Mold detection dogs don’t detect the mold itself, but rather the microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that actively growing mold emits. If mold is dormant or inactive, it may not be producing these gases, so dogs won’t always alert to its presence. That’s why a dog might miss mold in areas where spore counts are high but growth is not currently active.

Can Mold Dogs Detect Mycotoxins?

While mold dogs are specifically trained to pick up on the unique odors of mold growth and spores, mycotoxins present a different challenge. They’re often too small and may not share the same odor signature, making it difficult for dogs to detect them directly. Some dogs may indirectly alert to conditions associated with mycotoxin production (such as the presence of mold colonies), but there’s no standardized training method that targets mycotoxins alone.

Why Didn’t the Dog Alert on Certain Areas?

1. Dormant or Inactive Mold – If mold isn’t growing, it won’t release the mVOCs that dogs detect.
2. Airborne Spores vs. Growth Source – Elevated spore counts in air samples can come from elsewhere, rather than active mold in that specific location.
3. VOC Masking or Interference – Strong odors from cleaning agents or household chemicals can mask mold odors.
4. Hidden Mold Growth – Mold behind walls, inside plumbing, or in other enclosed areas may not release enough mVOCs into the open air.

Challenges in a Garage Environment

Garages can be especially tricky for mold detection because they often contain strong competing odors (e.g., gasoline, automotive products). Influxes of outdoor air and poor ventilation further dilute or mask mold odors, making it harder for dogs to consistently alert.

Using Multiple Assessment Tools

No single testing method is foolproof. Experienced Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) often combine mold detection dogs with other tools, such as:

• Air and Surface Sampling: Can identify spore counts, but doesn’t confirm active growth or pinpoint exact sources.
• Moisture Mapping and Thermal Imaging: Reveals conditions conducive to mold growth but doesn’t confirm actual mold presence.
• Visual Inspections: Adds context but can miss hidden mold.

Because mold detection dogs excel at finding active growth, while sampling and other methods uncover broader mold or moisture issues, using multiple approaches provides the most accurate picture.

Putting It All Together

In most cases, locating the source of mold growth is crucial, since that’s often where both spores and mycotoxins originate. Our canine training focuses on pinpointing these active growth areas, giving you the best starting point for effective remediation. Always interpret mold findings holistically, considering dog alerts, lab results, and other inspection methods in tandem to ensure the most reliable outcome