Salmonella Poisoning in Dogs

There are many strains of salmonella bacteria that cause various illnesses. The bacteria which causes food poisoning is known as non-typhoidial salmonallae. This bacteria is rod shaped and was discovered in 1906 by David Salmon. It was named after its discoverer.

Symptoms of Salmonella Food Poisoning in Dogs

The signs and symptoms of salmonella poisoning are seen approximately after 6 to 72 hours post infection. The symptoms include the following:

• Noticeable fever is one of the prominent signs of salmonella infection in dogs.
• Vomiting is the next symptom of salmonella poisoning.
• If your dog constantly has diarrhea, it can be a possible sign of salmonella poisoning in your pet.
• Salmonella poisoning can cause dehydration in your pet.
• Loss of appetite should not be neglected. Your pet can suffer from loss of appetite due to salmonella bacteria poisoning.
• Have you noticed that your pet is not as lively and playful, than it used to be earlier? Your pet might also display signs of depression which is again a result of poisoning in pets.

If you notice any of these symptoms of salmonella poisoning in your dog, the first step you should take is to quarantine your dog. With this, you will make sure that other pets at home will not catch the salmonella infection from your pet dog. Do not waste any time and have your pet examined by a veterinarian, so that the right treatment is administered to your pet.

Causes of Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonella causes severe gastrointestinal infection, which causes severe illness in pets. Refer to the common causes below.

• Most often dogs get salmonella infection from raw meat. If you do feed your pet with raw meat or uncooked bones, this is one practice, which you should stop.
• Raw eggs are also not good for your pet. Raw eggs are a carrier of the salmonella bacteria, which can cause salmonella poisoning in your dog.
• Uncooked chicken should not be given to your dog. It can also cause food poisoning in your pet.
• Rotting garbage bins are one of the biggest sources of salmonella infection. If you have noticed that your pet is a regular visitor to the bin, you know what has caused salmonella poisoning in your dog.
• If you have a bird feeder and your dog has access to it, your pet can contract salmonella poisoning from the bird feeder too. If your pet comes in contact with songbird feces or birdseed, chances of it getting infected with the salmonella bacteria are very high.

If your pet has got infected with salmonella bacteria, it is important, that you take maximum care. This infection can spread to humans as well as other animals through infected animals feces.

How to Prevent Salmonella Poisoning

To prevent salmonella poisoning, it is important that you cook meat and chicken well before you give it to your pet. It is recommended that you buy a cooking thermometer, so that you cook meat and poultry to the right temperature. Cook meat to 170 degree Celsius and poultry to 185 degrees Celsius.

If you are giving eggs to your pet boil them for a minimum of 7 minutes. Poached eggs are to be cooked for at least 5 minutes. In case of fried eggs, fry them on either side for 3 minutes. If you use frozen meat or poultry, make sure you thaw it in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. Make sure your pet does not have access to a garbage bin.

To maintain hygiene and cleanliness, wash the utensils, kitchen platform and your hands with soap and warm water, to make sure there is no contamination. If you have a bird feeder, make sure your pet does not venture close to the bird feeder. You should disinfect the bird feeder regularly. Since salmonella poisoning in dogs can cause infection in humans, it is important due care is taken so that it does not spread.