Salmonella symptoms in dogs can vary, based on how serious the salmonella poisoning. So it’s important to understand which symptoms can mean that your dog has been poisoned.
Dog salmonella symptoms commonly appear in 6 to 72 hours after your dog eats food contaminated with the salmonella bacteria.
And hunting dogs like Weimaraners are exposed to salmonella bacteria more often than dogs who never leave their own yards.
In addition, dog owners, just like their pets, can be exposed to salmonella bacteria, by handling their dogs and dog food and treats.
However, fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to minimize the possibility of salmonella poisoning, or salmonellosis, in your dog…
if she eats raw meat that she finds outdoors.
What is Salmonella Poisoning?
Salmonella poisoning or infection is caused by the salmonella bacteria. Dogs and cats get salmonellosis by eating something that has been infected or contaminated with the bacteria. Something they find outside, or treats or food that you purchased at the store. Occasionally dog food or treats are recalled because they contain salmonella bacteria.
Salmonella infection is one of the diseases that can be passed from animals to humans, so, if your dog has salmonella poisoning, it is important for you to be very careful when you touch your dog, his toys, his food and water dishes or anything that he touches or chews on.
Get into the habit of washing your hands frequently after handing your dog or his food. And wash your dog’s toys frequently.
There is one additional way that salmonella is spread. It is found in the feces or saliva of an animal that is infected. So touching your dog’s mouth or his poop if he has salmonella, can give it to you or to other dogs.
Causes of Salmonella
Weinheimers can get salmonella in a number of ways. They are outdoor dogs who frequently come into contact with dead animals or wild animal feces. Because of this, they are more likely than less active dog breeds to be exposed to salmonella bacteria.
Here are some causes of salmonella in dogs:
- Eating contaminated dog food or dog treats that have been recalled – While this is not an everyday occurrence, it does happen. Stay current on dog foods and treats that are recalled because of salmonella.
- Pig ears – Many Weimaraners chew on pig ears, and they enjoy doing so. Unfortunately, pig ears can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria—and they can spread the bacteria to your dog and her surroundings.
- Feces – Feces, whether from other dogs or wild animals can spread salmonella. If your dog eats feces that she finds, make sure you watch her for symptoms of salmonella.
- Antibiotic therapy – If your dog is being treated with antibiotics, her immune system could be weakened, making her more susceptible to salmonella.
- Eating dead animals or infected birds.
- Eating raw chicken or eggs – Salmonella in eggs and chicken (that you purchase) is fairly common. If you cook them, they are safe.
In addition, very young dogs with immature digestive systems and older dogs are more likely to develop dog salmonella symptoms.
How to Recognize Salmonella Symptoms
Think your Weimaraner has been exposed to salmonella? Here are salmonella symptoms that you should look for:
- High fever – This is usually the very first symptom of salmonella that you will notice.
- Vomiting and diarrhea – Sometimes the diarrhea will contain mucus or blood.
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy – Your dog, who is normally very active, may just lie around and not show interest in taking walks or playing with you.
- Dehydration – If your dog is dehydrated, he may not pee very much, or at all.
- Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion – if she is pregnant.
If you suspect that your dog has symptoms of salmonella poisoning, it’s important that he be checked out by your veterinarian. This is because salmonella symptoms in dogs can be confused with other conditions.
Your vet can do tests that will determine if your dog actually has salmonellosis and, if so, the infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Salmonella symptoms can be very serious in dogs—even fatal. So don’t delay in getting help for your Weimaraner!
Weimaraner Health
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