Dangers of dog food: Salmonella cases rise across B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Provincial and federal health agencies are warning of a “significant” number of salmonella infections this year, including one case in the Northern Health area. 

Alongside the Public Health Agency of Canada, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections across the country related to dog food and treats. 

B.C. has recorded 12 confirmed cases of salmonella between February and August 2025. 

Of those, three have been reported by Interior Health, three by Island Health, three by Fraser Health, two by Vancouver Coastal Health and one by Northern Health.

As of September 19th, the Public Health Agency has recorded 27 cases of the infection across the country, with 13 reported in Alberta, 12 in B.C., one in Ontario and one in the Northwest Territories. 

While commonly-known sources of salmonella include undercooked eggs, egg products, raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk, the bacterial infection can also be contracted through a lack of hand hygiene and oral contact with fecal material and dog food and treats.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Dehydration can also occur, especially in infants. 

According to the BCCDC, symptoms typically start between six hours and seven days after exposure, and can last between four and seven days. 

If individuals believe they may be infected by salmonella, or have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional, they should avoid going to work or school. 

Some individuals can experience the infection without symptoms, and most infected individuals can recover without medical treatment.