Listeria can affect your dogs too: Signs of listeriosis in animals

A warning has been put out that if your dog eats a raw diet, they’re at a higher risk of becoming infected with listeriosis. Young puppies and older dogs are more likely to be affected.

Listeriosis is a serious but treatable disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which is widely distributed in nature and can be found in soil, water, and vegetation.

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In dogs, listeriosis can be fatal if not treated immediately. These are the symptoms to look out for, and should your dog show signs of them, take them to the vet immediately.

• Diarrhoea
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Weakness
  
• Fever
  
• Muscle soreness
  
• Lethargy
  
• Stiff neck
  
• Lack of coordination
  
• Skin infections 
  

Please disclose to your vet if your dog is on a raw diet and showing these symptoms.

While you can’t protect your dog from everything, you can work to limit their risk of coming into contact with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Don’t let your dog come into contact with dead animals. Any dead animal could be contaminated with the bacteria. Keep your pet from animal excrement, as these can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.

For cat owners

According to wagwalking.com, symptoms of listeriosis in cats depend on the individual’s response to the bacterium. Not all cats who contract the Listeria bacteria will develop listeriosis, as healthy, non-pregnant felines are rarely affected. However, other felines exposed to Listeria will develop mild gastrointestinal symptoms or symptoms related to the brain. The following symptoms may present in a feline affected with Listeria:  

• Muscle stiffness
  
•  Fever Weakness
  
• Vomiting 
  
• Decrease in appetite
  
• Diarrhea 
  
• Facial nerve paralysis 
  
• Depression
  

Common sources of Listeria in a cat’s environment can include:  

• Table scraps 
  
• Garbage 
  
• Cat food 
  
• Raw pet food 
  
• Unpasteurized dairy products 
  
• Uncooked Seafood  
  
• Undercooked poultry, beef, lamb or goat meat
  

If your cat displays these symptoms, please take them to the vet.