Salmon Poiso ning in Dogs

The Pacific Northwest offers some excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and just generally communing with nature.  It is fun to take our dogs along to enjoy the outdoors with us.  But did you know that we have a hidden danger not found in the rest of the country?  That danger is Salmon Poisoning.

Salmon (and other game fish like trout) can harbor a fluke (a type of parasitic flatworm) called Nonophyetus salmincola.  This fluke lives within the fish's tissues.  The fluke harbors a type of bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca.  It is this bacteria, which is the problem.  When the salmon die and wash up along the riverbank they can be irresistible to your pet.  Dogs contract the flukes with their bacteria, and thus get salmon poisoning, by eating the dead fish.  Within 5-7 days they start showing clinical signs.

Salmon poisoning causes a loss of appetite, depression, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea (often bloody).  As such, salmon poisoning can look similar to a Parvovirus infection.  It can be a life threatening condition and if left untreated often proves fatal. Thankfully, patients tend to respond well to treatment with appropriate antibiotics and fluid therapy.

Salmon poisoning is diagnosed by either a history of eating raw salmon or by demonstrating the presence of the fluke eggs in the dog's feces. 

Dogs can only contract salmon poisoning by eating raw fish.  Thus it is vitally important not to let them eat fish found along the river or ocean.  If the salmon has been properly processed for human consumption (other than sushi, of course) then they cannot get it. They also appear to be immune to re-infection if they survive the initial disease. Cats need not worry- they are naturally immune to salmon poisoning.

How can I preve nt Salmon Poisoning?

1.  If you are having fish for dinner, wrap up any remains and discard them in a garbage can with a tight fitting lid.

2.  Leave your dog at home when going on fishing trips.  If they must come along then keep a close eye on them.

 3.  Keep your dog on a leash when at the beach or river.

 4.  Do not allow your dog to eat raw fish at any time.

If your dog eats raw salmon, then take it to your veterinarian immediately. The dog, not the fish.  Medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity of the disease.