'Don't wait for symptoms' - Lancashire vets issue poison warning to pet owners over new food waste bins
“If you suspect your pet has eaten mouldy food, do not wait for symptoms to appear.”
Vets at a leading Lancashire practice have issued a food bin warning to pet owners.
Ribble Vets, which has surgeries in Penwortham, Wesham and Leyland, took to social media to warn about the potential for mycotoxin poisoning from the newly-issued food waste caddies - and told owners not to wait for symptoms to appear if their animal has eaten mouldy food.
They said: “With the new weekly food waste recycling collections rolling out across Lancashire — including Preston, South Ribble, and West Lancashire — many households now have outdoor food caddies in their gardens. While this is fantastic for the environment , it also introduces a hidden danger for pets and local wildlife: Mycotoxin Poisoning.
“Mouldy leftovers — especially bread, dairy, nuts, and rotting meat — can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. If a curious dog, cat, fox, or other wildlife gets into an unsecured food bin, ingesting even a small amount can be extremely dangerous.”
What to look out for
Symptoms can develop rapidly and may include:
• Severe vomiting and drooling
• Stumbling, wobbling, or appearing “drunk”
• Muscle tremors and twitching
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia (overheating)
Mycotoxin poisoning is a veterinary emergency and can be fatal without urgent treatment.
How to keep pets and wildlife safe
Ribble Vets said: “Always lock the outdoor caddy lid using the forward-click handle. Store bins securely where possible — especially if you have determined pets or active wildlife nearby. Stay vigilant on walks for discarded food waste or split bags on kerbsides.”
What to do in an emergency
They continued: “If you suspect your pet has eaten mouldy food, do not wait for symptoms to appear.” Call your vets immediately or contact the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS): 0207 305 5055 Animal PoisonLine: www.animalpoisonline.co.uk