Raw meat and uncooked bones are the most common causes of salmonella poisoning in dogs. Here is some information about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of salmonella food poisoning in canines.
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 are seen approximately 6 to 72 hours post infection. The symptoms include the following.
- Noticeable fever.
- Vomiting.
- Constant diarrhea.
- Dehydration.
- Loss of appetite.
- Depression and lethargy.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, the first step you should take is to quarantine it. With this, you will make sure that other pets at home will not catch the infection. Do not waste any time and have your pet examined by a veterinarian so that the right treatment is administered.
Causes
Salmonella causes severe gastrointestinal infection, which causes severe illness in pets. Refer to the common causes here.
- Most often, dogs get salmonella infection from raw meat. Preferable try to cook the meat before giving it to your dog.
- Raw eggs are also not good for your pet. They are a carrier of the bacteria.
- Uncooked chicken can also cause food poisoning in your pet.
- Rotting garbage bins are one of the biggest sources of this infection.
- If you have a bird feeder and your dog has access to it, your pet can contract this infection from the bird feeder too. If your pet comes in contact with songbird feces or birdseed, chances of it getting infected are very high.
If your pet is infected with the 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 It
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 for this purpose. Cook meat at 170 °C and poultry at 185 °C.
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. Also ensure that 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 it. You should disinfect the bird feeder regularly. Since salmonella poisoning in canines can cause infections in humans as well, it is important that due care is taken.
