Salmonella bacteria are the cause of the condition known as salmonellosis in dogs. Vomiting and diarrhea are the typical symptoms, but it can also result in more severe conditions.
Despite the bacteria’s prevalence, it is uncommon for it to cause illness in healthy dogs. However, it can spread between species, including those of humans, other animals kept as pets, and even reptiles and birds.
The bacteria can be found in undercooked or raw meat, tainted pet food, and the saliva and feces of other infected animals.
Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog exhibits symptoms of salmonella infection. What you need to know about the signs, causes, and remedies for canine salmonellosis is provided below.
What are the causes of salmonella in dogs?
Many dogs naturally have salmonella in their GI tracts, but the bacteria can also be spread through contaminated food or through an infected animal’s feces or saliva.
“Just like their human counterparts, dogs can contract salmonellosis from tainted food, such as contaminated dry or wet dog food and an improperly stored raw diet.
The age of the animal, poor nutrition, the presence of cancer or neoplasia, other concurrent illnesses, stress, as well as the administration of antibiotics, chemotherapy, or steroids are all factors that increase the likelihood of salmonellosis. “.
How Do I Treat My Dog’s Salmonella?
The good news is that mild cases of salmonella are typically treatable at home. Supporting the dog’s natural recovery is the primary goal of the treatment. This requires monitoring for dehydration and ensuring they consume enough fluids and nutrients. In some circumstances, the veterinarian will also recommend antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection or avoid shock.
Your dog might need to be hospitalized, though, if the situation is more serious. If your dog is unable to consume any fluids, they could be given to them via IV. Additionally, there is a chance that your dog could develop sepsis or a blood infection, which would necessitate a blood transfusion.
Your dog has a very good chance of making a full recovery if sepsis has not set in. Your dog will gradually regain strength, but it could take weeks for all of the salmonella bacteria to be eradicated. To aide in swift recovery, hygiene is important. To prevent the bacteria from spreading, wash your hands frequently, disinfect the bowls they use for food and liquids, and refrain from letting them lick your face.
Hearing first-hand accounts from other pet owners about the more severe symptoms and viewing frequently asked questions answered by our in-house veterinarians can both be helpful.
How to Treat Salmonella in Dogs
The treatment of salmonella depends on the dog’s clinical signs. In severe cases or in dogs with compromised immune systems, antibiotics may be used, but they are typically avoided in mild or asymptomatic cases. Antibiotic use in minor or asymptomatic cases may actually prolong bacterial shedding while promoting the emergence of resistant infections.
If your dog does need antibiotics, your vet may conduct a bacterial culture to identify the best antibiotic to administer. Salmonella can be treated with a variety of antibiotics, but some strains are antibiotic-resistant and necessitate the use of particular antibiotics.
Additionally, your veterinarian might suggest symptomatic therapies to reduce the salmonellosis-related clinical symptoms. Dogs who are severely dehydrated may need to be hospitalized for intravenous (IV) fluids, whereas dogs who are only mildly dehydrated may only require outpatient subcutaneous fluid administration. Additionally, your veterinarian might advise an anti-nausea medication and a bland diet.
FAQ
Can Salmonella come from dogs?
Dogs and cats rarely get salmonellosis, but they can carry the bacterium. This means that even if a pet doesn’t exhibit salmonellosis symptoms, they can still shed Salmonella in their stool and saliva, which they can then spread to the environment of the home as well as to people and other pets living there.
What pets can give you Salmonella?
Reptiles and amphibians are popular pets with many families. Colorful, peaceful, and frequently kept as pets are turtles, frogs, iguanas, snakes, geckos, horned toads, salamanders, and chameleons. These animals frequently carry Salmonella bacteria, which can make people very ill.
How do I know if my dog has Salmonella?
The most prevalent sign of canine clinical salmonella infection is acute gastroenteritis. There may be fever, nausea, anorexia with subsequent vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The severity and consistency of diarrhea can vary, and it occasionally contains blood. Weight loss is most likely a result of fluid loss.
Can Salmonella spread from animal to human?
Salmonella, which causes salmonellosis, is a bacterium that lives in the intestines of animals, including birds. Humans typically contract Salmonella by eating food that has been contaminated with animal feces. About 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States each year.