Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/salmon-poisoning/

“While all fish caught or originating from streams in northern California could potentially be infected, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) cautions that trout stocked in some waters in CDFW’s North Central Region are more likely to be infected with the flukes that cause Salmon Poisoning Disease.”

You should not cast away your caution just because you and your dog do not live in northern California. Salmon poisoning also happens in Washington, Oregon, and as far as the Southern Vancouver Island in Canada.

Moreover, Salmon poisoning occurs not only in the ingestion of raw or undercooked salmon but your dog must also steer clear of steelhead trout and other anadromous fish that are infected with the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca. Pacific Giant Salamanders which live by freshwater streams are likewise known to harbor the infected parasites that cause this disease.

Why Salmon Poisoning is 90% Fatal to Dogs and Puppies but not to Humans

There have been no reports of Salmon poisoning among people who eat salmon and trout. Some may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms after eating an infected fish, but any discomfort quickly fades away. According to experts, the microorganism Neorickettsia helminthoeca gets killed easily by proper cooking or freezing.

However, over the years, many cases of Salmon poisoning among dogs, foxes, wolves, coyotes, and even black bears have been reported. Domestic dogs are at risk of contracting the disease when their owners take them for walks along streams where there may be infected fish or salamanders.

Neorickettsia helminthoeca is a type of bacteria, not a toxin. These microorganisms often infect parasitic flatworms, Nanophyetus salmincola, which are passed on from snails to fish and salamanders.

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Once a part of an infected fish or salamander gets eaten by a dog, the flatworms travel to the dog’s intestines and attach themselves to the mucus barrier. There, the bacteria get their chance to enter into the bloodstream and spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, and the central nervous system.

If the disease is not treated on time, the dog will die.

Get to Know the Symptoms and How You Can Prevent Salmon Poisoning

The incubation period for Salmon poisoning is 5 to 21 days.

The following are the symptoms you should watch out for, which are quite similar to canine parvovirus infection:

• persistent diarrhea (usually hemorrhagic)
• vomiting
• lack of appetite
• weight loss
• high fever (40 0 42 degrees Celsius)



• hypothermia
• anorexia
• enlarged lymph nodes
• increased heart rate
• increased respiratory rate
• muscle tremors
• seizures

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you must seek veterinary help immediately.

Meanwhile, you can also keep your dog safe from Salmon poisoning through these preventive measures:

• Do not allow your dog to eat raw or undercooked salmon and other trouts including salamanders, especially if you are in the Pacific Northwest.
• Do not let your dog wander off to areas where salmon and other fish are caught and cleaned, including garbage cans and fishing harbors.
• Cook fish thoroughly or freeze it at −20°C for 24 hours.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog