PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning dog owners to keep pets away from dead fish after the agency recently received several reports of salmon poisoning in dogs around Newport.
According to ODFW, salmon and trout may have the Neoriskettsia helinthoeca bacteria in their blood that can be fatal to dogs. The bacteria is transmitted through a parasitic flatworm.
Without treatment, salmon poisoning is often fatal in dogs, ODFW warned, noting the bacteria can infect dogs after they eat, bite, or lick an infected fish carcass.
Symptoms may begin showing five to seven days after exposure and can include severe vomiting and diarrhea, according to ODFW Veterinarian Julia Burco.
“A lot of time you may notice your dog not being as bouncy as it was,” Burco said.
ODFW said dog owners should be vigilant about keeping their pets away from dead fish, especially from September through December when salmon gather in rivers to spawn and die.
Dog owners who see their dog eating a dead salmon or trout or even nearby the dead fish should take their pets to the vet immediately, officials said, noting the sooner dogs are treated, they could avoid more serious illness or the need for expensive treatments.
Burco advises pet owners to keep dogs on a leash and in sight to help prevent them from coming across fish carcasses, collecting and bagging all garbage associated with cleaning fish, cleaning coolers and gear, and to not leave fish parts spread on the landscape that dogs could encounter.
ODFW pointed to a recent example of salmon poisoning after a trout fishing trip in June.
“She went from being an energetic puppy to lethargic and would barely get up off the couch. She lost her appetite and then she started throwing up every time she drank water,” dog owner Wesley Shum said.
A vet tested Shum’s dog, Ukee, and found she had the bacteria and spent five days at the emergency vet. ODFW said Ukee has since recovered and returned to her energetic self.
Shum said he is diligent about keeping fishing gear clean, but noted “even the smallest amount of blood or fish slime left on a boot can expose a dog to salmon poisoning,” ODFW said.
