10 Diseases You Can Actually Get from Your Dog

4. Salmonellosis: More Than Just Food Poisoning

Most people think of salmonella as a foodborne illness from undercooked chicken or eggs—but dogs can carry and spread it too. This makes salmonellosis a hidden danger for pet owners, especially those feeding raw diets.

How Humans Get Salmonellosis

Dogs can shed salmonella bacteria in their stool or saliva without showing any signs of illness. Humans can get infected when:

• Handling raw dog food (especially raw meat diets).
• Cleaning up after dogs that carry the bacteria.
• Touching contaminated items, such as food bowls, toys, or bedding.

Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with weak immune systems are more likely to spread salmonella to people.

Symptoms in Humans

Salmonellosis symptoms usually begin 6–72 hours after exposure and can last 4–7 days. Common signs include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
• Stomach pain and cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills and high fever

While most people recover without treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization to prevent dehydration or bloodstream infections.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of salmonella spreading from dogs to humans:

• Avoid feeding raw diets unless recommended by a veterinarian.
• Wash hands thoroughly after feeding pets or cleaning up feces.
• Disinfect bowls, utensils, and surfaces where raw food is prepared.
• Teach children proper hygiene when handling pets.

Quick Fact: According to the CDC, over 1.3 million salmonella infections occur in the U.S. every year, and pets are a growing source of outbreaks.