by sensitive dogs.

🌿 3. Clean the Air and Environment

One of my favorite natural tools for home detox?
Young Living’s Thieves blend. It’s been studied and shown to reduce mold spores in the air and smells way better and is much safer for everyone than bleach.

You can:

  • Diffuse Thieves daily in affected spaces

  • Use Purification blend for musty smells

  • Add diluted Thieves to homemade cleaners

  • Spray dog bedding, crates, or HVAC filters (diluted properly)

The book Nature’s Mold Rx by Dr. Edward Close shares the science behind using Thieves essential oil to clean indoor mold without chemicals. A great read for any pet parent in a moldy climate. (Order books Here)

🐾 4. Feed the Body, Not the Mold

  • Switch to a fresh food diet to avoid dry-food-based mold contamination

  • Eliminate sugary treats or carb-heavy foods that feed yeast

  • Add fermented veggies (if tolerated) to build gut resilience

  • Rotate in functional mushrooms like reishi or turkey tail for immune modulation

🧼 5. Remediate Mold at the Source

  • Fix any water leaks or areas of visible mold

  • Use dehumidifiers in damp spaces

  • Consider professional remediation if needed

  • Avoid candles and sprays that worsen air quality—opt for essential oils instead

Top 5 Things to Do Today If You Suspect Mold

  • Switch your dog to a fresh or gently cooked diet

  • Start diffusing Young Living’s Thieves blend daily

  • Add Beam Minerals to support detox and hydration

  • Deep clean dog bowls, beds, and vents

  • Read Nature’s Mold Rx and learn how essential oils can change your home environment

A Final Note from Dana

If you’ve been working on your dog’s gut, skin, or behavior and not making progress—mold might be the missing piece. I’ve worked with many clients whose dogs began to thrive again once we addressed hidden mold exposure. Don’t panic… but do take it seriously.

You can download my protocol or join us in the community forum to discuss.

  • Safe binder rotations

  • Product recommendations

  • Supportive foods and herbs

  • Detox bath ideas

  • Essential oil applications (internal/external/environmental)

You’re not alone in this!

Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Want even more resources, Q&A, and discussions on nutrition? Join my community forum. Free and Subscription Content.

Visit My Affiliate Links for curated quality products mentioned above!
https://welloiled9.com/affiliate-links

Dana Brigman
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