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My dog ate moldy bread from the trash. When should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate a piece of moldy bread from the garbage, while I was out of the house. Other than vomiting once, she seems okay.Should I take her to a vet?

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7 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 25th, 2015

I recommend monitoring her for the next 24 hours. If she develops diarrhea, has persistent vomiting, stops eating or drinking, becomes lethargic, or acts like she is in pain (abdominal pain), then she should be seen by a veterinarian ASAP.

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45Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Moldy food contains mycotoxins, which can produce the following symptoms on dogs and cats: Common signs to watch for: •Vomiting •Agitation •Walking drunk •Tremors •Seizures •Severe secondary hyperthermia Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe Ingestion of moldy food from the garbage or a compost pile puts dogs, cats, and even wildlife at risk for toxicity due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. These toxins may be found in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or other decaying matter like compost. Clinical signs include vomiting, agitation, walking drunk, tremors, seizures, and severe secondary hyperthermia. Signs may persist from hours to days, but typically resolve within 24-48 hours with aggressive veterinary treatment. Taking her to the vet is always a good idea when your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance. Since she vomited and isn't showing any symptoms now, you may opt to keep an eye on her for any adverse symptoms.

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    21Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Moldy food contains mycotoxins, which can produce the following symptoms on dogs and cats: Common signs to watch for: •Vomiting •Agitation •Walking drunk •Tremors •Seizures •Severe secondary hyperthermia Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe Ingestion of moldy food from the garbage or a compost pile puts dogs, cats, and even wildlife at risk for toxicity due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. These toxins may be found in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or other decaying matter like compost. Clinical signs include vomiting, agitation, walking drunk, tremors, seizures, and severe secondary hyperthermia. Signs may persist from hours to days, but typically resolve within 24-48 hours with aggressive veterinary treatment. Taking her to the vet is always a good idea when your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance. Since she vomited and isn't showing any symptoms now, you may opt to keep an eye on her for any adverse symptoms.

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    18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Moldy food contains mycotoxins, which can produce the following symptoms on dogs and cats: Common signs to watch for: •Vomiting •Agitation •Walking drunk •Tremors •Seizures •Severe secondary hyperthermia Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe Ingestion of moldy food from the garbage or a compost pile puts dogs, cats, and even wildlife at risk for toxicity due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. These toxins may be found in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or other decaying matter like compost. Clinical signs include vomiting, agitation, walking drunk, tremors, seizures, and severe secondary hyperthermia. Signs may persist from hours to days, but typically resolve within 24-48 hours with aggressive veterinary treatment. Taking her to the vet is always a good idea when your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance. Since she vomited and isn't showing any symptoms now, you may opt to keep an eye on her for any adverse symptoms.

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    23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 4th, 2018

    Some mouldy food can cause significant muscle tremors and seizures requiring emergency vet care but if she is showing no symptoms then she should have no issues from this. Monitor closely for 18-24hours after ingestion and feed small, bland meals to encourage it to pass through

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 12th, 2019

    Sorry this happened. Moldy bread can cause anything from stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea; to possibly neurologic problems (weakness, being wobbly, seizures). If she just vomited this afternoon, and is not showing other symptoms, I would recommend not giving any food or water for about 6 hours. If there is no further vomiting, you can offer small amounts of water, beef broth, chicken broth, etc. If the liquids stay down for about 2 hours, you can then offer small amounts of bland food, such as boiled hamburger and rice, or chicken and rice later tonight. If the symptoms go away – great! But, if the symptoms persist or worsen in the next few hours she should really be seen by a veterinarian for more specific treatment.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 1st, 2019

    Hello, thank you for your question about Felicity. Signs of mold toxicity generally have a very acute onset, meaning that I would expect to see symptoms within a few hours. Common symptoms of significant toxicity include vomiting, tremors, and fever. I would recommend continuing to monitor her for any symptoms but I think you should be out of the woods based on your timeline. Hope this helps!

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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