Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis, caused by the Salmonella bacteria, is an infection of the digestive tract, most commonly caused by ingesting highly contaminated food, such as spoiled or improperly cooked meat and dairy products. It is zoonotic, which means it is transmissible through different species, including humans.

Depending on how severe the infection is, the following symptoms may appear:

• Lethargy
  

• Weight loss
  

• Diarrhoea
  

• Vomiting
  

• Fever
  

• Swollen lymph nodes
  

• Dehydration
  

• Miscarriage (in the case of pregnant animals)
  

• Gastroenteritis
  

• Septicaemia
  

Although the average dog is very unlikely to suffer symptoms, due to their short digestive tracts, very young and very old animals are more vulnerable to catching Salmonellosis due to weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, so extra care should be taken to avoid potential infection. Owners should also be aware that the use of antibiotics to combat an infection in a dog may cause imbalance to the healthy bacteria in the dog’s digestive tract, putting them at a higher risk of Salmonellosis.

In dogs, this illness is generally diagnosed by vets by taking faecal and urine samples. A prescription may be given to fight off the bacteria, as well as rehydration treatment and replacing electrolytes which may have been lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Care should also be taken to wash hands before and after the handling of any reptiles and amphibians, as they frequently carry Salmonella in their skin.

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