Pet owners beware: Are your dogs secretly spreading deadly infections?
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We adore our dogs, but there may be hidden risks we don't often consider. New findings suggest our pets could be carrying something that might affect us.
Could your dog be unknowingly posing a health danger?
The bond between humans and dogs is timeless, and for many of us, these furry friends are integral members of our families.
But this close relationship may come with unforeseen health risks.
The Penn State University (PSU) study, which delves into the hygiene practices of dog owners, the safety of dog food, and the use of antibiotics in canines, suggests that our four-legged friends could be an overlooked source of salmonella infections.
Salmonella is a bacteria known for causing infections called salmonellosis, which can result from consuming contaminated food or water, or through contact with animals and their feces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that salmonella is responsible for approximately 1.35 million infections in the US annually, leading the pack in hospitalizations and deaths related to foodborne illnesses.
While anyone can contract salmonellosis, certain groups are at a higher risk of severe or life-threatening infections.
These include young children, particularly infants; adults over 50 with underlying health conditions like heart disease; individuals aged 65 and older; and those with weakened immune systems.
Nkuchia M'ikanatha, lead epidemiologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and PSU food scientist, emphasizes the importance of basic hygiene practices to protect both humans and pets.
“Our dogs are family, but even the healthiest pup can carry salmonella,” he states.
The PSU researchers used data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network to analyze salmonella strains identified in pet dogs from May 2017 to March 2023.
They discovered 87 cases of salmonella in dogs during this period and compared these strains with those found in humans, as recorded by the National Center for Biotechnology at the National Institute of Health (NIH).
The comparison revealed 77 cases of salmonella suspected to have originated from contact with dogs, involving 164 different strains of the bacteria across 17 US states.
Most alarmingly, the majority of salmonella strains found in dogs were also capable of infecting humans, and all strains identified in both dogs and humans carried antimicrobial resistance genes to crucial drugs.
Sophia Kenney, a doctoral bioscience student at PSU's Department of Animal Science and lead researcher of the study, highlights the significance of this finding.
The data emphasizes “the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in dogs,” she explains, advocating for a “One Health” approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
While the study's findings may raise concerns, it's essential to balance them against the well-documented benefits of dog ownership, which include reduced stress and increased physical activity.
Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at PSU and team leader of the study, stresses the importance of staying informed about the potential risks of salmonella while enjoying the companionship of our pets.
“Our goal is not to discourage pet ownership but to ensure that people are aware of potential risks and take simple steps, like practicing good hygiene, to keep both their families and their furry companions safe,” Ganda says.
As responsible pet owners, it's crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of salmonella transmission:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your dog, their food, or cleaning up after them.
2. Handle Dog Food Safely
Store dog food properly and avoid feeding your pet raw diets that may increase the risk of contamination.
3. Regular Veterinary Care
Ensure your dog receives regular check-ups and discuss the responsible use of antibiotics with your veterinarian.
4. Educate Your Household
Teach family members, especially children and the elderly, about the importance of hygiene when interacting with pets.
5. Monitor for Symptoms
Be vigilant for signs of salmonella infection in your pets and seek veterinary care if you suspect illness.
Remember, the love we share with our pets is immeasurable, but so is our responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all.
Let's take these simple steps to heart and continue to enjoy the countless benefits of companionship with our beloved dogs.
Have you experienced a health scare related to pet ownership? Do you have tips for remembering to practice good hygiene around pets?
Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's work together to keep our communities healthy and informed.
Could your dog be unknowingly posing a health danger?
The bond between humans and dogs is timeless, and for many of us, these furry friends are integral members of our families.
But this close relationship may come with unforeseen health risks.
The Penn State University (PSU) study, which delves into the hygiene practices of dog owners, the safety of dog food, and the use of antibiotics in canines, suggests that our four-legged friends could be an overlooked source of salmonella infections.
Pet dogs can be an overlooked source of salmonella infections in humans. Image source: Chevanon Photography/Pexels.
Salmonella is a bacteria known for causing infections called salmonellosis, which can result from consuming contaminated food or water, or through contact with animals and their feces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that salmonella is responsible for approximately 1.35 million infections in the US annually, leading the pack in hospitalizations and deaths related to foodborne illnesses.
While anyone can contract salmonellosis, certain groups are at a higher risk of severe or life-threatening infections.
These include young children, particularly infants; adults over 50 with underlying health conditions like heart disease; individuals aged 65 and older; and those with weakened immune systems.
Nkuchia M'ikanatha, lead epidemiologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and PSU food scientist, emphasizes the importance of basic hygiene practices to protect both humans and pets.
“Our dogs are family, but even the healthiest pup can carry salmonella,” he states.
The PSU researchers used data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network to analyze salmonella strains identified in pet dogs from May 2017 to March 2023.
They discovered 87 cases of salmonella in dogs during this period and compared these strains with those found in humans, as recorded by the National Center for Biotechnology at the National Institute of Health (NIH).
The study found that the strains of salmonella present in dogs often possess antimicrobial resistance genes. Image source: Gilberto Reyes/Pexels.
The comparison revealed 77 cases of salmonella suspected to have originated from contact with dogs, involving 164 different strains of the bacteria across 17 US states.
Most alarmingly, the majority of salmonella strains found in dogs were also capable of infecting humans, and all strains identified in both dogs and humans carried antimicrobial resistance genes to crucial drugs.
Sophia Kenney, a doctoral bioscience student at PSU's Department of Animal Science and lead researcher of the study, highlights the significance of this finding.
The data emphasizes “the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in dogs,” she explains, advocating for a “One Health” approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
While the study's findings may raise concerns, it's essential to balance them against the well-documented benefits of dog ownership, which include reduced stress and increased physical activity.
Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at PSU and team leader of the study, stresses the importance of staying informed about the potential risks of salmonella while enjoying the companionship of our pets.
“Our goal is not to discourage pet ownership but to ensure that people are aware of potential risks and take simple steps, like practicing good hygiene, to keep both their families and their furry companions safe,” Ganda says.
As responsible pet owners, it's crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of salmonella transmission:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your dog, their food, or cleaning up after them.
2. Handle Dog Food Safely
Store dog food properly and avoid feeding your pet raw diets that may increase the risk of contamination.
3. Regular Veterinary Care
Ensure your dog receives regular check-ups and discuss the responsible use of antibiotics with your veterinarian.
4. Educate Your Household
Teach family members, especially children and the elderly, about the importance of hygiene when interacting with pets.
5. Monitor for Symptoms
Be vigilant for signs of salmonella infection in your pets and seek veterinary care if you suspect illness.
Remember, the love we share with our pets is immeasurable, but so is our responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all.
Let's take these simple steps to heart and continue to enjoy the countless benefits of companionship with our beloved dogs.
Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's work together to keep our communities healthy and informed.
