PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Compost and moldy food and dogs: what to do
Toxic. Moldy food in compost or trash can contain mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures, sometimes within 30 minutes.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Get help before signs start; early treatment matters most.
- Fence off your compost so your dog can't get back in.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Panting
- Agitation or jumpiness
- Wobbly walking
- Tremors
- Seizures
- High body temperature
When signs appear: 30 minutes to several hours
Why
Molds growing on rotting food can make tremor-causing toxins (tremorgenic mycotoxins). Even small amounts can cause signs.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.