Safety guide
Is Salmon safe for dogs?
Cooked, boneless, plain salmon is a healthy treat — but raw salmon can be deadly. Always cook it thoroughly.
Fully cooked, boneless, plain salmon is an excellent treat for dogs — it is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat and joints. The danger is RAW (or undercooked) salmon and other raw Pacific fish, which can carry a parasite (Nanophyetus salmincola) that transmits a rickettsial organism causing "salmon poisoning disease" — an illness that is frequently fatal if untreated. Thorough cooking destroys the parasite. Serve a small portion of plain fillet with no oil, butter, salt or seasoning, and check carefully for bones, which can splinter or cause choking and internal injury. Introduce gradually and feed in moderation as a treat, not a meal replacement.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (with raw fish: often within 5–7 days)
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- High fever followed by a drop below normal temperature
- Swollen lymph nodes, weakness and dehydration
What to do immediately
- 1Stop feeding any further fish immediately
- 2If you fed raw or undercooked salmon, contact your vet even if your dog seems well — early treatment is critical
- 3Ensure access to fresh water and monitor closely for the symptoms above
- 4Watch for and remove any bone fragments; if choking or in distress, seek urgent care
When to call your vet
Your dog ate raw or undercooked salmon, or shows vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, weakness or swollen glands. Salmon poisoning disease is treatable but fatal if ignored — do not wait.
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