Salmonella is the bacterial organism responsible for causing salmonellosis, or Salmonella poisoning, in dogs and cats. Samonella is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family of bacteria and is a nonspore-forming, gram-negative bacilli. They are known to infect many species of animals and birds.
How Does a Dog or Cat Become Infected with Salmonella?
Salmonella organisms are found in both healthy and sick dogs and cats. However, in healthy animals, the gut has protective measures in place that prevent the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by these bacteria, including a healthy population of non-pathogenic bacteria that out-compete pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella, for the resources available within the gastrointestinal tract.
Colonization and infection with Salmonella occur when there is a disruption of the mechanisms that protect the gastrointestinal tract or if the normal bacterial flora within the gastrointestinal tract is altered.
Many animals that become infected with Salmonella remain asymptomatic carriers of the disease. These animals may shed the bacteria in their feces while appearing to be healthy.
There are numerous factors that affect the likelihood of clinical signs associated with salmonellosis or Salmonella poisoning, including:
- ingestion of large numbers of bacteria, as may occur with foods or other items contaminated with Salmonella
- age of the animal (very young animals and senior animals are more likely to become infected)
- malnutrition
- presence of neoplasia (cancer) and other concurrent diseases
- stress
- the administration of certain drugs, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, or glucocorticoids.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis in Dogs and Cats
Gastroenteritis (inflammation within the stomach and intestines) is the most common finding in dogs and cats infected with Salmonella. The symptoms most often noted with gastroenteritis are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea (with or without blood)
- abdominal pain
- fever
Other clinical manifestations can also sometimes occur with salmonellosis, though they are less common than gastroenteritis.
- Some dogs and cats may develop bacteremia, endotoxemia, and/or pulmonary embolization.
- Abortions, still births and weak puppies may be seen if the uterus becomes infected with Salmonella.
- A small percentage (less than 10%) of dogs and cats may die acutely with salmonellosis.
Preventing Salmonella Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Salmonellosis in pets often occurs through contamination of food, water, toys and other items with the Salmonella organism. Infected feces from insects, birds, rodents or other animals are frequently the source of the contamination. Therefore, sanitation and hygiene are important in preventing a dog or cat from becoming infected with Salmonella. Avoiding raw or undercooked foods as well as foods that were stored at improper temperatures can also help prevent infection.
Food recalls sometimes cause alarm and often occur when pet foods or other products are found to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella Poisoning in People
Salmonella can also affect people. Pet owners can be infected by contact with feces from dogs and cats that are showing signs of salmonellosis or from those that are asymptomatic carriers. It is important for pet owners to wash their hands after handling anything that may be contaminated with pet feces, vomit or other body fluids, including food dishes, water bowls, chew toys and bedding.
Though Salmonella can be found naturally in the environment and can infect some animals and people without causing clinical signs, salmonellosis (or Salmonella poisoning) has the potential to affect the health of infected animals and people.
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