The bacteria Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness in both humans and animals, known as salmonellosis. Since Salmonella is frequently found in poultry, dogs can contract this infection from chicken. While dogs possess biological defenses that make them generally more resistant to severe illness than humans, infection is possible, particularly when the immune system is compromised. Even asymptomatic dogs can still harbor the bacteria, posing a risk to other animals and people.
How Dogs Contract Salmonellosis
The primary route of infection for dogs is the ingestion of the bacteria, often through contaminated food or contact with infected feces. Raw or undercooked chicken is a significant source of exposure because Salmonella naturally occurs in poultry and is only eliminated when the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
This risk is not limited to raw diets, as cross-contamination can easily spread the bacteria from raw chicken to other surfaces and foods in the kitchen. Contaminated commercial pet food, including certain kibbles and treats, have also been implicated in outbreaks of salmonellosis. Dogs can also pick up the bacteria from the environment by consuming the feces of infected animals, such as birds or other dogs, or by drinking contaminated water.
A key difference between exposure and illness is colonization versus active infection. Many healthy dogs may ingest Salmonella and have the bacteria temporarily colonize their digestive tract without developing clinical signs of disease. The dog’s naturally acidic stomach environment and short digestive tract often quickly process and eliminate the pathogen. However, a large bacterial load or a weakened immune system can overwhelm these defenses, leading to an active, symptomatic infection.
Recognizing Clinical Signs and Carrier Status
The effects of a Salmonella infection on a dog can vary widely, ranging from no signs of illness to severe, life-threatening conditions. In symptomatic dogs, the bacteria primarily disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, causing acute diarrhea that may contain mucus or blood. Other common signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and an elevated body temperature.
In the most severe but less common cases, particularly in puppies, older dogs, or those with underlying health issues, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system. This systemic infection can lead to septicemia, a life-threatening form of blood poisoning, or even shock. These severe outcomes require immediate veterinary hospitalization and intensive care.
Most dogs exposed to Salmonella do not show signs of illness, yet they become asymptomatic carriers. These carriers shed the Salmonella bacteria in their feces for weeks or even months after exposure. This shedding is a public health concern because the bacteria can be passed to other pets and humans through contact with contaminated feces or surfaces. Owners should seek veterinary advice immediately if a dog exhibits persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or extreme lethargy, as these signs suggest supportive care and intervention.
Prevention and Safe Food Handling
Minimizing the risk of salmonellosis for both your dog and your family centers on strict hygiene and proper food preparation. If you choose to feed your dog home-cooked chicken, it must be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to destroy any present Salmonella bacteria. A meat thermometer should be used to confirm this temperature at the thickest part of the meat.
Strict sanitation practices are necessary to prevent cross-contamination, especially if raw chicken is handled in the home. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, and ensure all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils that came into contact with it are cleaned and disinfected. Pet food bowls should be washed daily with hot, soapy water, as these can become contaminated with bacteria from the dog’s food or saliva.
It is advisable to separate areas used for preparing pet food from those used for human food preparation. If a dog is suspected of having Salmonella, prompt cleanup and disposal of feces are necessary, as the bacteria are readily shed in the stool. These measures reduce the risk of illness in the dog and prevent the transmission of this zoonotic bacteria to human household members.