Fishing in the PNW: keep your dog safe

Eating raw or undercooked salmon, trout, steelhead or other freshwater

fish can expose dogs to a potentially life-threatening disease called salmon poisoning. Salmon poisoning isn’t caused by the fish itself — it’s caused by a parasite that can carry a harmful bacteria that is unique to the Pacific Northwest.

Dogs become infected when they eat raw fish, dead fish found along riverbanks, or even fish scraps left behind after cleaning a catch. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal, but with prompt veterinary care,

most dogs recover well.

Symptoms usually appear within a week of eating infected fish and may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weakness and dehydration. As the illness progresses, dogs can become severely ill in a short amount of time.

Never allow your dog to eat raw or undercooked fish, and keep them leashed around rivers, lakes and beaches where spawning fish may be present. Dispose of fish remains carefully after fishing trips, and cook all fish thoroughly before sharing any with your pet.

If your dog has eaten raw fish and begins showing signs of illness, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving. We’re open 24/7 if you need us.

Wilvet South 24/7 urgent care

444 B Street in Springfield wilvetsouth.com

(541) 838-0577

Brought to you by:

Erica Harmon, DVM