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Fish can be part of a healthy diet for humans and dogs! What happens when you bring raw fish home? Does your dog start begging? Does he try to eat some of the raw fish? Can raw fish make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten raw fish? Are you worried the raw fish will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together some information about raw fish and whether it can make dogs sick. Let’s get started!
Raw Fish & Dogs
Some people eat raw fish safely, and it can be a healthy choice. However, dogs should not eat fish. That’s because it can carry harmful pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. The fish may also contain heavy metals and bones. These are all things that can make a dog (and a human) sick.
It’s also possible for humans and dogs to be allergic to fish or have an intolerance/sensitivity to fish. That’s the cause with this writer. In that case, the human or the dog should avoid all fish products, including fish oil capsules that contain omega fatty acids.
So, it’s best to feed your dog cooked fish that has no added fat, seasonings, or sauce.
Parasites in Raw Fish
- Raw fish can contain the following parasites:
- Flukes (also called trematodes)
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Anisakiasis (herring worm)
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowBacterial Infections in Raw Fish
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Vibrio
- Bacillus cereus
As you can see, it’s possible for a dog to end up with a dangerous bacterial infection or a serious parasitical infection from eating raw fish.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Raw Fish
Most dogs can eat a small piece of raw fish without getting sick. However, no matter whether your fur baby eats a small piece or more, it’s essential to monitor his symptoms after he eats raw fish. If your dog shows any signs of being ill, then be sure to call the vet right away.
Quick treatment is necessary for these infections to keep them from becoming more serious conditions. So, be sure to keep all raw fish out of your dog’s reach and call the vet if your fur baby becomes sick after eating raw fish.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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