Salmonella Infection in Dogs

A salmonella infection is caused by the salmonella bacteria, which is typically found in raw meat or eggs but can be transferred from an infected animal’s stool or saliva. If your dog is vomiting or has bloody diarrhea, schedule a visit as soon as possible and let a veterinarian know. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling your dog. A contaminated animal can continue to shed the bacteria for weeks following infection.

Salmonellosis is a zoonotic infection, which means that it can spread between animals and humans. The prognosis for mild cases of salmonella infection is good, though complications may arise due to severe dehydration or sepsis. If your dog has salmonellosis, it is important to ensure that he or she stays hydrated and that you maintain good hygiene to prevent cross contamination.

Dogs who have contracted salmonellosis may be an asymptomatic carrier or may exhibit a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the infection. A dog that has salmonellosis will most likely begin showing symptoms within the first 72 hours of being infected. These signs include:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Decreased activity

Salmonellosis is caused by the salmonella bacteria, which is found in raw or undercooked meat. The organism can be transmitted through contaminated food or through the feces or saliva of an infected animal. Most dogs contract the disease when they consume contaminated food, such as raw eggs, recalled pet food, and unrefrigerated wet food. Infected dogs can shed the bacteria in their feces and saliva for prolonged periods of time after infection.

Dogs with weaker immune systems are more prone to contracting salmonellosis. This includes younger and older animals, as well as those who are taking antibiotics that may imbalance the level of healthy bacteria in their intestinal tracts.

If your dog is behaving strangely, has a fever, or is vomiting and having consistent diarrhea, visit the veterinarian immediately. Bring a fresh stool sample. Salmonellosis shares symptoms with other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, parasites, or food allergies, and the veterinarian will need to run a series of tests to identify salmonellosis as the cause.

The veterinarian will take a history of your dog and will ask for a list of exhibited symptoms. If your dog has consumed raw meat or eggs or recalled pet food, or if he or she has been in contact with potentially infected birds, let the veterinarian know. The veterinarian will take urine and fecal samples for laboratory testing, which will help rule out other conditions and identify the salmonella bacteria specifically. In severe cases, or in the event of sepsis, blood cultures may be required.

Most mild cases of salmonellosis can be treated at home. Treatment for a salmonella infection is primarily supportive, with a focus on ensuring that your dog receives enough fluids during the recovery process. Provide a steady supply of clean, fresh water, and make sure that your dog is staying hydrated to compensate for the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Depending on the extent of the infection, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the salmonella bacteria or prevent shock.

In more severe cases of salmonellosis, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Dogs that are severely dehydrated may require IV fluid therapy as part of treatment, and those that have developed a blood infection or sepsis may need a plasma or blood transfusion. In the majority of cases, prognosis is good, and adult animals that are otherwise in good health typically recover fully from the infection. The results may be less favorable for dogs that have developed sepsis.

Once your dog is home, make sure that he or she has access to clean water throughout the day. You may need to limit the amount that your dog eats for the first few days after diagnosis, though as your dog grows stronger, you can gradually provide more food until your dog is eating normally again.

Hygiene is a vital part of management for a salmonella infection. In order to prevent cross contamination to you or your family, always wear protective gear such as gloves when picking up your dog’s feces. Wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with your dog or handling anything that he or she has touched, and try to avoid being licked. When you are washing your dog’s food and water dishes, try to do so outside of the kitchen or bathroom sink, and use a brush that is set aside for this specific purpose. Your dog can continue to shed salmonella bacteria for weeks after infection.

You may need to bring your dog back to the veterinarian’s office for a follow-up exam. Depending on your dog’s progress, the veterinarian may want to take additional urine or fecal samples to ensure that the infection has been resolved.