Listeria can affect your dogs: signs of listeria in pets
With listeria being in the news after the source of the nationwide outbreak was determined as Enterprise Foods, several concerned pet owners are worried about their pets who have consumed some of the contaminated products.
POLOKWANE – Dogs can be infected with listeria by the same sources as human exposure, including infected meats and dairy product as well as contaminated dog food. Big retailers have already recalled the specific meats associated with the outbreak and issued a list of foods they are recalling and refunding in preventative measures against the listeriosis outbreak.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/254651/breaking-news-literiosis-outbreak-traced-enterprise-factory-polokwane/
According to Roelf van Rooyen, a local veterinarian, no cases of infected pets have been reported as yet.
“Animals have a greater immunity to the bacteria than humans. Older dogs, puppies and sick dogs, however, are at greater risk than healthy dogs. The only way the bacteria can be destroyed is through pasteurisation and heat, therefore in any instance where the contaminated food is given to dogs, the products should first be thoroughly cooked before given to any pet to consume.”
He cautions the public, however, not to go into a frenzy seeing as there are no reported cases yet and if preventative measures are being taken, like thoroughly cooking food before it is given to pets, there should be no problem.
The symptoms of listeria are likely to vary from one dog to the next. They can range from showing no symptoms whatsoever, to mild flu-like symptoms, and go all the way to major neurological damage. Not all dogs who are exposed to listeria will become ill or display any symptoms, however.
Symptoms of listeria in dogs:
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Lack of coordination.
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Weakness.
- Stiff neck.
