E. coli Infection in Dogs
Dogs can be infected with E. coli in a similar way that people can get infected: by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. There have been many recalls of commercial dog food diets and treats involving contamination with E. coli. Ingestion of these foods and treats could potentially cause infection in your dog and your pet may become an unfortunate carrier of the disease as well.
To protect your furry ones, keep an eye out for any product recalls and news about E. coli. It is important to stay on top of diet information, and there is a concern that feeding your pet a raw diet may result in an increased risk of transmitting any E. coli via the feces. Especially in breeding dogs, consider replacing a raw diet with your vets recommended diet without raw ingredients for your dog.
Summer is prime season for E. coli infections in people, which are often associated with eating undercooked hamburgers, and less often with contact with animals at events like petting zoos. Escherichia coli is a bacterium that is very commonly found in most animals, including a large percentage of healthy individuals. Some E. coli strains are harmless (or can even be beneficial) while others can make both animals and people sick. Some strains can cause severe disease, such as the infamous E. coli O157:H7 which can cause severe diarrhea and kidney disease (also called hemolytic-uremic syndrome).
While E. coli can be a serious problem in people and some animals, it is usually not a major problem in dogs. E. coli can cause diarrhea in dogs – it is most often linked to a disease called granulomatous colitis that is classically found in Boxer dogs. However, it is not a common cause of disease nor is it often associated with hemolytic-uremic syndrome in dogs. The O157:H7 strain of E. coli is rarely found in dogs, although transmission to people from the small number of dogs it has been found in has been reported. Almost all of the dogs that were found to be carrying E. coli O157:H7 were from farms, where they were probably exposed to the bacteria by eating cattle manure. The risk of transmission of E. coli O157:H7 from dogs to humans is very low.
Symptoms of E. Coli Infection in Dogs
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At The Drake Center, we know that pets are more than just companion animals—they are family. We let them sleep in our beds, share our meals from time to time and lick our faces clean. But love isn’t the only thing going on between people and pets. Humans can contract many illnesses—called zoonotic diseases—from animals, even our furry family members. Thankfully, simple precautions like education, good hygiene and appropriate veterinary care can greatly reduce your risk.
So, which zoonotic diseases should you be most concerned about? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a wealth of information on all transmissible diseases, but if you have pets, here’s what to keep your eye on. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid these diseases is to regularly vaccinate, deworm and keep parasites out of your home.