Smoked salmon is a tasty delicacy for humans with some health benefits. But you might wonder if it is safe for your dog to enjoy this delicacy as well. As much as you want your dog to enjoy the same meals you are, you have to prioritize their health. Read on to find out whether you can feed your dog smoked salmon.
Is it OK For My Dog To Eat Smoked Salmon?
Unfortunately, it is not OK. Smoked salmon is not recommended for your dog because it is cured, meaning it has a lot of salt. Just like with humans, a lot of salt is unhealthy, and dogs require less salt than humans. While salt is necessary for a dog’s diet, too much of it can cause sickness, dehydration, or sodium poisoning.
Another reason not to feed your dog smoked salmon is because of flukes and bacteria, leading to salmon poisoning.
Can I Give My Dog Raw Salmon?
Apart from smoked salmon, you should not feed your dog raw or undercooked salmon. Whether you caught it in the lake yourself or you just bought it fresh from the store, do not feed it to your dog even when they give you the puppy’s eyes. There is a possibility that the raw fish has parasites. One of the problems concerning salmon is that it may be infested with some parasitic flatworms. And while the flatworms are not exactly a problem, they might be infected with a bacteria called Nanophyetus Salmincola. This bacteria is harmful to both dogs and humans.
Should I Feed My Dog Salmon?
You can feed your dog salmon as long it is fresh, well-cooked, boneless, and fed in moderation. Salmon is one of the primary ingredients in various dog food products. It is rich in omega-3, high-quality proteins, minerals like potassium and selenium, and vitamins A, B, and D. The Omega-3 is excellent for your dog’s coat, helps maintain healthy muscles, and prevent inflammation. It can also help improve cognitive function, which is particularly important for puppies and senior dogs. However, you will have to limit the amount of salmon you give your dog to no more than once a week.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin?
Some people do not like salmon skin, so they might peel it off and give it to their dog. However, before doing that, ensure it is well cooked and served plain. You should also cut it into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of choking. Note that salmon skin has a lot of fat and so you should only give your dog a small amount to prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon?
Yes, you can give your dog canned salmon occasionally as a treat. The salmon is already well-cooked, and the bones have softened. However, it is advisable to get canned salmon that has been soaked in water instead of oil or brine. The salt or oil content in the latter can harm your dog.
How Much Salmon Can a Dog Eat?
Just like other meals, you should feed your dog in moderation for health purposes. Limit it to once a week and in small quantities. To make this simple for you, a dog should eat about 10g of salmon for every 450g they weigh.
Can I Feed My Dog Cooked Salmon That Has Seasoning?
For humans, salmon that contains seasoning is a treat and enhances the taste, but it is not the same for your dog. You might think this is a treat for your little friend, but you are doing more than harm than good. For instance, seasonings like onion and garlic are toxic to dogs, while other seasonings can lead to digestive issues. Give the dog plain cooked salmon without salt or pepper. Your dog will still love and enjoy it.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Smoked Salmon?
When your dogs eat smoked salmon, they are at risk of developing sodium poisoning or salmon poisoning from the bacteria found in salmon.
What are The Symptoms of Salmon Poisoning?
Some common symptoms of salmon poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Rapid weight loss
- Dehydration
- Swollen lymph nodes
Sodium Poisoning in Dogs
Sodium poisoning in dogs is more common than salmon poisoning after your dog has ingested smoked salmon. In most cases, after the dogs take too much salt, they will drink a lot of water to combat dehydration, and so no damage will be done. However, if the dogs do not get water, their body cells will start releasing water which destroys the brain cells. The neurological symptoms of sodium poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and seizures. The muscles can also lose water, shrivel, and become stiff, making the dog start shaking and jerking.
How Long Will It Take For My Dog to Show Signs of Salmon Poisoning?
If not treated immediately, salmon poisoning can get fatal within two weeks after ingestion. The symptoms displayed are similar to other gastrointestinal diseases in a dog. Once ingested, your dog will start exhibiting signs within 6 to 10 days.
How Do I Know My Dog Has Salmon Poisoning?
If your dog’s behavior is unusual within 5-7 days of consuming smoked salmon, then you should contact a vet immediately. Also, watch out for the symptoms discussed above.
