Can dogs get chicken poisoning

Can Dogs Get Food Poisoning?

In humans, we think of food poisoning as being the ingestion of food that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or the toxins from these agents, which, in turn, make us sick.

The most common signs of food poisoning in people are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal painall starting within a few hours of eating the offending item.

Certainly anyone who has owned a dog has probably experienced the joy of some of these symptoms when their dog eats something he shouldnt have. So, if our dogs are experiencing similar symptoms, it must be food poisoning as well, right?

Can Dogs Get Food Poisoning?

Well, the straightforward answer to this very simple question is yes and also no.

Food poisoning in dogs is a bit of a more nuanced issue. More often than not, it isnt a true case of food poisoning, but rather an inappropriate food thats not sitting as well as it could or should.

Veterinarians affectionately refer to this condition as garbage gut, since dogs are so prone to enjoying forbidden treasures.

But there are still several items that can cause true food poisoning in dogs.

True Causes of Food Poisoning in Dogs

We need to be cognizant of what our furry family members have access to around the home or when theyre outside.

Here are a few things that can actually cause food poisoning in dogs:

Garbage and Compost

Our dogs might consider garbage to be a canine delicacy, but these contaminated items should be off-limits for our furry family members. Any rotten or moldy foods can cause food poisoning in dogs.

For this reason, you also need to make sure that your kitchen compost pail and outdoor compost pile are inaccessible to pets. I once treated a dog that ended up passing away after he raided the neighbors compost pile.

Garbage can also contain bacteria that can lead to more serious illnesses.

Dead Animals

You will want to make sure that your dog cannot get ahold of dead or decaying items found in the woods or on the side of the road.

These items can carry some serious bacteria or parasites that can cause tummy upset and, in some cases, very serious illnesses.

Fecal Matter

Fecal matter of any variety (which seems to be SO tempting to so many dogs) can cause some serious stomach upset.

Recalled Dog Food or Treats

You should also keep an eye out for recalled dog foods or treats, which can cause your pup to get sick. You can check the petMD pet food recall list or the FDA website for listings on pet food recalls.

Raw/Undercooked Food

Although it is a recent diet fad, raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones can cause significant illness if not handled properly. In addition to being able to cause food poisoning, bones can also potentially create foreign bodies that require surgical removal.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Dogs

Generally, the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include some combination of vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Some animals may show some neurological signs such as a lack of coordination, tremors and, in severe cases, even seizures and collapse.

Depending on what your dog ate, how much and how sensitive they are, the signs and severity may vary. Probably the most common symptoms of food poisoning in dogs tend to be vomiting and diarrhea.

What Can You Do for Food Poisoning in Dogs?

As a rule, try fasting your dog for 24 hours when they start vomitingoffer water, but no food.

If they continue to vomit during that period of time, they need to have a veterinary exam. If the dog doesnt vomit in those 24 hours, but then begins to vomit again after the 24-hour fast, they need to see a veterinarian.

If at any time your dog starts vomiting water, seems miserable or shows any neurologic signs at all, take them to an emergency clinic or your veterinarian immediately.

It is always safer to have your pet checked out by a vet. Treatment is simpler, more effective, and likely, less expensive when done early. Plus, we can save your pup a lot of tummy grumbles.

Food Poisoning vs. Food Toxicity

Sometimes, what you think are symptoms of food poisoning in dogs may actually be signs of food toxicity.

Human Foods That Are Toxic for Dogs

There are many human foods that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs without actually being food poisoning.

Some human foods can even cause serious health complications, which is why it is always best to discuss your dogs diet with your veterinarian.

Items that cause food toxicity in dogs include:

Some of these may be safe in small amounts, while others can prove deadly in tiny amounts. Make sure you keep these items, and all human foods, safely stored where dogs cannot access them.

Table Scraps and Sidewalk Snacks

Additionally, some dogs are more sensitive than others, so what is a small amount of human food for one dog may be enough to make another dog sick.

Pay attention on your walks to make sure that your pup doesnt get ahold of things like pizza remnants that spilled out of a trash can or other types of sidewalk snacks.

Some people also like to share table scraps with their dogs, but for the dogs, those scraps are frequently more fatty than is healthy for the average canine.

