Why?
Raw, undercooked, or smoked salmon can be infected with Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes Salmon Poisoning Disease — a condition unique to dogs that is fatal if untreated. The parasite is killed by cooking.
How much can dogs have?
NONE of any raw, smoked, or undercooked salmon. Fully cooked salmon is safe and healthy.
What to watch out for
Symptoms appear 6 days after ingestion — vomiting, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and diarrhea. Without treatment 90% of cases are fatal. Treatment (antibiotics) is very effective if caught early.
🚨 If your dog ate raw salmon: Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Don't wait for symptoms — many toxins act internally before signs appear.