Preventing Campylobacter Infection from Puppies

Advice to pet owners

Wash hands

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching your dog, after handling their food, and after cleaning up after them.
• Adults should make sure young children wash their hands properly.
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash with soap and water.
  

Play safely

• Don't let dogs lick around your mouth and face.
• Don't let dogs lick open wounds or areas with broken skin.
  

Keep things clean

• Clean up any pee, poop, or vomit inside the house immediately.
• Disinfect the area using a water and bleach solution.

Monitor your dog's health

• Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly to keep it healthy and to prevent the spread of disease.
• Only give your dog antibiotics when prescribed by the veterinarian and according to instructions.

Thinking of getting a pet dog?

Advice to pet store workers

Get training

Ask management for training on handwashing, clean-up procedures, and other illness prevention measures.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water every time you handle dogs or anything in the area where they live and roam. This includes their food, treats, and food and water containers.

Eat and store food safely

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
• Eat and drink in designated areas away from places where animals are kept and exercised.
• Keep your food away from areas where pet food and treats are stored, and away from areas where animals are kept or exercised.
• If a separate refrigerator isn't available for pet food, store food for people on top shelves, above food, treats, and other supplies for pets.

Clean up messes safely

• Clean up any pee, poop, or vomit immediately, and disinfect the area according to store protocols.
• Use disposable gloves for clean-ups and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Wash work shoes or boots, clothes, and equipment regularly, and do so in an area that is not used to store or prepare food for people.
• If possible, do not wear shoes or boots that you wear at the workplace in your home or when you go anywhere else.

Report illnesses

• Report sick or injured animals following store protocols.
• Tell your employer if you are ill, especially if you or other employees have diarrhea or vomiting.

Advice to pet store management

Practice responsible use of antibiotics

Antibiotics save human and animal lives. But, when antibiotics are used, they can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance.

• Only give antibiotics to animals under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
• Assure that veterinarians use appropriate diagnostic tests to ensure that antibiotics are needed and that animals receive the right treatment.
• Monitor and document antibiotic use.
• Tell breeders, brokers, and transporters who supply animals to your store about responsible use of antibiotics and the benefits of veterinary supervision of antibiotic use.

Report illnesses

Check with your local or state health department for guidance on reporting sick animals.

Resources

• Healthy Pets, Healthy People
• Pet Food Safety
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies
• Handwashing and Hand Hygiene as a Family Activity
• Compendium and Resources for Animals in Public Settings