Salmonellosis in Pets: Protect Your Furry Friends from a Sneaky Bacteria

You bring home a bag of treats for your dog, but you probably never expect a foodborne bug to be hiding inside. Salmonellosis isn’t just a human problem—pets catch it too, and those raw food diets and backyard scavenger hunts make it even more common than most folks know. The bacteria, Salmonella, can lurk in undercooked meat, contaminated pet food, or even on chew toys that haven’t been washed properly.

What’s really tricky is pets don’t always show clear signs they’re sick. Sometimes you just see vomiting or diarrhea, or, honestly, nothing at all. Even worse, infected pets can spread the germ to other animals—and to you—without ever acting sick themselves. That’s why it pays to know how salmonellosis creeps into homes, which foods and habits raise the risk, and the small changes that add serious protection for your cats and dogs.

• What Is Salmonellosis and How Do Pets Catch It?
• Warning Signs: When to Worry about Your Pet
• Keeping Your Home and Pets Safe
• What to Do If Your Pet Gets Sick

What Is Salmonellosis and How Do Pets Catch It?

Salmonellosis means a pet—usually a dog or cat—got infected by Salmonella bacteria. You hear about food recalls for salmonellosis in people, but animals run into trouble too. The biggest issue? Salmonella isn’t picky about its host or where it hides. It can survive in undercooked meat, dry dog food, raw treats, and on surfaces that touched contaminated stuff. A study out of Cornell University found that roughly 20% of commercial raw pet foods tested positive for Salmonella, compared to less than 1% for regular dry kibble. That’s a big difference.

Pets pick up salmonellosis by:

• Eating raw or undercooked animal products—think raw chicken, eggs, or certain bones.
• Licking or chewing on dirty food bowls, toys, or surfaces where Salmonella has landed.
• Getting into garbage, hunting rodents, or snacking on wild birds (dogs are notorious for that one).
• Living in multi-pet homes, shelters, or places where sick animals have been.

You don’t always see your pet get into something gross, but that’s usually the route: their mouth, their paws, then everywhere they go.

"Salmonella can live for weeks in dry environments and even longer in moist foods or on surfaces. Pets can shed the bacteria without acting sick at all," says Dr. Lisa Weeth, board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

Not every dog or cat that snags Salmonella gets sick right away. Young pets, older animals, or those with health problems have a tougher time fighting it off. Even healthy animals can keep shedding the bacteria in their poop for several weeks. Along the way, they could spread it to other pets, or drag it onto the couch, kitchen floor, or anywhere else you hang out together.

Once you know these routes, it’s easier to spot where the risks pop up in daily life with your pets. These facts aren’t here to scare you—just to show where to be a little extra careful so your best animal buddy stays healthy.

Warning Signs: When to Worry about Your Pet

When it comes to salmonellosis in pets, the signs can be sneaky or pop up all of a sudden. The classic symptoms in dogs and cats are usually stomach issues, but there’s some other stuff to keep on your radar too. Even if you’re used to your pet acting a little weird sometimes, certain changes should put you on alert.

• Diarrhea: The most common symptom, often smelly and maybe even streaked with blood or mucus.
• Vomiting: Not just a one-off hairball or after eating grass—a few rounds of throwing up in a day is a problem.
• Lack of energy: If your playful pup or curious cat just wants to lie around, there might be a reason.
• Loss of appetite: Skipping meals or barely touching treats is a big red flag, especially if it lasts more than a day.
• Fever: Harder to spot, but you might notice your pet feels warm or is panting more than usual.
• Dehydration: Sunken eyes, dry gums, or less peeing—these aren’t just signs of getting old; they may mean your pet’s getting sick fast.

Cats, in particular, have a habit of hiding when they’re sick. You might not see the mess, but if you notice your cat hasn’t used the litter box, or you see watery poop, don’t assume it’ll pass.

If you’ve got more than one pet or kids in the house, you really want to catch these warning signs early. Salmonella passes pretty easily, and spaces where pets share bowls, toys, or beds mean germs can move fast.

If your pet health worries match anything on this list and it lasts longer than 24 hours, or if the symptoms get worse quickly, it’s time to call the vet. Waiting it out can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a really rough time—for both your pets and your family.

Keeping Your Home and Pets Safe

Stopping salmonellosis at home isn’t rocket science, but a few smart habits make a real difference. Wash your hands after handling pet food, bowls, or poop—sounds basic, but most people forget after cleaning litter boxes or picking up in the yard. That one lazy moment is all it takes for salmonella to spread.

If you have kids, teach them the same rule. Young children actually get sick from pets more often because they put their hands in their mouths without thinking twice. Same goes for folks with weaker immune systems like older adults and anyone going through tough medical treatments—don’t skimp on hygiene.

• Stick to reputable brands of pet food and treats and store the bags away from your own food.
• Skip the raw feeding craze unless you’re fully prepared to handle raw meat safely, just like you’d do prepping food for people.
• Wash pet food bowls and water dishes with hot, soapy water every day. Don’t just rinse; scrub.
• Avoid letting pets drink from the toilet, gutters, or puddles—those are hot spots for germs.
• Disinfect toys and bedding regularly, especially if your pet spends time outdoors.

Here’s a quick look at just how easily pets can pick up bacteria from their environment:

Visitors bring their own risks, too. If you’re having friends or family over, ask them not to feed scraps to your pets—some leftovers can carry bacteria or upset a pet’s stomach. And if you bring home a new furball—especially from a shelter or breeder—have them checked by your vet before mixing them with your other pets.

What to Do If Your Pet Gets Sick

If you even suspect your pet has salmonellosis, don’t just wait it out—catching the problem early makes a world of difference. The first signs might be diarrhea, vomiting, a sudden loss of appetite, or just acting weird and tired. Some pets recover on their own, but for puppies, kittens, or any animal already struggling with health, salmonella can be a real threat.

Call your vet right away if you notice anything off, especially if the poop is bloody, your pet’s drooling a lot, or seems really down. Your vet might ask for a stool sample, so save one if you can. Treatment usually means supportive care: keeping your pet hydrated, rested, and maybe on a bland diet. Sometimes, antibiotics get used, but your vet will decide because treating salmonella isn’t always straightforward.

"Salmonella infection in pets isn’t rare, and sick pets can easily pass the bacteria to people, especially young kids," says Dr. Megan Shepherd, DVM, board-certified veterinary nutritionist. "The best move? Visit your vet at the first sign of illness and be careful with hygiene until you know what’s going on."

Here’s what to do if you think your pet might have salmonellosis:

• Keep your pet away from other animals and family members as much as possible.
• Disinfect food and water bowls, bedding, and any surfaces your pet’s touched with a pet-safe cleaner.
• Wash your hands well after handling your pet, their food, or anything they've come in contact with.
• Stick to your vet’s advice for care, especially with food and water. Offer small amounts of plain food (like boiled chicken and rice) and lots of fresh water.
• Watch out for any new symptoms or if things get worse—let your vet know right away if you see anything alarming.

Here’s a quick look at common signs and what actions help most:

Cleaning and staying alert are just as important as medical treatment. Stay patient—it usually takes a week or two for a healthy adult pet to bounce back, but never risk guessing with pet health. Get a pro involved and keep everyone in the house safe while your furry friend recovers.