10 Facts About Salmonella Every Pet Owner Should Know

Every pet owner should be aware of salmonella, a type of bacteria that can spread between animals and humans. Being informed about salmonella is important for keeping both you and your pet safe. While many of us associate salmonella with eating raw or undercooked meat and eggs, our pets can carry this bacteria and make us sick too. If that isn’t something you already know, then the following facts will intrigue you. 

Salmonella is a zoonotic disease

A “zoonotic disease” simply refers to germs that humans and animals can spread to each other. Salmonella is one of the most common zoonotic diseases, meaning our beloved pets can carry it and infect us or vice versa. Nearly all types of pets could potentially carry salmonella, whether a reptile, bird, hamster, or even dog or cat. Both wild and farm animals can be infected too. 

Most pets don’t show any symptoms

Pets can spread salmonella even if they don’t have any signs of infection. This is called being “asymptomatic”, and it explains why some pet owners can get salmonella infections from their pets without realizing it. That’s why every pet owner should maintain good hygiene when handling their pets and items like food and water dishes, cages, or toys. 

Reptiles and amphibians are a higher risk

Reptile and amphibian owners are generally more at risk of contracting salmonella from their pets. Nearly all pet reptiles and amphibians carry salmonella, and it can spread throughout their cage. Snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, and tortoises are some of the many exotic pets that can carry salmonella. Always wash your hands after handling pet reptiles or amphibians and take the proper safety precautions when touching items in their cage. 

Cats can get salmonella from live prey

Many infected cats show little to no symptoms but can still spread salmonella in the household by bringing in live prey, like birds or rodents. If your feline hunts and leaves their prey around the home, they put themselves and you at risk. There are various ways to discourage your cat from hunting, not only to protect native wildlife but also to protect your household against salmonella. 

Raw pet foods are a major salmonella risk

It’s widely known that raw or undercooked foods may carry salmonella, and raw pet foods are no exception. Many commercial raw pet food diets have tested positive for salmonella as they contain raw ingredients like meat. Although it doesn’t usually pose a serious health risk for our pets, it can contaminate their food dishes and the kitchen where you store and serve their food. 

Dry pet food sometimes carries salmonella

Raw pet foods aren’t the only salmonella risk, as dry or kibble pet foods may carry it too. No pet food is guaranteed to be salmonella-free, but dry pet foods are generally a lower risk. Unfortunately, the processes used to make dry pet foods don’t eliminate salmonella, and traces of it can be left over. Knowing this, pet owners should always practice proper hygiene when handling their pet’s food. 

A pet’s saliva can spread salmonella

There are several ways pets can spread salmonella, usually through droppings. However, pets can also spread salmonella with their saliva. This means that salmonella can be found on your pet’s fur, skin, shells, or feathers, especially if they groom themselves. Although you might love it when your dog licks your face or hands, you might want to think twice about it after reading this fact. 

Salmonella can make certain pets sicker than others

Young or old pets, like a small puppy or senior kitten, tend to be the most at risk when infected with salmonella. Their immune systems usually aren’t very strong, and they could experience more severe symptoms than a healthy, adult pet would. Pets with chronically weak immune systems could also become very ill from salmonella regardless of their age. 

Humans can spread salmonella to pets without knowing it

Washing our hands doesn’t only protect us from salmonella, but our pets too. Humans can carry salmonella and won’t always show signs of infection, but we can still spread it to our pets if we aren’t careful. Aside from washing your hands after handling your pet, you should also wash them beforehand to avoid infecting your pet.

Aquariums can be a source of salmonella

Although few studies have been done on whether aquarium fish carry salmonella, various germs are lurking in the aquarium water. Salmonella could be one of those germs, so you might want to avoid putting your bare hands in the water or reusing the water-changing buckets to store personal items. Fish food is another possible source of salmonella, just like any other pet food.