For dogs that are sensitive to fat, even a small snack (whether given as a table scrap or picked up on a walk) such as a wedge of cheese, hotdog or piece of chicken skin is enough to cause inflammation of the pancreas (an organ that secretes digestive enzymes in dogs). This can lead to a severe bout of pancreatitis with vomiting or diarrhea.

Although the symptoms of pancreatitis may be similar to food poisoning in dogs, it is often much more severe, and can even be fatal.

Overall, it is safest to ignore those begging eyes and paws and stick to a healthy bowl of kibble. If you would like to introduce some new foods to your pups diet, always check with your veterinarian first!

Tips for Preventing Garbage Gut in Dogs

Put away anything that isnt safe, lock up the trash and dont leave foods out on the counter that your dog may try to grab. You should also let guests know not to feed your dog table scraps or other human foods.

Check your yard regularly to be sure there arent any potentially hazardous snacks there. If you are headed to an area that you cant scout for risks, keep your dog on a leash. This will help you to control what you dog has access to and help prevent potential problems.

Always use a leash when you walk your dog to make sure they cant find forbidden snacks along the way. Ideally, you can also teach your dog to drop it in case they do get ahold of something toxic.

Some dogs have bombproof tummiesmy Lab once ate a jar of baby food (jar, lid, baby food and all!). Other animals just look at something they shouldnt eat and are sickmy Cocker Spaniel could ONLY eat a certain prescription dog foodfor most of her life without getting ill.

Knowing your pet and which food(s) they may be exposed to will go a long way in preventing foodborne illnesses!

By: Dr. Sandra Mitchell, DVM

Featured Image: iStock.com/alvarez

Can Dogs Get Salmonella?

Youve likely heard the advice all your life - dont eat raw cookie dough, wash your hands after handling raw chicken, raw eggs can make you sick - but have you considered why? It is to protect us from bacteria and contaminants in these uncooked products, such as Salmonella.

With the recent popularity of raw diets for dogs, it is important to take a closer look at the risk that Salmonella may pose to our furry family members, including other dangers that come with handling and contamination from these foods. Dogs can also get salmonellosis for other reasons, and while not all dogs will show symptoms, they can still spread this disease to other animals and people.

Heres what you need to know from a vets perspective.

Can Dogs Get Salmonella?

Yes, dogs can get salmonella. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in various animals, including dogs. While dogs are generally more resistant to salmonella than humans, they can still become infected and experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria found in many animals' intestines and is the causative agent of salmonellosis. There are many different serotypes (groupings) of Salmonella, which vary widely in the types of animals they infect and the severity of symptoms. If a dog is infected with Salmonella, there are several possible outcomes.

• Carrier state - This is the most common type of infection. Your dog will have no symptoms of illness, but they can intermittently spread the bacteria in their poop.
• Enteritis - This type of infection causes inflammation of the intestines, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
• Septicemia (also known as typhoid) - This is a severe condition occurring when bacteria enter the bloodstream causing systemic infection.

Salmonella Symptoms in Dogs

Most infected dogs are carriers, meaning that while they can still spread the disease, they have no clinical signs of illness. When dogs do show symptoms of salmonellosis, they are generally similar to signs of food poisoning in people, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (may contain blood or mucus)
• Decreased appetite
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain

Other less common clinical signs may include:

• Septicemia - severe systemic infection in which bacteria enter the bloodstream
• Fever
• Pneumonia
• Weight loss
• Miscarriage in pregnant animals

What Are the Causes of Salmonella?

Salmonella is an intestinal bacteria that is generally spread through fecal-oral transmission (if infected poop makes its way into the mouth). It affects different types of animals, including many in our food chains such as cows, pigs, and chickens. It is also found in environments that are contaminated by feces, such as poultry houses or barns, and can make its way into animal feed and water.

Rodents and wild birds are also possible sources of infection for dogs and cats. Exotic pets such as rodents, reptiles, and amphibians can naturally carry this bacteria in their intestines and can be a possible source of infection when handled.

This condition is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from animals to people. People commonly become infected with Salmonella from eating contaminated foods such as raw meat or poultry products, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated raw vegetables. Thoroughly cooking these items destroys germs such as Salmonella. People can also become infected through contact with poop from an infected dog or cat.

