As “man’s best friend,” when a cherished dog becomes ill it can be devastating. Recently, our mini Sheepadoodle, Scout, was much less “bouncy” than usual. After a week-long family reunion hosting 12 relatives, I chalked it up to too many extra treats, hoping it wasn’t the rainbow trout he had come in contact with. But, after a couple of days of decreased appetite and increased lethargy, we decided it was time for a vet visit.

The vet agreed on the likely diagnosis of salmon poisoning. After a night in the hospital with IV antibiotics and fluids and a confirmed diagnosis of salmon poisoning from a fecal parasite test, the next day he was able to come home. Scout’s story had a happy ending, but there isn’t always a happy ending with salmon poisoning. 90% of dogs will die within two weeks without proper treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment, and better yet, prevention, is key.

Several years ago, Storm, our Retriever, came down with salmon poisoning from exposure to raw salmon from the grocery store. Unfortunately for Storm, he was originally misdiagnosed with pancreatitis, which caused a dangerous delay in administering the proper antibiotics. After a three-night hospital stay, he was home but has never regained his original spunk. Because of Storm’s experience, we recognized the symptoms early this time which saved Scout a lot of suffering and us a lot of vet bills! After Storm and Scout had this illness, I realized that all vets and vet staff are familiar with salmon poisoning, but the general public is not!

According to the VCA Animal Hospital, dogs who come into contact with raw or undercooked salmon, trout, steelhead or Pacific Giant Salamanders infected with a fluke (parasitic flatworm) are at risk. This flatworm is harmless to dogs unless infected with a bacteria called neorickettsia helminthoeca. After eating raw fish or salamander, infected flukes embed in the dog’s intestines, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The bacteria then spreads to various organs resulting in the signs of salmon poisoning.
Even if they merely touch the fish with their nose when smelling it and then lick their nose, they can be exposed. If identified early enough, salmon poisoning is treatable. The symptoms are similar to those of a gastrointestinal illness. If you have been hiking near a lake or stream where your dog was unattended, or if your pet has ingested raw or undercooked fish, seek immediate care. Typical symptoms include:

Lethargy
Dehydration
Depression
Diarrhea
Fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
Loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes
Weakness
Vomiting
Discharge from eyes or nose

If you suspect salmon poisoning, seek treatment immediately. Let your vet know if your dog has been in contact with raw or undercooked fish or salamander within the last 5-33 days. If you can, bring a fecal sample to the vet.

To prevent salmon poisoning, keep your dog on a leash near streams and lakes, and keep raw fish scraps and waste in a location the dogs can not access. If your pet has a possible exposure, monitor them for any of the above symptoms and seek treatment quickly if they occur. Healthy pets can add much joy and companionship to our lives. May you have a safe and adventurous summer with your pet companions!