Factsheet – Salmonella and pets

Pet owners should remember to always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after feeding, handling or cleaning up after their pets.

Salmonella bacteria can be present on pet reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, lizards, terrapins, turtles and frogs. It can also be carried by dogs and cats, even when they are not showing symptoms of the disease. Foods for these pets can also be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, particularly pet treats, raw food diets, and foods for pet reptiles such as fresh or frozen mice, rats and chicks.

Owners of pet reptiles and amphibians, in particular, should clean surfaces that come into contact with these pets or their food.

Salmonella bacteria can cause illness in owners and handlers, and are easily spread to others if proper precautions are not taken. Some people are more susceptible to infection than others. Young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems may be unable to fight off the infection, and can get sick more easily than others.

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to a contaminated product or animal. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Headache

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection usually last four to seven days. In healthy people, salmonellosis often clears up without treatment; however, people who experience severe symptoms or who have underlying medical conditions, should contact their health care providers if they suspect they have a Salmonella infection.