What To Do If My Dog Eats Smoked Salmon
If your dogs have eaten smoked salmon, it is better to take them to a vet immediately. Treatment for salmon poisoning is more successful when diagnosed early. The doctor will run some tests, including fecalysis, to help detect parasite eggs in the feces. Blood work can also be done to assess hydration, organ function, and blood cell count. They will also collect some fluid from the swollen lymph nodes to identify the presence of the rickettsial organism. These tests can help the vet come up with the correct diagnosis.
What is The Treatment of Salmon Poisoning in Dogs?
Treatment for salmon poisoning is pretty easy, but the treatment length is highly dependent on how sick the dog is. If your dogs have severe symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, they may be hospitalized to get the condition under control. The doctor will administer intravenous fluid if necessary and give the dog antibiotics to control the bacterial infection making the dog sick. The vet can also give your dog a dewormer to kill the parasites. Other medications include antidiarrheal, anti-nausea, or even a blood transfusion.
What Is The Recovery Period of Salmon Poisoning In Dogs?
With appropriate and timely treatment, your dog can recover quickly from salmon poisoning. Some dogs can start showing signs of recovery within two days. However, if you feel that your pet is not improving, call the vet for further evaluation. You should also monitor your dog’s health during recovery as part of responsible dog ownership. The vet can also recommend you feed your dog a low-sodium diet while they are in recovery to keep the sodium level down.
How Common Is Salmon Poisoning in Dogs?
Salmon poisoning is pretty common in dogs. Be certain that every time your dogs eat raw or smoked salmon, they might suffer from salmon poisoning. Therefore, as a concerned dog owner, you should never give your dog raw salmon. However, note that the spread of salmon poisoning among dogs is rare. Either way, if you have more than one dog, separate the sick one from the rest. Something to remember is that about 90% of dogs die from salmon poisoning if they are not treated.
Tips on Feeding Your Dog Salmon
If you want your dog to eat this delicacy, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Cook the salmon thoroughly before you feed it to the dog. The United States Department of Agriculture and the Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends cooking the fish to a minimum internal temperature of 145° F.
- Remove the skin and debone the fish you want to share with your dog.
- It is OK to feed your dog pre-cooked canned salmon. However, go for salmon that has been soaked in water instead of oil or brine.
- Avoid smoked salmon due to the high salt levels. The salmon may also contain harmful bacteria if not all of it is eliminated in the smoking process.
- Buy salmon dog food products. If you do not want your dog to miss out on salmon, get salmon products that have been made specifically for dogs. You will find both dry and wet dog foods containing salmon on the market.
How to Prevent Salmon Poisoning at Home
The best way to avoid salmon poisoning is to take preventive measures from the start. Here are some tips you can use.
- Do not leave raw salmon on the counter or within your dog’s reach, especially if you are not in the room.
- If you are cleaning the fish yourself, secure the raw entrails in a bag and dispose of them in a well-secured can.
- Remind other family members not to give the dog raw salmon. The same applies to your guests who are visiting.
- If you are near any water body with spawning salmon, you will have to keep the dog on a leash. That way, you can ensure it does not eat dead, dying, or even a swimming salmon in shallow water.
Can a Dog Eat Smoked Fish?
The simple answer is no. Do not give your dog smoked fish because it is cured. That means it has an excessive amount of salt. Dogs need to stay away from too much salt as it can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
Is Cooked Fish Harmful to Dogs?
Cooked fish is completely safe for your furry friend. It is easy for the dog to digest it when it is well cooked and deboned. Cooking also helps eliminate any bacteria from the fish, hence preventing the dog from getting sick.
Can My Dog Die From Eating Fish Bones?
Fishbones may look harmless but can kill your dog. This is due to choking, intestinal blockages, or internal bleeding.
What To Do If My Dog Eats a Fish Bone
This could go both ways. Your dog may turn out fine, or it could be in danger. Some dogs may get affected. Therefore, if you suspect your dog has ingested bonefish, keep an eye on them and watch how they behave.
How Can I tell That Something is Stuck in My Dog’s Throat?
Some of the signs to know that your dog is choking include
- Exaggerate swallowing motions
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Pawing at the mouth and neck
- Acute frantic agiataion
- Drooling
When you notice these signs, get a vet on the phone immediately to help your dog.
What Type of Fish Can I Give My Dog?
Here is a list of the type of fish you can feed your dog.
- Whitefish, like haddock, are a great source of protein as are vitamins B, B6, and B12.
- As long as it is cooked well.
- Sadines
- Tuna
- Atlatic Mackerel