What is Salmon Poisoning?
Dogs who ingest anadromous fish that inhabit the coastal streams and rivers of the Pacific Northwest (prevailing coast from Northern California up to and recently including Vancouver Island, Canada) risk contracting the salmon poisoning disease. The fish can contain a parasite called nanophyetus salmincola, which are in turn infected with the microorganism neorickettsia helminthoeca, thereby passing the microorganism onto your dog.
Salmon poisoning disease is a very serious illness that can result in the death of your dog if not treated within 14 days of the consumption of raw or undercooked salmon. Poisoning is not limited to strictly salmon, but other types of anadromous fish (better recognized as fish that swim upstream in order to breed). Canids (dogs, coyotes, and foxes) are the only species to be affected by salmon poisoning.Salmon Poisoning Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $800 - $10,000
Average Cost
$3,000
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Symptoms of Salmon Poisoning in Dogs
If identified in a timely manner, salmon poisoning is treatable. The symptoms are similar to those of a gastrointestinal illness. If your dog has roamed from your sight and exhibits these symptoms because he may have eaten something you are unaware of, or if your pet has ingested raw or undercooked fish, immediate veterinary care is crucial. Typical symptoms are listed below:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever, which will reach limits around 104 Fahrenheit
- Loss of appetite, which may result in weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weakness
- Depression
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Dehydration
Causes of Salmon Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has ingested salmon, trout, largescale sucker, shad, sturgeon, redside shiner, sculpin, candlefish or lamprey that carry the microorganism neorickettsia helminthoeca, he will begin to show the symptoms of salmon poisoning disease within 6 to 10 days. 90% of dogs who consume the affected fish will die if the disease is untreated.
The parasitic flukes nanophyetus salmincola have three different hosts: the snail, the fish and the canine. If your dog eats a parasitic fluke that carries the neorickettsia helminthoeca, the fluke will release the microorganism in the dog’s intestinal tract. The microorganisms then spread to:
- Liver
- Lungs
- Lymphoid tissues
- Brain
This then causes:
- Necrosis (death of cells in organs or tissue)
- Hemorrhage
- Hyperplasia (abnormal increase in volume of organs or tissue because of the increase of new cells)
Diagnosis of Salmon Poisoning in Dogs
Bringing your dog to the veterinarian at the first signs of illness is always the recommended route. Canines suffering from salmon poisoning disease can be treated successfully if the infection is diagnosed soon enough. If you aren't sure of what Rover was able to digest because he left your line of sight, or if you know for a fact that your pet has consumed raw fish, relay this important information to your veterinarian upon arrival at the clinic.
A fecal sample can detect the presence of parasitic eggs. Fluid taken from a needle inserted into a swollen lymph node can show the presence of the rickettsial organism. A positive result in either one of these tests, along with accompanying symptoms, can lead your veterinarian to confirm a positive diagnosis.
Treatment of Salmon Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment of salmon poisoning is fairly straightforward, but the length of the regimen will depend on how sick your dog is when he arrives at the hospital. If your dog is experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea, he may need to be hospitalized in order to get the dehydration and illness under control.
The veterinarian will begin treatment with the administration of intravenous fluids if necessary. Antibiotics, to kill the microorganism responsible for the illness and a dewormer, which will kill the parasite will be given. Anti-diarrheal medication and drugs to combat the nausea may be dispensed as well.
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Recovery of Salmon Poisoning in Dogs
The recovery from salmon poisoning can be relatively quick. Dogs who have been infected with the rickettsial organism can show signs of recovery within two days of treatment. Of course, if you feel that your pet is not recovering well, communicate with your veterinarian for further evaluation. Monitoring your dog’s health is always a responsible part of pet ownership.
Though your dog may now have immunity from this microorganism infection, refrain from allowing your pet to eat raw or uncooked fish as there is always the risk of infection from an alternate strain.
Prevention of re-occurrence is possible. Be vigilant in keeping your dog on the leash when near rivers or beaches, or areas where garbage may be easily accessible. Be sure to cook fish thoroughly, or freeze for two weeks minimum before allowing your pet to eat any.
Salmon Poisoning Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $800 - $10,000
Average Cost
$3,000
Top
Salmon Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Boxer mix
One Month
42 found this helpful
42 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My dog had some raw salmon that was previously frozen. I read that they can get salmon poisoning? Will he be safe since the salmon was frozen or should I take him to the vet?
Sept. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
42 Recommendations
Hello, He should be fine. Salmon poisoning is more commonly seen in raw fresh-caught fish. If you notice any signs that your dog is not feeling good, then he should go to the vet.
Sept. 5, 2020
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Miniature Bull Terrier
Two Years
17 found this helpful
17 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I gave my dog a piece of raw salmon I know where to the dangers of it It was about the size of a quarter
Aug. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
17 Recommendations
Hello, Usually, just a small amount is okay. He most likely will be just fine.
Aug. 30, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Five Months
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nome
My puppy ate a old salmon that had been on the beach. The salmon was dried out. Can he get salmon poisoning?
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, If the fish was dried out most likely the parasite that causes salmon poisoning is dead. This may give your dog GI issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. If this happens your dog would need to see a vet. Good Luck.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Golden Retriever
Five Months
21 found this helpful
21 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Hello, I am pretty sure my dog ate smoked salmon. She has had diarrhea for about a day. I think she needs to go the vet. Would this be the right call?
July 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
21 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
There should be no risk of Salmon Poisoning with smoked salmon, as that occurs with raw, wild caught salmon. She may have had a little GI upset from that but you may be able to resolve that with a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a couple of days. If she continues to have diarrhea or is vomiting, then it would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian.
July 24, 2020
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Chocolate labrador
B
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomit
My dog had a 2inch by 3inch piece of uk shop bought smoked salmon this morning and has since vomited.
Should I be worry about her? Or will it just be a case of an upset stomach?
May 24, 2018
0 Recommendations
Typically salmon passed for human consumption in countries like the UK especially in the EU (for now) with all the regulation from Brussels it is unlikely that B would get salmon poisoning but it may cause severe gastric upset. However, if in doubt it is best to visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 25, 2018
My dog just ate some store bought smoked salmon today no signs as of yet. Should I still take him to the vet even if there is no sign. Please I need to know
May 29, 2018
Melissa A.
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Mutt
M
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
My dog had a little bit of salmon on Wednesday night and then Thursday morning during his walk he had loose stool. He didn't poop again but he eat and drank water like usual. Then at 4am he woke me up and had to be led put when we had explosive diarrhea and vomiting. Is he going to be fine?
Mutt
M
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
My dog had a little bit of salmon on Wednesday night and then Thursday morning during his walk he had loose stool. He didn't poop again but he eat and drank water like usual. Then at 4am he woke me up and had to be led put when we had explosive diarrhea and vomiting. Is he going to be fine?
Pit bull
Busta
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Drooling
I caught a wild salmon that was spewing last week and I gave my dog a small piece and he was fine. I didn’t know about this parasite. I froze the same salmon (it got freezer dried) and thawed it for home made sushi, I cured it with salt and sugar and lime juice. Then put it in the fridge for two days. I ended up eating it and I had a small piece left and gave it to my doggo. That was yesterday and today he is drooling and had diarrhea. I want to know you think it is from the salmon? I gave him a piece last week and he’s been fine. But after the one I actually cured and froze he’s having symptoms.. I will take him to the vet tomorrow but if anyone has an opinion I would love the help !
Salmon Poisoning Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $800 - $10,000
Average Cost
$3,000
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