Did you know you could be infected with Salmonella poisoning from handling your pets contaminated food? Neither did I until I read the latest update in "Pet Sitters World" magazine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella that exists in dry pet food and treats can make both dogs and people sick. To prevent this from happening it is important for you to be careful in selecting, handling and storing your dog and cat's food and treats. Start by following these simple rules: 1) Be sure bagged food has no visible signs of damage in the packaging and canned food should have no dents. 2) Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your pet's food. 3) Be sure the pet's bowls are washed thoroughly after each use. 4) If possible, feed animals in an area away from where the humans eat. 5) Do not use the pet's feeding bowl as a scooping devise to take out the food. 6) Store pet food away from human food. 7) Store pet food in a dry, sealed plastic container with a tight lid in a dry cool place.. 8) Promptly refrigerate leftover canned food in a sealed container. 9) Wash your hands between feeding cats and dogs. By following these suggestions hopefully you can avoid any illness to you or your pets from contaminated food. |