We try our best to keep our dogs safe and healthy as dog owners. However, accidents do happen and our dogs do get into things they shouldn’t, like raw fish. You’ll need to act right away if your dog gets raw salmon off the counter or somewhere else.
Eating raw salmon can make dogs very sick. The raw fish contains harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal upset and infection. Dogs can also contract a serious condition called salmon poisoning disease from ingesting raw salmon. So what steps should you take if your dog eats raw salmon? Here is a complete guide to handling this scary scenario.
Recognizing Symptoms of Illness
The first thing you’ll want to watch for is any signs of illness after your dog eats the raw salmon Here are some common symptoms to look out for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, especially with a foul fishy smell
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lethargy and weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes
These are typical symptoms of gastrointestinal distress and infection that can arise from ingesting raw fish and the dangerous bacteria it harbors. If you notice any of these symptoms within a day or two after your dog ate the salmon, it likely indicates a problem
Calling Your Vet Right Away
You should call your vet right away if your dog shows any worrying signs after eating raw salmon. Explain what happened and describe the symptoms you’re seeing. Your vet may tell you to bring your dog in right away for an exam, especially if the symptoms are bad.
When dealing with salmon poisoning disease, early treatment is very important, so getting your pet medical care right away can make all the difference. Before the infection spreads, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible after it eats salmon.
Explaining About the Raw Salmon
When you speak to your vet, clearly explain that your dog ate raw salmon. This is really important information for making an accurate diagnosis. There are specific risks with raw salmon, including harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause salmon poisoning disease. Telling your vet about the raw salmon consumption will alert them to test for these particular problems and start the right treatment.
Following the Vet’s Guidance
Your trusted veterinarian will guide you on the next steps after evaluating your dog and considering the raw salmon ingestion. They may prescribe medications like dewormers, antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, or immune-boosting supplements. Your vet will likely want to see your dog again for follow-up testing to ensure they are recovering well. Strictly follow your vet’s recommendations for giving medications and follow-up appointments.
Watching for Deterioration
Even after initial treatment, keep a very close eye on your dog for any worsening of symptoms. Salmon poisoning disease can rapidly progress if not caught early. Monitor for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and any other concerning signs. If you notice deterioration, get your dog to the vet immediately or to emergency vet care if needed. Stay vigilant.
Avoiding Raw Fish in the Future
Going forward, take precautions to keep all raw fish away from your pet. Store salmon and other raw seafood securely wrapped and sealed in the fridge or freezer where your dog can’t access it. Never feed your dog raw fish. Cook fish thoroughly before giving it to your canine companion. Take care to prevent any future raw fish incidents.
Summary of What to Do:
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Watch for concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy.
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Contact your vet right away if any symptoms appear after raw salmon ingestion.
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Explain to your vet that your dog ate raw salmon.
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Follow your vet’s guidance for treatment, medications, follow-up appointments.
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Monitor your dog closely for worsening symptoms and deterioration.
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Take precautions to avoid exposure to raw fish in the future.
While a dog eating raw salmon can certainly be scary, just remember to stay calm, monitor your dog closely, and get veterinary care right away. With prompt treatment guided by your trusted vet, your pup has the best chances of making a full recovery and avoiding any long-term issues. Stay diligent, and you’ll get through this difficult situation together.
How is salmon poisoning treated?
Antibiotics to control the bacterial infection and medications to kill the flukes are the mainstays of treatment. If the symptoms are severe, the dog may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous fluids, anti-nausea drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, or even blood transfusions.
What are the clinical signs of salmon poisoning?
Dogs usually show signs of salmon poisoning about a week after eating salamanders or fish that are raw or not cooked enough. Less hunger, throwing up, diarrhea (which may include blood), fever, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, discharge from the eyes or nose, faster breathing, faster heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures are all common signs. If the infection is not treated, most dogs will die within 2 weeks. Fortunately, treatment significantly improves the chances for survival.
What happens if my dog eats raw salmon?
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats raw salmon?
How long does salmon poisoning last in dogs?
What can I give my dog for salmon poisoning?
What should I do if my dog ate raw fish?
What to do if your dog eats raw salmon?
Symptoms to Look For. If your dog eats raw salmon, keep an eye on your dog. Symptoms can appear over a period of six days. If any of the following symptoms develop or worsen, call your vet immediately: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Lack of appetite.
Is fresh salmon safe to eat?
Yes, salmon is a source of omega 3, the fatty acid is responsible for acting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, making the heart strong and healthy. Just be careful to analyze the supplier to make sure it doesn’t have any contamination.
How do you treat 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.
Can dogs eat salmon?
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.