What is salmon poisoning disease?

You and your canine companion have had a good day fishing for salmon or trout. So you throw him a fish as a reward. You might be killing him with your kindness. Salmon poisoning disease, found primarily in the Northern Pacific area of the U.S. and the Pacific Coast of Canada, is often fatal for dogs.

The disease is caused when a dog eats raw salmon or trout contaminated with a parasite that contains the infecting organism. Symptoms usually appear five to seven days later. Look for lack of appetite, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea if you suspect your dog might be infected.

Salmon poisoning disease is curable if caught early and the dog is treated with fluids, antibiotics, and anti-vomiting medication. The take-home message is: don’t let your dog eat raw fish.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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