Fish and Game warns of danger to dogs from eating salmon

Dogs head into a mountain stream. (Fish and Game photo)

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Story Published: Apr 4, 2009 at 10:48 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2009 at 10:48 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - Idaho Fish and Game is warning about taking your dog fishing with you, because of what they are calling salmon poisoning.

If the dog eats the salmon, a parasite can attacks the dog's digestive system, and officials say it can become fatal within 14 days.

"We've known of several cases here this spring of dogs dying from the disease," said Idaho Fish and Game spokesman Mike Demick. "It's something that I don't think occurs in the summer as much. It's mainly in the spring and fall when there are a lot of anglers out there."

Demick said when other animals eat the salmon, or when humans eat it cooked, there aren't problems. It's just something in dogs.

"It's common that anglers will clean their fish before heading home, and they'll basically leave the guts of the fish on the bank or throw them in the water," said Demick. "Dogs are curious, and they'll pretty much eat anything."

Symptoms in a dog usually show up in about six days and include nausea, vomiting and weakness. With a stronger-than-normal spring salmon and steelhead season expected, Demick said to keep an eye out for your hungry pooch.

"The treatment of the disease is very simple," said Demick. "If their dogs are acting kind of weak, take them to the vet. The vet can give them an antibiotic and a de-wormer to take care of them."

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