What two daily fish‑omega treats mean for a 7 kg dog
Your 7 kg dog is getting two fish‑omega supplements every day, each containing a small piece of salmon. Even though the treats look harmless, the raw salmon can carry an enzyme called thiaminase that breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the gut. A dog of this size only needs a modest amount of thiamine each day, so a steady intake of thiaminase can slowly deplete the vitamin reserves. The depletion is silent at first; the body compensates until the supply drops below the level needed for normal nerve and muscle function. In the animal, this shortfall eventually shows up as neurological problems.
Because the loss of thiamine happens gradually, you may not notice any change for several weeks. When the deficiency finally appears, the first clues are a reduced appetite and a wobble in the hind‑limbs that gets worse by evening. Those signs can be mistaken for a tired dog or a mild joint issue, so veterinary input is crucial. Call your vet or an animal poison hotline now and tell them what was eaten, how much, and how long ago. Take the wrapper or ingredient list with you. Your vet will decide whether decontamination is needed. Never induce vomiting at home.
Why thiaminase risk builds up over weeks of daily treats
The thiaminase enzyme in raw salmon does not disappear during the brief cooking or drying process used for many fish‑omega chews. Each treat therefore delivers a small but active dose of the enzyme to the gut. In a 7 kg dog, the daily dose from two treats adds up faster than the body can replace thiamine, especially because dogs store only limited amounts in their liver and muscles. Over a period of two to three weeks, the balance tips toward deficiency, and the nervous system begins to suffer even though the dog still appears energetic.
During the first week after starting the supplements, most owners notice nothing unusual. By the end of the second week, a subtle loss of interest in meals may appear, followed by a slight wobble when the dog rises from a sit. By the third week, the wobble can progress to a full‑body tremor, and the dog may seem disoriented. If any of these changes develop, contact your veterinarian promptly. Bring the supplement packaging so the clinic can confirm the presence of raw fish and assess the thiaminase load.
How the first signs appear in a 7 kg dog after a month of treats
After about four weeks of daily fish‑omega chews, the thiamine stores are often low enough to produce neurological signs. The earliest sign is a reduced appetite; the dog may turn its nose up at its regular kibble. Within hours, the hind‑limb gait becomes unsteady, especially on smooth surfaces, and the dog may stumble when turning. By evening, the wobble can spread to the fore‑limbs, and the animal may show signs of confusion, such as circling or staring at nothing. These symptoms are a red flag for thiamine deficiency rather than a simple joint problem.
If you observe any of these changes, do not wait for them to resolve on their own. Call your vet or an animal poison hotline now and describe the exact amount of supplement your dog has been receiving and the time since the first sign appeared. Take the supplement wrapper or ingredient list with you so the clinician can evaluate the thiaminase exposure. Your vet will decide whether decontamination is needed and may start thiamine replacement therapy. Never induce vomiting at home, as it can cause additional stress.
What to discuss with the vet and how to stop future thiamine loss
When you speak with the veterinarian, have the exact brand, dosage, and frequency of the fish‑omega supplement ready, as well as the date you first noticed any appetite or gait changes. Mention that the treats contain raw salmon, which is known to have thiaminase activity. The clinician may request blood work to measure thiamine levels and will likely begin an oral or injectable thiamine supplement to replenish stores quickly. Remember to bring the supplement packaging so the vet can confirm the thiaminase risk and tailor the treatment plan.
To prevent a repeat problem, replace the raw‑fish treats with a thiamine‑safe alternative, such as cooked fish or a commercial supplement that has been heat‑treated to destroy thiaminase. Check ingredient lists for any mention of raw salmon, trout, or carp, and avoid products that list fish meal derived from these species unless the label states the fish has been cooked. Keep all supplements out of reach of curious pets, and store them in a sealed container. Regularly review your dog’s diet with your vet, especially if you add new treats, to catch any hidden thiaminase sources before a deficiency develops.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Raw fish thiamine deficiency in dogs and cats emergency guide.