Whether you live in Seattle or Olympia, pet owners all over Washington have learned the significance of pet insurance.
Reasons to Consider Pet Insurance in Washington
Pet insurance WA is a great idea for those living in the Evergreen State. Washington is known for its famous coastline. But as a pet owner, you need to be aware that digesting raw fish from the northwest pacific region of the United States can be harmful to your pet.
Salmon, Trout, Lamprey, Sculpin, Redside Shiner, Shad, Sturgeon, Candlefish and the large-scale Sucker that spend some of the their lives in coastal streams and rivers and can be infected with the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca .
According to Jennifer Johns, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Neorickettsia helmonthoeca is a bacteria that is found in a parasitic flatworm called Nanophyetus salmincola. Nanophyetus salmincola, can survive in raw fish and once it is in contact with your dog’s intestinal tract, the larva escape and in doing so releases the bacteria. The bacteria then spreads via your pet’s blood system to the liver, brain, lungs and lymphoid tissue and causes hemorrhage, necrosis, and hyperplasia.
If not treated within two weeks of exposure to the bacteria, salmon poisoning disease is usually fatal. If your dog has become infected, within 6 to 10 days the following symptoms will show:
- Fever, often greater than 104 F
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Weight loss
If your dog is exhibiting the above symptoms and you know it has ingested raw fish, call your veterinarian immediately. If salmon poisoning disease is recognized in time, it is treatable. Your veterinarian will need to review a fecal sample to detect the parasite’s eggs or will need to collect a needle sample from your dog’s swollen lymph node. Many dog breeds respond well to treatment, since treatment consists of an antibiotic and a dewormer.
More About Pet Insurance in Washington
So whether, you live in Aberdeen or Zillah, pet insurance WA is a great investment in your pet’s health. For more information about pet insurance, visit PetPremium.com. At PetPremium.com, you can learn more about your pet’s health in our Pet Health Center.
* -Source: Salmon poisoning disease in dogs: a satisfying diagnosis., Johns JL., Vet J. 2011 Feb
NOTE: Pet Premium does not currently have plans available in Washington.