What Are the Treatments for Canine Salmonella Infection?

According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al.), dogs or puppies with salmonellosis (salmonella) suffer from fever, vomiting and foul-smelling diarrhea. But this potentially lethal bacterial infection can be successfully treated if caught soon enough.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Since the symptoms of canine salmonella are similar to other illnesses like gastroenteritis, a veterinarian will need to examine a stool sample to find the presence of the salmonella bacteria. Only then can the dog get the right treatment.

    Immediate Treatment

    • According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," any dog that is at risk for becoming dangerously dehydrated is put on intravenous fluids. This may happen before a dog is definitely diagnosed with salmonella in order to stabilize it.

    Other Tips

    • According to veterinarian Dr. Bari Spielman, a dog may have food withheld for one or two days until the dog can keep food down and the diarrhea stops. Plasma transfusions may be necessary for very bad cases.

    Medicines

    • Some dogs may not need medications. Dr. Bari Speilman notes that many vets do not like to use antibiotics because of severe side effects, but antibiotics like Baytril (enrofloxacin) may be used in milder cases.

    Warning

    • Other animals (including people) may catch salmonella from an infected puppy or dog. But wearing gloves, cleaning up dog stool or washing hands after working with the sick dog can help stop the spread of the salmonella bacteria.