Salmonella is a common bacteria found in the environment. Pets often come into contact with salmonella and shed it through their stool. Signs of Salmonella illness include fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause illness in people and animals. It's found in raw meat, eggs, and poultry. The bacteria are shed into the environment through animal feces. In fact, 1-36% of healthy dogs and 1-18% of healthy cats had salmonella in their feces. Your pet can get Salmonellosis if it touches something with traces of bacteria, such as unwashed hands or their favorite kong toys.
Salmonella can affect animals of any age or breed, but some are more likely to become ill. It's important to get pets vaccinated as soon as possible.
Pets With Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacteria in the environment, so your pet can come into contact with it. If an animal is carrying salmonella, it will shed the bacteria through its stool.
Animals can get sick from eating contaminated food or water, but they can also get salmonella by coming into contact with infected animals; this is why petting zoos and animal shelters have been associated with outbreaks of salmonellosis.
Signs Of Salmonella Illness
Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Some dogs experience vomiting as well. The infection can be fatal in young puppies and older pets; it can also be fatal to humans. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs in your dog or cat.
Animals Of Any Age Or Breed
Although salmonella infections are more common in younger animals, it's not just puppies and kittens that can get sick. Older pets also might have a milder illness than their younger counterparts. Some breeds may be more susceptible to salmonella and pets with compromised immune systems.
Get Your Pets Vaccinated As Soon As Possible
The best way to prevent illness is through vaccination. Vaccines are not 100% effective, but they are still critical. Many animals will need more than one dose of vaccine to be fully protected. Talk to your vet about the best time for your pet to get vaccinated.
Some Pet Foods Are More Susceptible To Infection
Pet foods are more likely to lead to Salmonella infection because of the preparation and storage of the food. The food can be contaminated at any point in its production, but there are specific points during this process where it is at its most vulnerable:
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During manufacturing, ingredients may contact infected chickens or other animals. Incorrectly prepared ingredients or mixing processes can spread bacteria through raw materials.
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At packaging facilities, conditions can become warm enough for bacteria growth. Packaging machines should be regularly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.
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When stored incorrectly, bacteria multiply rapidly until they reach levels high enough that they're able to cause disease when consumed by pets or humans who eat their food later on down the line.
To avoid such incidents, it is better to opt for food like Natural Balance or Taste of the Wild, as they are made with utmost care ensuring hygienic and healthy food for your fur baby.
Keep Your Pet Safe
If you want to keep your pet safe, here are some things to remember:
? Keep the litter box separate if you have multiple pets, including cats, and if possible, have a covered litter box.
? Don't make your pets share cat and dog bowls.
? Don't let your pet lick your face, hands, or other body parts.
? Don't let pets sleep in the same cat and dog beds.
Conclusion
Salmonella can be transmitted to pets from contaminated food. It's also found in the environment, so your pet can get sick even if they haven't eaten contaminated food. Salmonella is shed in the stool of infected pets and can then spread to other animals or humans, especially if there has been direct contact between them.
If your pet gets salmonella, you must follow up with a veterinarian. They will likely want to test your pet to see what kind of salmonella bacteria they have and how severe their symptoms are.
