Can Dogs Get Salmonella?
Good food hygiene and hand washing keep both your dog and your household safe.
Yes, dogs can get salmonella, a bacterial infection usually picked up from raw or undercooked meat, contaminated food or feces. Many dogs carry it with few signs, but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and fever, and infected dogs can pass it to people, so careful hygiene really matters.
Symptoms to Watch For
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | Repeated or persistent stomach upset |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes with blood or mucus |
| Fever | A raised temperature and feeling off |
| Low energy and appetite | Tiredness and eating less |
| Dehydration | Dry gums and reduced skin elasticity |
How to Prevent It
- Feed safe food. Choose cooked or reputable commercial food over raw where possible.
- Handle raw with care. Treat raw pet food like raw meat in your own kitchen.
- Wash bowls daily. Clean food and water bowls thoroughly every day.
- Store food properly. Seal and refrigerate to prevent spoilage.
- Wash your hands. After handling food, bowls or feces, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs get salmonella?
Most often from eating raw or undercooked meat and eggs, contaminated commercial food or treats, spoiled leftovers, or the feces of infected animals. Raw diets and raw-based treats are a common source, and dogs can also pick it up from the environment.
What are the symptoms of salmonella in dogs?
Many dogs carry salmonella with no signs at all. When illness does occur, it usually causes vomiting, diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, fever, tiredness and reduced appetite. Puppies, senior dogs and those with weak immune systems are most at risk of serious illness.
Can I catch salmonella from my dog?
Yes, salmonella is zoonotic, meaning it can pass between dogs and people through feces and contaminated surfaces or bowls. Children and anyone with a weakened immune system are most vulnerable, so wash hands well after handling your dog, its food or its waste.
How do I protect my dog from salmonella?
Feed thoroughly cooked or reputable commercial food, handle any raw food with the same care you would for your own kitchen, wash bowls daily, store food properly, and clean up feces promptly. Good hand hygiene protects both your dog and your family.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
