If you live along the Pacific Northwest coast—or enjoy outdoor adventures with your dog—there’s an important health risk you should be aware of: salmon poisoning disease (SPD). This potentially fatal condition can affect dogs that eat certain types of raw or undercooked fish, such as salmon or trout.
If left untreated, salmon poisoning disease is often fatal. If you think your dog has ingested raw fish—especially in a coastal area—take them to an emergency veterinary and specialty hospital like Boundary Bay Bellingham, where prompt diagnosis and treatment can save their life.
While most common in coastal regions from Northern California to Puget Sound, cases have also been reported further north, including Vancouver Island— so dog owners throughout the west coast should stay informed and vigilant.
What Causes Salmon Poisoning Disease?
Salmon poisoning disease occurs when a dog eats raw or undercooked fish that is infected with a parasitic fluke (Nanophyetus salmincola). While the fluke itself is relatively harmless, it can carry a parasitic bacterium called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. It is this bacterium that causes salmon poisoning disease.
The types of fish that can carry the infected fluke are typically found in coastal streams and rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Dogs are often exposed during fishing trips, beach outings, or while scavenging near shorelines.
Fish That Can Carry the Infection:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Lamprey
- Sculpin
- Redside shiner
- Shad
- Sturgeon
- Candlefish
- Large-scale sucker
Signs and Symptoms of Salmon Poisoning
Dogs typically show symptoms 6 to 10 days after eating infected raw fish. These symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like parvovirus or general gastrointestinal upset. Common signs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever (often over 104°F / 40°C)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
If left untreated, salmon poisoning disease is almost always fatal—with a 90% mortality rate in symptomatic dogs. However, early treatment is highly effective, and many dogs recover fully with appropriate care.
How Is Salmon Poisoning Diagnosed and Treated?
If your dog shows any of the symptoms above—and especially if you know (or suspect) they ate raw fish—take them to an emergency hospital immediately.
Diagnosis usually involves:
- Fecal testing to look for eggs of the fluke
- Fine needle sampling from a swollen lymph node to detect the parasitic bacterium
Treatment includes:
- Antibiotics to kill the bacterium
- Deworming medication to eliminate the fluke
- IV fluids and supportive care, if needed, for dogs that are vomiting or dehydrated
Most dogs start feeling better within a few days of treatment. Dogs who recover often develop immunity to the specific strain they were infected with—but they can still get sick from other strains, so continued caution is important.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
To keep your dog safe:
- Do not feed raw fish. If you want to offer fish to your dog, cook it thoroughly or deep-freeze it for at least two weeks to kill parasites.
- Leash your dog at rivers, lakes, and beaches where fish might be present.
- Properly dispose of fish waste—wrap entrails tightly and place them in secured garbage bins.
- Supervise dogs closely on fishing trips or in areas where they might scavenge.
If You Suspect Your Pet Has Been Exposed to Salmon Poisoning Disease
If your dog is showing signs of illness after eating raw fish—or if there’s any doubt—bring them to an emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Time matters.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Bellingham, we work in close coordination with Animal Emergency Care (AEC) to provide seamless 24/7 emergency and specialty services. Whether your pet needs stabilization, diagnostics, or advanced treatment, our teams are equipped to respond quickly and effectively—right here in our shared facility.
📞 Call Ahead (if possible): (360) 758-2200
🚪 No appointment necessary— emergency walk-ins welcome
Your dog’s safety is in your hands. Stay vigilant, be informed—and when in doubt, take action.
