E. Coli and Salmonella, A Challenge for Animal Lovers or Not?

Salmonella and E. coli are two topics often confused by families with dogs at their feet, in their beds, on the sofa, kissing faces, sharing food, which has created a tug of war in households--what to do?  All these normal bonding behaviors between companion animals and their humans are an important and rewarding part of life with animals.

Kate Stenske, a veterinarian and assistant professor at Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine took up the study of E. coli in the population, surveyed and added the habits of families with animals (more than 50% of dog owners surveyed let their dogs sleep with them, lick their faces, and less than 50% share food), then formulated her doctoral thesis around the question of resulting public health impacts.

Reported in Science Daily.com and soon to be published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the study found no difference between the two groups in increased incidents of shared E. coli.  It is surprisingly more likely that humans could pass the antibiotic resistant strains on to their dogs. Humans and dogs carry common E. coli in their gastrointestinal tracts and Stenske says it usually doesn’t cause any problems, unless it acquires genes that make it antibiotic resistant. She warned that antibiotic resistant strains occurred in owners who “didn’t wash their hands after petting or handling their dogs or before cooking meals.”  There’s some ammunition for Mom’s everywhere!

On the other hand, animal companions can and do transmit Salmonella to people and other pets. An Oak Park woman reported she had contracted Salmonella from an untraceable source, and it’s no wonder—just handling contaminated pet foods and treats can make you sick!

As with E. coli, wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling foods.  Clean all utensils and your pet’s bowls after each meal. Undercooked foods, especially eggs and meat, unwashed vegetables and fruits are sources of Salmonella.

There is no cure. Call your Vet when signs of Salmonella appear: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, listlessness, loss of appetite, excessive salivation. Unfortunately, sometimes there are no physical signs. Healthy animals can be carriers and pass Salmonella to people and other animals.

Vets and doctors report that fluid replacement is essential, even lifesaving.  In some cases, antibiotics are used when the pet (or person!) has a compromised immune system. It can make its presence know in as little as a few hours or take up to 72 hours to present symptoms. Doctors and veterinarians can verify the illness with a simple test.