Can salmonellosis spread to humans?

Salmonella poses a zoonotic risk — it can be transmitted to humans. Always wear gloves when handling your pet's faeces or vomit, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you have concerns, consult both your vet and your own doctor.

How does the vet confirm a salmonella infection?

Diagnosis is usually confirmed through bacterial culture or PCR testing of faecal or vomit samples. Blood tests are also performed to assess your pet's overall health. Your vet will determine which tests are most appropriate.

Does mild diarrhoea require an immediate vet visit?

Mild, brief diarrhoea in an otherwise bright and alert pet may be monitored at home initially, but if it continues for more than 24–48 hours or is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy, you should see a vet promptly.

How can I reduce the risk of salmonella infection in my pet?

Keep your pet's environment and feeding equipment clean, avoid feeding raw or undercooked food, and take precautions when handling faecal matter. Speak to your vet for personalised prevention advice.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Salmonellosis in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care [2025]

A zoonotic bacterial infection that can cause severe gastroenteritis in pets

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, CDC, WSAVA

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Unable to eat for an entire day with frequent vomiting
•Poor skin elasticity and sunken eyes suggesting dehydration
•Persistent bloody or visibly dark/tarry stools

Schedule a Vet Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Significantly reduced appetite with repeated refusal to eat over multiple days
•Intermittent vomiting but still able to take in small amounts of water
•Recurring diarrhea or mucus-containing stools with otherwise normal energy

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Salmonella infection in dogs and cats commonly presents as gastrointestinal and systemic signs. Severe cases may involve dehydration and generalised weakness — watch closely for symptoms that persist or worsen.

Persistent weakness and noticeably reduced activity
Significantly reduced appetite or complete refusal to eat
Frequent vomiting or vomiting of unusual contents
Diarrhoea, with faeces that may contain mucus or blood
Noticeable weight loss over a short period
Fever or body temperature that feels higher than normal to the touch
Lethargy, unwillingness to interact, or excessive sleeping

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Unable to eat for a full day while vomiting repeatedly
⚠️ Poor skin turgor or sunken eyes suggesting dehydration
⚠️ Persistent bloody or very dark (tarry) stools

02What should you monitor at home, and when is it an emergency?

Observing and documenting key information at home helps the vet quickly understand the progression of the illness and determine the best diagnostic approach.

Record when symptoms started and how they have changed over time
Weigh your pet daily and track any changes in body weight
Note the number of vomiting episodes and describe what was vomited
Save or photograph faecal samples and any vomit for the vet to assess
If possible, take your pet's temperature and record the reading with the time
Observe and record changes in water intake and frequency of urination or defecation
If symptoms persist or worsen, schedule a vet appointment promptly

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common tests and procedures

Your vet will begin with a thorough physical examination and order laboratory tests as needed to confirm the cause and assess the severity of the illness.

Full physical examination to assess hydration status, temperature, and general condition

Complete blood count to check for signs of infection and anaemia

Biochemistry panel to evaluate organ function (liver, kidneys, etc.)

Bacterial culture of faecal or vomit samples to identify the causative pathogen

Molecular testing (PCR) for faster identification of specific pathogens

Abdominal ultrasound to check for intestinal or abdominal abnormalities

Further imaging or specialist referral if clinically indicated

04What treatment and aftercare are needed? Medication, diet & care guide

Treatment centres on supportive care and targeted management based on diagnostic findings, with emphasis on home nursing and regular monitoring.

Appropriate supportive care based on test results and clinical condition
Intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy for pets with significant dehydration
Short-term dietary modification to reduce gastrointestinal stress and support recovery
Maintaining a clean home environment and isolating the pet to minimise transmission risk
Follow-up faecal culture or blood tests as directed by your vet
Specialist referral or further workup for complex or recurring cases

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help the vet quickly identify the cause

Write down a detailed timeline of when symptoms started, how they have changed, and how often they occur

Note recent diet, outings, or any possible exposure to contaminated food or environments

Bring or photograph faecal or vomit samples for laboratory testing

Prepare a list of any current medications, supplements, and their dosages

Bring any previous test reports or imaging results from earlier visits

Call ahead to book an appointment and describe the main symptoms so the clinic can prepare

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.