Jan 30 2009
What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella in Dogs and Cats?
Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Salmonella in Cats and Dogs
“What are the symptoms of salmonella in a dog or cat?”
“Can I get salmonella from my dog or cat?”
“Will my dog die from salmonella?”
“Has the peanut butter salmonella recall affected pet foods?”
Salmonella has been in the news lately as a result of the peanut butter recall due to salmonella contamination. The salmonella tainted peanut butter was used to manufacture pet treats, among other food products, spurring new cases of salmonella in dogs and cats.
What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella in a Dog or Cat?
In a pet, salmonella signs and symptoms include:
- Vomiting (often with blood present)
- Diarrhea (often with blood present)
- Dehydration
- Refusal to Eat
- Refusal to Drink
- Stomach Gurgling
- Lethargy
- Fever
Unlike less dangerous stomach upsets that are commonly seen in dogs and cats, salmonella will not go away within a day or two. In a dog or cat, a case of salmonella typically lasts a week or longer.
Can My Dog or Cat Die From Salmonella? Is There a Treatment for Salmonella?
Yes! Pets like dogs and cats can and will die from a case of salmonella.
Most dogs and cats who die from salmonella don’t die from the actual illness; most often, pets die from dehydration and other complications resulting from salmonella. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of a pet with salmonella is key.
Salmonella is diagnosed in dogs and cats by testing a stool sample.
There is no treatment to cure salmonella. If a dog or cat gets salmonella, the pet will require supportive care like IV fluids and nutritional supplements to treat dehydration and low blood sugar.
In addition, pet owners must be especially careful if a pet or human family member gets salmonella. Salmonella is one of the few illnesses that can be transmitted between pets and humans.
More Information on Pet Food Recalls That Are Linked to Salmonella in Dogs and Cats
As a result of the peanut butter salmonella contamination, several dog treats were recalled in January 2009.
To learn more about these pet food recalls due to salmonella, and how to learn about pet food recalls, visit the Pet Food Recall Page on The Pet Health Blog.
