Having a pet is a considerable responsibility and yet many families will take it on gladly. Pets bring much joy and companionship to our lives and because of this we want to give them a reliable and healthy conditions to live in.
Most cats and dogs have it pretty easy today. Their owners furnish them with pillows or beds to sleep on and their own water and food bowls. Sometimes they are even personalized with the pets name on them. Making pets a part of the family has become the norm, not the exception in society today.
Over the past few years one problem that has arisen for pet owners is salmonella infections. Many times cat or dog food has to be recalled because of a salmonella outbreak in pet food. This problem is not only serious for pets, but pet owners as well because it can be transferred to humans.
Salmonella is a non-spore-forming motile enterobacteria that obtains it's energy from oxidation and it's reaction from other organic sources. In fact, salmonella is closely related to the Chinese chicken Escherichia genus which causes problems like typhoid fever.
So how do pets get salmonella from pet food? It is most common in dry pet food. Pet food is not always made under as sterile conditions as human food is. A few years back a study from the Centre for Disease Control showed that people were being infected with salmonella as a result of tainted pet food. It is important that after you feed your pet and handle their food that you wash your hands very well.
The most common problem for this outbreak has been linked to pig ears, or pet treats made from beef or salmon. Pig ears are not cooked like some pet food and sometimes the contamination comes right from the animal carcass and not from the processor. One way to control some of this is to purchase pig ears that are individually wrapped, and not stored in bulk.
Pets are vulnerable to food-borne infections just as much as humans and so it is important to avoid raw food diets and make sure the dog food is stored properly. One easy but crucial task is to make sure water and food bowls are washed often.
Signs of Salmonella Infection In Pets
Fever
Lethargy
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Skin Disease
Many times dogs will only show signs of gastroenteritis and in general will experience fatigue and chronic fever. If your pet experiences any of these signs be sure and take them to the vet for a check-up immediately.
Pets depend on humans for their survival, so be sure you take all the precautions needed to give them a healthy and happy life. In general, clean dishes and properly packaged pet foods will help your pet live a long and healthy life.
