Scientists tested 600 healthy pet dogs and discovered that giving them raw meat increases the chances of them releasing E. coli bacteria.
This particular type of E. coli is resistant to a commonly used antibiotic called ciprofloxacin.
E. coli can make people sick by causing food poisoning and is the leading cause of urinary tract and even bloodstream infections.
More about the danger
Ciprofloxacin is a vital antibiotic for treating bacterial infections in both people and animals.
The researchers examined data provided by dog owners and discovered that feeding dogs raw meat was the most important factor linked to the presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their feces.
Other studies have also found a connection between feeding dogs raw meat and the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
In the United Kingdom, a reduction in the use of ciprofloxacin by doctors and the discontinuation of its use in farming have resulted in a decrease in the number of cases involving antibiotic-resistant E. coli in human infections.
What you can do
To minimize the risk of excreting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, experts suggest using the diets that do not include raw food or using raw meat that is of high quality and can be cooked thoroughly.
When dogs release resistant bacteria in their waste, there is a possibility of spreading them to their owners and others, resulting in infections that are harder to treat. This can lead to more frequent hospitalizations and even deaths.
Previously, we talked about the dangers of the processed food.
