Moles and Dog Health: Understanding the Risks

MOLES & DOG HEALTH: DIRECT RISKS

Moles generally pose a low direct disease risk to dogs, but they can carry parasites and, indirectly, diseases. The primary concern arises if a dog consumes a mole that has ingested poison. According to Critter Control, moles themselves are not poisonous to dogs. However, a dog can become ill if it eats a mole that has consumed poison.

Dogs may try to eat various small wild animals, including mice, squirrels, or rabbits. Groofypet notes that, similar to moles, these animals can also harbor parasites and diseases. While rabies is not typically associated with moles, other pathogens and parasites are a potential concern.

PARASITE TRANSMISSION

Fleas and ticks carried by moles can directly transfer to dogs. These external parasites can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and transmit various diseases to dogs, such as Lyme disease from ticks or tapeworms from fleas if ingested.

Prevention Checklist

• Regular Parasite Prevention: Administer veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick prevention to your dog consistently. This is a crucial step in protecting your pet from parasites acquired from wildlife.
• Post-Exposure Checks: After your dog has been digging or interacting with areas known to have mole activity, thoroughly check their fur and skin for any signs of fleas or ticks. Pay close attention to areas like the ears, armpits, and between the toes.

INGESTION RISKS

Poisoned Moles

A significant risk occurs if a mole has consumed poison, such as rodenticide used in pest control efforts. If a dog then eats this poisoned mole, it can suffer from secondary poisoning. This type of poisoning can be severe and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Other Pathogens

While less common, ingesting a mole could theoretically expose a dog to internal parasites or bacteria that the mole carries. These might include gastrointestinal worms or certain bacterial infections. The risk is generally lower than from external parasites but still present.

WHEN TO SEE A VET

It is crucial to monitor your dog for any unusual symptoms after they have had contact with or ingested a mole. Prompt veterinary care can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Symptoms After Mole Contact/Ingestion

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting or diarrhea are common signs of digestive upset or poisoning.
• Lethargy or Weakness: A noticeable decrease in energy levels or general weakness can indicate illness.
• Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat or drink is a concerning symptom.
• Neurological Signs: Tremors or seizures are particularly alarming and can suggest severe poisoning, especially if a poisoned mole was ingested.
• Parasite Indicators: Excessive scratching, biting at the skin, or visible parasites like fleas or ticks indicate a parasitic infestation.

Immediate Action

If you suspect your dog has eaten a poisoned mole, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Time is critical in treating poisoning cases.

MOLE DETERRENCE & REMOVAL

Preventing moles from inhabiting your yard can significantly reduce the risk of your dog encountering them and their associated parasites or diseases.

Home Methods

• Removing Food Sources: Moles primarily feed on grubs and insects. Reducing these food sources in your lawn can make your yard less attractive to moles. Consider treating your lawn for grubs.
• Using Mole Repellents: Various commercial mole repellents, often castor oil-based, can deter moles. These products typically work by making the moles' food source unpalatable or by creating an unpleasant odor in their tunnels.
• Physical Barriers: Installing physical barriers, such as hardware cloth or mesh fencing, around garden beds or specific areas can prevent moles from entering. These barriers need to extend both above and below ground to be effective.

Professional Help

For persistent or severe mole problems, contacting professional pest control is often the safest and most effective solution. Critter Control advises contacting them for mole removal to prevent the spread of diseases. Professionals can implement strategies that do not involve poisons, thereby eliminating the risk of secondary poisoning to your dog. They can also identify the extent of the infestation and apply targeted, humane removal methods.