Several factors contribute to a dog becoming infected with Salmonella:

• Age - Salmonella is much more common in puppies or younger animals than healthy adults. Geriatric pets may also be at higher risk.
• Immune status - Adult dogs who become infected with Salmonellaare generally hospitalized or very sick with another debilitating disease. Dogs taking antibiotics may also be at higher risk for developing the disease due to disruption in their normal bacterial flora.
• Environment - Exposure to an environment with a high bacterial load, such as animal shelters or farms, may also contribute to infection.
• Raw diet - Dogs fed a raw diet are much more likely to be exposed to and infected with Salmonellaand other contaminants.

How is Salmonella Diagnosed?

If your dog is sick or you are concerned about Salmonella, it is best to contact your veterinarian. Diagnosis in dogs and cats is based on clinical signs, culturing (growing) the organism from feces, blood, or tissue, and PCR testing.

Diagnosis is complicated because many animals are carriers, so a positive test result does not necessarily mean that Salmonella isthe cause of symptoms in a sick dog. As fecal shedding is intermittent, negative results do not completely rule out salmonellosis. Diagnosis of salmonellosis is generally based on the following:

• Repeated isolation of Salmonella from feces indicates a carrier state
• Single isolation from feces in addition to clinical signs of disease

Additional testing, such as bloodwork, x-rays, etc., may also be needed to rule out other conditions that can cause similar clinical signs.

How is Salmonella Treated?

Severe disease or septicemia requires aggressive treatment, including:

• Antibiotics
• Intravenous fluids
• Supportive care to manage clinical signs, such as anti-nausea medication, a bland diet, probiotics, and more

Antibiotics are controversial in treating carriers and dogs with gastrointestinal signs, as they may contribute to resistant bacteria and chronic shedding of the organism. Additional treatment should be discussed with your vet and recommended on a case-by-case basis.

Is Salmonella Contagious?

Salmonella can be spread from dogs and cats to their pet parents via shedding of the bacteria in their poop or saliva. Direct contact with feces, or contamination of food, water, toys, and bedding, can all spread infection. For example, cats can spread infection by using the litter box and then jumping onto the counter. It is important to use good hygiene, including hand washing, to help prevent the spread of disease, and contact your doctor with any questions or concerns.

Can Dogs Get Salmonella From Raw Diets?

Despite their recent popularity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly discourage feeding raw diets due to potential risks to both dogs and their pet parents who prepare and handle the food. Comprehensive studies have shown that nearly 25% of these diets test positive for harmful bacteria, including Salmonella.

There are no proven benefits to feeding a raw diet. However, there are documented risks. Many boarding facilities will not accept dogs who eat a raw diet. In addition to bacteria and parasites, pieces of bone in these diets may cause damage to your dogs teeth and, in worst-case scenarios, cause intestinal blockage or perforation.

Conclusion

Dogs can indeed get salmonella, a bacterial infection that can cause illness and symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Pet owners must be aware of the risks associated with salmonella and take necessary precautions to protect their furry companions.

At BetterVet, we prioritize the health and well-being of your pets. If you have any concerns or need assistance regarding salmonella or any other health issues, we encourage you to book a veterinary check-up with us. Our dedicated team of veterinarians is ready to provide quality care and guidance to ensure your pet's health and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs spread Salmonella to people?

Yes, dogs can spread Salmonella to people via infected feces or saliva. Good hygiene and hand washing are critical in preventing the spread of disease. Infants, the elderly, and immuno-compromised people may be at higher risk. You should consult your doctor with any questions or concerns.

Can dogs get Salmonella from raw chicken?

Just like people, dogs can get Salmonella from consuming raw chicken and other raw meats. Puppies, geriatric pets, and pets dealing with other disease processes are more at risk for developing the disease.

Can dogs get Salmonella from raw eggs?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw eggs, as well as unpasteurized dairy products, which are also a source of potential Salmonella infection.

Can dogs getSalmonella from peanut butter?

There have been recalls of peanut butter and other food products due to contamination with Salmonella. If your dog has eaten any of these products, they are at risk, and you should consult your veterinarian.

What are other sources of Salmonella?

The main sources of Salmonella for dogs and cats include:

• Consuming raw meat, eggs, dairy, or other contaminated products
• Consuming feces from an infected animal
• Hunting for rodents or birds
• Living in crowded conditions such as an animal shelter or farm or with carrier animals in the household

Periodically dog foods or other products are recalled due to contamination with Salmonella.