Can dogs get salmonella? Years ago we thought that dogs were immune to bacteria and spoiled foods and we fed them table scraps with no concern for their safety.
But we have learned that dogs, just like people, can get sick from eating contaminated foods or even from exposure to other sick animals or people.
Why Bichon Frises Get Salmonella
Bichon Frise salmonella symptoms can appear unexpectedly and quickly. Some breeds, like the Bichon, are just more likely to get salmonella than others.
For example, if your Bichon Frise dog has allergies, his immune system may be compromised and he may have trouble fighting off infections.
And, in addition, young puppies with immature digestive systems and old dogs who may have other illnesses, are also more likely to get sick from salmonella.
Dogs can get salmonella poisoning in a number of ways, and knowing how they get salmonella, can help you prevent salmonella illness in your dog.
Claim your FREE mini-course about Bichon Frises

What is Salmonella Poisoning?
Salmonella poisoning is an infection, caused by the salmonella bacteria.
Because many Bichon Frises have food allergies, their digestive systems may be weakened. Having a weakened digestive system weakens the immune system.
Dogs with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to getting sick from salmonella, a condition known as salmonellosis.
How Do Dogs Get Salmonella?
Bichons can be exposed to salmonella bacteria in a number of ways:
- Dog food salmonella – Some of the recent dog food recalls have been because of salmonella in dog food or treats. Stay alert and watch the news for dog food recalls.
- Pig ears – While pig ears are marketed as safe dog chews, they can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. You cannot tell if a treat is contaminated, just by looking at it. Perhaps your dog would enjoy another kind of dog chew instead.
- Eating feces – If your dog eats the feces of another dog or a wild animal who is infected with salmonella, she can become infected with salmonella. If your dog eats poop, he is most likely not getting enough minerals in his diet. Simply adding a good quality supplement like TruDog’s Complete Me may be all you need to do to stop this disgusting habit.
- Saliva from a dog with salmonella – Being licked by another dog who has salmonella can spread the bacteria to your dog, or to you.
- Bird feces or dead birds – If you have bird feeders, place them so that your Bichon does not have access to them, as birds can be carriers and can spread salmonella to dogs.
- Raw chicken or eggs –Eggs contaminated with salmonella are one of the most common causes of salmonella poisoning in dogs. However, raw chicken can also contain salmonella bacteria. Cooking eggs and chicken before feeding them to your dog, will reduce the risk of salmonella poisoning.
Learn more about Bichon Frises, in this FREE mini-course…
Salmonella Symptoms in Dogs
Signs of salmonella poisoning can develop in 6 to 72 hours after exposure to the salmonella bacteria.
Here are some signs of salmonella poisoning in dogs that you should be on the lookout for:
- High fever – Usually your Bichon will develop a fever as his first symptom.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea – can have blood or mucus in it. DiaGel can help control bacterial diarrhea caused by salmonella bacteria.
- Dehydration – not getting or drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
- Not eating – refusing food
- Lost pregnancy – miscarriage or spontaneous abortion
While you may not be able to prevent your dog from getting salmonella entirely, you can take precautions to prevent it. If you limit the ways that your dog is exposed, he will have very little chance of getting salmonella.
Think your dog has been exposed? Make sure you take her to the vet if she shows any symptoms. The veterinarian can do tests that will determine if she has salmonella.
Salmonella can be serious, and occasionally fatal. So don’t delay getting to the vet, if you think your dog has it!
If you found this article helpful, please take a few seconds to share it with a friend…
More about Bichon Frise Health
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |