What Are The Warning Signs Of Salmonella or E. Coli Infection in Dogs?

Are You Up-to-Date on Food Safety News? If you follow food recall news regularly, chances are you’ve noticed there have been an array of recalls recently. Last month, bagged organic carrots sold by Grimmway Farms were recalled due to an outbreak of E. coli contamination; shortly thereafter Sunfed Produce LLC issued recall notice for cucumbers due to potential salmonella contamination; while on Thursday an online dog food retailer also announced recall action against their products. Blue Ridge Beef issued a recall of 9,600 pounds of 2-pound log-style Puppy Mix due to Salmonella contamination, as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday. After learning that litter of puppies had fallen ill after eating the product distributed between August 6 and 23, 2024, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services tested positive for salmonella contamination of this mix. (For more details regarding where these recalled products were distributed, click here). Salmonella infection or salmonellosis, is an increasingly prevalent intestinal bacterial illness according to Mayo Clinic and other organizations, often caused by bacteria found in healthy people or animals living inside. Some strains of E. coli that normally live inside humans and animals, can produce strains capable of inducing severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting as a symptom of illness. So if you are concerned that your dog might have come into contact with a recalled food product or healthy snacks like carrots and cucumbers and now suspect infections as a result, here is some essential knowledge regarding salmonella and E. coli infections for dogs: Here Are Signs Of Salmonella/E Coli Infection In CaninesSalmonellosis is rare among canines but still carriers and can spread bacteria via stool or saliva — even without showing symptoms themselves, according to FDA. Puppies tend to exhibit symptoms more readily than adults; such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, appetite loss and decreased activity levels. Dr. Carly Fox of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City explained to HuffPost that symptoms associated with Salmonella and E. coli infections in dogs can be similar. In both instances, dogs could exhibit diarrhea, vomiting, inappetence and lethargy – symptoms she said both diseases display similarly in animals. “Fever and abdominal discomfort aren’t the only side effects caused by pathogens residing within our [gastrointestinal tract]. At times these infections may extend their reach beyond this organ system.” She further stated that salmonella and E. coli infections in dogs tend to be uncommon but more likely to appear among those that feed raw diets, have compromised immune systems or chronic medical issues. “What to Do if Your Dog Is SickFox stated that if a suspected exposure of salmonella or E. coli causes symptoms in their dog, they “must visit a veterinarian immediately”. She noted that salmonella and E. coli infections are difficult to diagnose without medical testing such as fecal cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and systemic bloodwork; thus excluding self-diagnosis as an option. “You cannot diagnose them at home,” said she. “However, if your pet is showing mild digestive signs, try feeding them a bland diet (boiled chicken/rice) for short period and suspend food until 12 hours have past,” Fox stated. If they continue vomiting or their diarrhea worsens or turns bloody during this time frame a visit to their veterinarian would likely be advised.