Fungicide and Pets
Find out if Fungicide is toxic to dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Fungicides are chemical products designed to kill or inhibit fungi, molds, and mildew. While essential for plant health and household mold control, many fungicide ingredients are harmful to dogs and cats if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Pets may walk through treated areas and lick residue from their paws, chew on treated plants, or ingest spilled granules or concentrates. Because formulations vary widely, it is safest to assume any fungicide product can pose a risk to animals until the label specifically confirms pet safety.
Exposure can occur indoors from mold and mildew sprays, outdoors from lawn and garden treatments, or from stored products that pets access. Symptoms may appear within minutes to hours and can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Skin or eye contact may cause redness, irritation, or itching, and inhalation of sprays can lead to coughing or respiratory distress. More severe active ingredients can cause tremors, seizures, or organ damage.
Prevention is key: keep pets away from treated areas until products are fully dry and surfaces are rinsed according to label directions. Store all fungicides in locked cabinets out of reach of animals. When using indoor mold or mildew sprays, ensure rooms are well-ventilated and remove pets until the area is completely dry and aired out. Always choose pet-safe or least-toxic alternatives when possible, and consult your veterinarian before using any fungicide in a home with animals.
Is Fungicide Toxic to Dogs?
Many fungicides cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and neurological signs in dogs; toxicity varies by active ingredient and concentration.
Is Fungicide Toxic to Cats?
Cats are sensitive to many fungicide ingredients and can develop GI upset, respiratory irritation, or neurological symptoms after exposure.
Active Ingredients
- chlorothalonil
- mancozeb
- thiophanate-methyl
- propiconazole
- copper sulfate
- benzalkonium chloride
Pest Targeted
- fungi, mold, mildew
Formulation
spray, powder, granule, liquid concentrate
Signal Word
caution
Application Area
lawns, gardens, indoor surfaces, agricultural crops
EPA Registration Number
Varies by product
Symptoms to Watch For
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- drooling
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- skin redness or irritation
- eye irritation
- coughing or respiratory distress
- tremors or seizures (severe cases)
What If My Pet Was Exposed to Fungicide?
Remove your pet from the area immediately. Wipe paws/fur with a damp cloth and rinse eyes or skin with lukewarm water if contact occurred. Prevent further licking or ingestion. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away, and have the product label available.
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.