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Dogs Are Spreading Life-Threatening Infections to their Humans, Study Finds

I guess dog's can give more than love...?

Author

Bryan Reisberg
January 16, 2025

Uh-Oh! Could Your Pup Be Packing Salmonella? šŸ¾šŸ¦ 

A recent Penn State study found that pet dogs could be an overlooked source of salmonella infections in humans. Poor hygiene, unsafe dog food, and overuse of antibiotics may increase the risk.

"Even the healthiest pup can carry salmonella," warns study co-author Nkuchia M'ikanatha. Simple fixes like washing your hands after playtime and handling food can protect both you and your dog.

While most of us worry about salmonella in eggs or meat, we donā€™t usually think about our dogsā€”who, unlike cows, sleep in our beds and lick our faces! šŸ˜³

Researchers discovered 87 cases of salmonella in dogs (with 77 linked to humans) between 2017 and 2023. Many of these bacteria were resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

Although clinical salmonella infection in dogs is rare, with only a few cases reported annually in some regions, dogs can still carry and transmit the bacteria without showing symptoms. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can harbor multiple serotypes of salmonella simultaneously.

It's estimated that about 1% of human salmonellosis cases are due to contact with household pets, including dogs. While this might seem low, considering the close relationships we have with our pets, it's a risk worth noting.

But donā€™t panicā€”dogs still bring major health benefits like reducing stress and keeping us active. The key? Good hygiene and smart care keep everyone safe and happy. šŸ•šŸ’™

How to Keep the Germs Away (and the Tail Wags Coming):

šŸ§¼ Wash Your Hands after belly rubs, treat time, and poop pick-up. Basic, but powerful!
šŸ„© Skip the Raw Dietsā€”raw meat can be a bacteria buffet. Stick to safe, quality dog food.
šŸ„ Vet Visits = Musts. Regular check-ups help catch any sneaky health issues early.
šŸ›‹ļø Clean Up Oftenā€”disinfect your dogā€™s bowls, toys, and cozy spots regularly.
šŸ™…ā€ā™‚ļø No Sharing Snacks (or utensils). Love your pup, but maybe keep your spoon to yourself.

And finally, it's incredibly important to stay up to date on the list of pet food recalls, many of which have recently been recalled due to salmonella.  Tap the link below to see the full list:

Todayā€™s Last Laugh:

Guess itā€™s time to scrub my dogā€™s timelineā€¦