The number of cases in a salmonella outbreak that has been linked to dog food and treats has increased and led to seven hospitalizations.
The outbreak, which was first reported in mid-September, started off at 27 cases.
This week the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said the number of cases has increased to 31.
Alberta and British Columbia have 14 cases each.
Ontario has two cases and the Northwest Territories has one case.
Although seven people have ended up in the hospital due to illness, there have been no deaths.
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According to PHAC, people became sick between mid-February and late-September 2025 and are between 0 and 87 years of age.
The majority (58%) of them are female.
More recent illnesses may continue to be reported because there is a period from when a person first becomes sick and when they report it to public health officials, said PHAC.
The Oct. 16 update only includes laboratory-confirmed cases and the actual number may be much higher because many people have mild symptoms and don’t feel a need to go to the doctor, which is where they would be tested.
According to the PHAC, for each confirmed case, there are more than 26 cases that are not reported.
The PHAC is reminding people to practice good hand hygiene and frequent hand washing when they come into contact with dogs, their food and treats.
“Dog food and treats can be contaminated with bacteria, including Salmonella, which can make people and dogs sick,” PHAC said.
“Even if dogs don't show any signs of illness, they can still infect people who are in contact with them or their environment.”
As of Thursday, Oct. 16, there is still no single common supplier that has been identified as the source of the outbreak.
However, exposure to certain Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats has been identified as a likely source for some of the illnesses.
According to PHAC, salmonella has been found in samples of the following:
Puppy World Lamb Lung treats (150 gram, 340 gram, 454 gram bags)
Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tip treats (120 gram bags)
Puppy Love Chicken Breast treats (120 gram and 300 gram bags)
Puppy Love Beef Chew 6 inch treats (Value pack, four pieces)
Puppy Love “Twisty Jr.” beef treats (Value pack, five pieces)
The investigation into this outbreak is ongoing and additional sources may be identified, PHAC said.
