Salmonella Linked to Dog Treats: Outbreak Hospitalizes at Least 33
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FDA, US Food and Drug Administration, have confirmed many different strains of salmonella has been linked to dog treats that contain pig ear. Health officials are advising the public to not purchase any pig ears as well as dispose safely of any of these dog treats that are already in the home. Not only are dogs getting ill from ingesting the treats, their owners are also becoming sick from touching the pig ear dog treats.
Over the summer, there have been 143 people infected with various strains of salmonella from handling pig ear dog treats. Of these patients, 33 had to be hospitalized and there have been 26 reported cases with children who are under five years old. This has happened with multiple suppliers of these pig ear dog treats, and the investigation is ongoing. However, the most recent recall was on September 3, 2019, with Dog Goods bulk pig ear dog treats, sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club, being the latest to get recalled.
Consumers are urged to dispose of any pig ear dog treats in their home, either by throwing them away in a secure container to prevent any further outbreak or contamination, or taking them back to the place of purchase for a refund. Even if the pig ears have not caused sickness, officials are advising people to get rid of the treats anyway. To prevent an infection, the CDC recommends patrons wash their hands, as well as any container or surface where the pig ear dog treats might have touched, and use hand sanitizer.
Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Salmonella can become dangerous if it is prolonged due to dehydration. It is very important to contact your doctor if you are displaying symptoms after coming in contact with any pig ear dog treats. If you are concerned about your dog’s possibility of infection, contact your local veterinarian.
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