Don't feed your dogs raw fish

[kraz88]

I just got back from the Vet Office and almost needed medical assistance myself when they handed me the $734.00 bill.

The Diagnosis?

Salmon Poisoning Disease http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/salmon.aspx

I fed the scraps to my dog when I cleaned a catfish and a bass two weekends ago like I always do. He just started showing symptoms on Monday: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, wouldn't eat, swollen lumps in his neck, and so on. Well I didn't want to take any chances so I hauled him to the local vet today. They determined that he had salmon poisoning stating that although prevelant in salmonids, it can be found in other species of local fish. Apparently this only effects dogs so people, cats, and other critters are not susceptible.

Of course I really can't afford this and I was happy I had a credit card to throw it on. Guess I will be eating ramen for a while....lol. I had never even heard of it until today. I just hope he gets better. If he does it will be worth any amount of money.

I know there are many fish lovers that peruse this board and I'm sure many of us have animals. Apparently if untreated this disease is 60 to 90% fatal after 14 days! Guess no more scraps to the begging pups when I fillet my fish out back. 

[KnotGillty]

Not only should you not give them scraps, but they can get the same disease from simply licking fish.  My dog took a few scoldings before he learned not to lick a fresh catch flopping on the floor of the boat.

[Lepomis]

THANK YOU! 

[kraz88]

Not only should you not give them scraps, but they can get the same disease from simply licking fish.  My dog took a few scoldings before he learned not to lick a fresh catch flopping on the floor of the boat.

Interesting. I didn't consider that. I will have to watch for that too. Thanks for the heads up.

THANK YOU! 

Ya I had never heard of it either. Crazy. 

[snagger]

Around here where I live its a big problem every year as we have alot of dead salmon all along the rivers edge where folks take the dogs on walks.I guess a rotting fish looks and smells great to dogs, gotta love em.
when I fellet a salmon out I take whats left except head and guts,bake till you know its overcooked,pull the meat from the bones than feed that to my dogs.They love it and its good for them.

[kraz88]

when I fellet a salmon out I take whats left except head and guts,bake till you know its overcooked,pull the meat from the bones than feed that to my dogs.They love it and its good for them.

That's a good idea to bake the leftovers. That way it's safe. I hate to waste any part of the fish.

[snagger]

waste not.In fact I will even smoke the would be wasted meat and use as a treat for the dogs instead of buying any dog treats.If I kill it I use it.