Although more likely to affect humans,listeria in dogs (as well as cats) is a bacterial infection that you should swat up on. We spoke to our resident vet to give you the 411 on the causes and signs of listeriosis in animals, as well as some top vet advice on how listeriosis is diagnosed and treated.
What causes listeria in dogs?
Listeriosis is caused by listeria – a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, raw food (such as meat and vegetables), unpasteurised milk, and dairy products. Although it can affect dogs of all ages, both puppies and senior dogs are more susceptible due to their weaker immune system. Upon consultation, your vet may suggest that your dog’s listeriosis was caused by:
- Dog food contaminated with listeria, e.g. raw foods or home-made diets
- Eating table scraps and other human foods (e.g. cheese and processed meats, such as paté and hot dogs)
It’s important to handle these types of foods properly, as humans can be infected as well.
What are the symptoms of listeriosis in dogs?
“Why does my dog keep being sick?” is one of the most common concerns for a trip to the vet. As a bacterial infection often caused by food, listeriosis symptoms are similar to that of other bacterial infections, such as salmonella in dogs. The most common signs of listeriosis in animals are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Neurological symptoms like being wobbly, going round in circles or depressed
How to treat listeria in dogs
Alike any other pet concern, your first port of call should always be your vet. It’s important to be honest with your vet about your dog’s diet and exercise routine – especially when it comes to feeding your dog human scraps from the table. This will help your vet to diagnose your pooch appropriately and rule out any other illnesses. Your vet may want to collect a blood sample from your dog, get spinal fluid samples, and prescribe an antibiotic. In severe cases, listeriosis can be fatal – so if you spot anything out of the blue with your four-legged friend, head to the vet as soon as you can.
