Can Dogs Get Bird Flu?

By now, you’ve probably heard talk of bird flu. The virus has decimated poultry flocks and spread to livestock like cattle and more. There have even been a handful of cases of humans contracting bird flu. Many pet parents are left wondering, can dogs get bird flu?

In short, the answer is yes, dogs can get bird flu—though it is extremely rare. Read on to learn more about bird flu in dogs, how they contract it, what to do about it, and how to protect your pet.

• What Is Bird Flu?
• History of Bird Flu
• How Do Dogs Get Bird Flu?
• Symptoms Of Bird Flu In Dogs
• Can Bird Flu Be Treated In Dogs?
• How To Protect Your Dog From Bird Flu
• FAQs

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu is a disease most commonly affecting birds that’s caused by the avian influenza virus. Bird flu occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds like ducks, geese, and swans, but it can affect poultry and other birds, too.¹

One unique feature of bird flu is its ability to mutate. Avian influenza can change very quickly and very dramatically. There are a number of subtypes of bird flu, each caused by a different mutated strain. Depending on the strain, the symptoms of bird flu in birds can range from a slight decline in egg production to organ failure and death.

One subtype, avian influenza H5, is of particular concern. This strain is what’s known as “highly pathogenic.” That means it’s highly contagious amongst birds and can cause severe illness and even death.² Of even more concern is avian influenza H5’s ability to spread from birds to mammals, particularly cows and cats. While it’s not as common, dogs can get bird flu, too.³

History of Bird Flu

Bird flu is a disease that’s been around for centuries. In fact, the earliest known recording of bird flu dates back to 1878 in northern Italy.⁴ At this time, the disease was simply known as fowl plague. Nearly a century later, this condition was determined to be an influenza virus. In 1981, the First International Symposium on Avian Influenza was held.

How Do Dogs Get Bird Flu?

It is extremely rare for dogs to contract bird flu—but it is possible. Dogs can get bird flu from:³

• Birds: If a dog eats a sick bird or a bird that’s died from bird flu, they may contract the disease
• Unpasteurized milk: Bird flu can pass from infected cows to dogs through their milk. If a dog drinks unpasteurized milk from a cow with bird flu, it can catch the illness.
• Raw or undercooked meat: Similarly, if a dog eats raw or undercooked meat from another animal with bird flu, it can become ill.

Symptoms Of Bird Flu In Dogs

While it is important to be cognizant of the risk of bird flu in dogs, there are no known cases of dogs becoming severely ill or dying from the disease.⁴ That said, it can make them feel pretty rotten. Symptoms of bird flu in dogs may include: ²

• Fever
• Lethargy and sluggishness
• Decreased appetite
• Redness and inflammation of the eyes and nose
• Respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing
• Neurologic symptoms, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, and blindness.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your vet. If you think your dog may have consumed unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked meat, or been in contact with a dead or infected bird, inform your vet immediately.

Can Bird Flu Be Treated In Dogs?

Fortunately, dogs can recover from bird flu. There’s no specific medication or procedure to treat bird flu in dogs. Instead, your vet will focus on supportive care. They’ll take measures to keep your dog as healthy and comfortable as possible while their immune system fights the disease.

During this process, it’s likely your dog will be isolated to prevent spread from them to any other animals or humans. Veterinary professionals may take precautions like wearing PPE to ensure they don’t catch the virus.

How To Protect Your Dog From Bird Flu

Bird flu can be scary, but it is preventable. As a pet owner, there are many steps you can take to protect your dog from bird flu.

Avoid Contact With Contaminated Birds

No matter where you live, it’s a good idea to prevent your dog from coming into contact with infected birds. Keep an eye on them whenever outdoors, whether on your daily walks or in the backyard. You can also check the USDA website to see whether there are confirmed bird flu outbreaks in your area.

Prevent Contaminated Food Consumption

In recent years, there’s been an increase in the popularity of raw food diets for dogs. The CDC warns that this practice is generally unsafe for dogs, as it can pass on dangerous germs like salmonella and listeria to your dog. While proper raw food handling requires manufacturers to freeze or freeze-dry raw food prior to selling it, according to the CDC this only reduces the amount of germs in the food, rather than completely killing them. ⁵

Given the current bird flu outbreak, the risks associated with raw food are even higher. If your dog consumes raw or undercooked meat from an infected cow or other infected livestock, they can easily contract bird flu. Instead of raw food, feed your dog fully cooked kibble, canned or fresh pet foods, or even homemade pet food.

Ensure Vaccinations Are Up-to-Date

While there isn’t a vaccination that protects against bird flu, staying up-to-date on your dog’s vaccinations can help support their immune system and reduce their chances of becoming severely ill if they do contract the virus.

Keep Spaces Clean & Sanitized

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your pet’s health. If you live in an area with a known bird flu outbreak, it’s a good idea to wipe your pet’s paws after they spend time outdoors and regularly wash toys, bedding, and more.

Watch For Indications of Bird Flu

Keep a close eye out for the symptoms of bird flu in dogs, especially if there’s a known outbreak in your area. If you think your dog may be exhibiting signs of the disease, speak to a licensed vet.

FAQs

What are the signs of bird flu in dogs?

The symptoms of bird flu in dogs include:²

• Fever and lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Eye redness and inflammation
• Coughing and difficulty breathing
• Tremors and incoordination
• Seizures
• Blindness

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact a vet. They can help determine whether your dog may be suffering from bird flu or if another condition may be causing the symptoms. If you know your dog has consumed unpasteurized dairy, raw or undercooked meat, or eaten a dead or sick bird recently, let your vet know immediately.

Can I catch bird flu from my dog?

Experts suggest that there is an extremely low risk of bird flu passing from dogs to humans, but they aren’t ruling it out.³ If it is determined that your dog has the virus, your vet will likely recommend isolation to minimize the chances of it spreading to you and your family.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has contracted bird flu?

If you think your dog may have contracted bird flu, contact your vet immediately. Dutch members get unlimited access to virtual appointments with licensed veterinarians. Consult with a Dutch vet to determine whether your dog may be at risk of bird flu or another condition.

Final Notes

While it is rare for dogs to contract bird flu, it’s not unheard of. To keep your dog safe, it’s important to limit their exposure to sick or dead birds, unpasteurized dairy, raw meat, and more. General health-promoting practices like staying up-to-date on vaccinations, maintaining clean conditions, and getting regular vet checkups can also help protect your dog from bird flu and other conditions.

Looking for more guidance on healthy living for your pet? Join Dutch. Members get unlimited vet visits and follow-ups, free delivery on online pet pharmacy orders, and more.