As a dog owner, you want to make sure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. One potential health hazard for dogs is eating raw salmon. Salmon poisoning disease is a serious condition caused by a parasite found in raw salmon from the Pacific Northwest region. If left untreated, it can be fatal within just two weeks!
So what should you do if your precious pup manages to gobble up some of this dangerous fish? Don’t panic, but do take action quickly This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about salmon poisoning in dogs, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment and prevention
What Is Salmon Poisoning Disease?
Salmon poisoning disease, sometimes called “fish disease,” is a potentially fatal condition seen in dogs who have eaten raw salmon, trout, or other fish from coastal streams and rivers in the Pacific Northwest (Northern California up to Alaska)
The cause is a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. This bacterium lives inside a fluke parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola, which in turn lives inside the raw fish. When the infected fish is eaten, these parasites get into the dog’s digestive system. The flukes then release the bacteria, which spreads through the body and causes systemic issues.
The most common fish sources of infection include:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Lamprey
- Sculpin
- Redside shiner
- Shad
- Sturgeon
- Candlefish
- Large-scale sucker
So any raw fish from streams or rivers in this region can pose a danger.
What Are the Symptoms of Salmon Poisoning?
The incubation period is typically 5-7 days before symptoms start to appear. Some of the most common signs of salmon poisoning in dogs include:
- High fever (often over 104°F)
- Lethargy and depression
- Loss of appetite or anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Weight loss
- Nasal discharge or watery eyes
These symptoms can appear very rapidly and become severe within just 2-3 days. As the infection spreads, the dog may develop swollen lymph nodes, bleeding disorders, and swelling and inflammation throughout the body. Kidney and liver failure can occur if left untreated
Getting a Diagnosis
If your dog shows any of these concerning symptoms after eating raw fish, get to the vet immediately. Be sure to tell them exactly what your dog ate, even if you just suspect they got into salmon. This information will be crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
The vet will likely run a fecal exam looking for fluke eggs and may also take blood or tissue samples to test for the bacteria. They may feel for enlarged lymph nodes near the head and do x-rays or ultrasound looking for abnormalities in the abdomen.
With the salmon history, clinical signs, and lab test results, your vet should be able to definitively diagnose salmon poisoning disease. Starting treatment quickly is vital for the best outcome.
How Is Salmon Poisoning Disease Treated in Dogs?
The good news is that if caught early, salmon poisoning is very treatable. The primary treatment involves:
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Antibiotics – Usually a course of doxycycline for at least 2 weeks to destroy the rickettsial bacteria
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De-worming medication – Typically fenbendazole, which kills the fluke parasites
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Intravenous fluids – Dogs who are vomiting may need IV fluids to prevent dehydration
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Anti-nausea medication – To control vomiting and allow the dog to eat
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Supportive care – Other medications or treatments to help with fever, pain, diarrhea etc.
With aggressive antibiotic therapy and fluke control, many dogs will make a full recovery within several days, especially if treatment began before severe symptoms set in.
Can Salmon Poisoning Disease Be Prevented?
The key is keeping your dog from eating raw fish in the first place. Here are some tips:
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When fishing, don’t let your dog nibble on the catch of the day.
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Keep your dog leashed or away from rivers and beaches where they could scavenge dead fish.
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On hikes near waterways, keep your dog under close control.
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Pick up and dispose of any fish carcasses lying around campsites.
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Keep trash that contains fish safely secured when camping or fishing.
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Never deliberately feed your dog raw salmon or trout unless it has been frozen for at least 2 weeks to kill parasites.
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Cook fish thoroughly before feeding it.
With vigilance, you can help prevent your dog from becoming exposed to this potentially deadly parasite.
What If My Dog Already Ate Raw Salmon?
First, don’t panic! The treatment is very effective if started in time.
Contact your vet immediately and let them know your dog ingested raw salmon. Watch closely for any symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea in the next 5-7 days. Getting ahead of this can make all the difference.
If symptoms do develop, get to the vet right away for testing and treatment. With aggressive therapy, most dogs recover fully in 1-2 weeks. Though scary, the prognosis for salmon poisoning disease is good if addressed quickly!
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed!
While alarming, salmon poisoning disease is very preventable and treatable with swift veterinary care. As a responsible pet owner, the key is staying informed about risks in your area.
What are the clinical signs of salmon poisoning?
Signs of salmon poisoning are typically seen within a week of the dog eating infected raw or undercooked fish or salamanders. Common signs include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (which may include blood), fever, weakness, enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, discharge from the eyes or nose, increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures. If the infection is not treated, most dogs will die within two weeks. Fortunately, treatment significantly improves the chances of survival.
How is salmon poisoning diagnosed?
The veterinarian may suspect salmon poisoning when dogs in the Pacific Northwest develop the expected signs after eating raw fish/salamanders. Finding eggs of the fluke in the dog’s fecal (stool) sample helps to support the diagnosis. Although the fluke itself does not directly cause salmon poisoning, its presence in a dog showing typical signs is highly suggestive of salmon poisoning.
Bloodwork is often performed to evaluate hydration, blood cell counts, and organ function. To confirm the diagnosis, a sample of the enlarged lymph nodes may be obtained using a needle. Bacteria may be seen microscopically within the cells of the lymph node. A special test, called PCR, may be used to directly detect DNA of the bacteria in the lymph node.
Raw diet for Dogs Why Raw Salmon is never Used : Salmon poisoning disease
FAQ
What happens if your dog eats raw salmon?
Thankfully, salmon isn’t toxic to dogs but as with ingesting anything unusual, transient gastrointestinal distress in the form of anorexia, vomiting and/or diarrhea is possible but shouldn’t need treatment.
Can a dog survive salmon poisoning?
Salmon Poisoning is potentially fatal and symptoms can be seen up to a week after ingestion (not 24 hours). If left untreated, the fatality rate is greater than 90%. Most vets in the pacific northwest will often treat proactively treat with antibiotics to prevent disease.
How long does it take for salmon poisoning to show up in dogs?
Cooking of the fish will destroy the organism. The symptoms of salmon poisoning can develop 1-3 weeks after the dog has eaten the fish.
Can my dog get sick from eating raw fish?
Signs of salmon poisoning are typically seen within a week of the dog eating infected raw or undercooked fish or salamanders.