Bird flu — also known as avian influenza — is a virus that primarily affects birds but can spread its wings to harm others. Pay attention if your dog loves sniffing in parks or chasing birds in your backyard.
While rare, dogs can get infected if they encounter sick birds, droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
Lately, bird flu has been making headlines again. Experts have found the virus in cattle and other animals, which shows it’s mutating and jumping between species more easily.
That’s a big deal for pet owners like you because it means the risk, while still low, is real.
The good news is that a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping your dog safe and healthy.
How dogs can catch bird flu
Your pet’s curiosity makes them so lovable, but it can also put them at risk of bird flu.
One of the most common ways dogs can be exposed is by contacting infected birds or their droppings.
Suppose your pup picks up or chews on a dead bird during a walk or licks spots where birds have been. That could expose your dog to the virus without you realizing it.
Standing water, muddy trails, and contaminated soil are potential hot spots. In addition, some experts now warn that unpasteurized milk from infected cows could carry the virus. So, ensure your dog doesn’t get into raw dairy products, especially if you live near farms.
The good news is that bird flu infection in dogs is still rare, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.
A few simple precautions can keep your pet safe and healthy.
Awareness of where your dog plays and what it sniffs and puts in its mouth can make all the difference. It’s about being informed so you can enjoy more worry-free adventures together.
Symptoms of bird flu in dogs
If your dog ever does come into contact with bird flu, there are a few symptoms you’ll want to watch for.
Some are similar to what you’d see with a regular cold or flu, like coughing, sneezing, or a sudden drop in appetite.
You might also notice them feeling extra tired or not acting like usual.
In more severe cases, the symptoms can go beyond that. Some dogs may run a fever or experience vomiting occasionally.
They could even show neurological signs like tremors or seizures in rare situations. These red flags mean it’s time to call your vet right away.
Bird flu infections in dogs are rare, but catching the warning signs can significantly affect how quickly they recover and how much stress you avoid.
Treatment options
Treatment for your pet will primarily focus on supportive care since no approved antiviral medications exist for dogs with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Your vet may recommend fluids to keep your pet hydrated, medications to manage pain or fever, and plenty of rest to help the body recover.
In more severe cases, your dog might need additional monitoring, especially if it shows signs of breathing problems or neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures.
Since the virus can be unpredictable, catching symptoms early and working closely with your vet is the best way to support your pet through recovery and prevent complications.
Prevention tips
If you want to keep your dog safe from bird flu, you must be smart about where it goes and what it eats.
Don’t let it wander near poultry farms, wetlands, or areas where wild birds gather, since those spots are more likely to be contaminated. Pests like insects and rodents can also spread the virus by getting into grain supplies.
They chew through kernels, leave chemical droppings, and breed in the mix.
That’s why avoiding letting your dog explore near feed storage or areas with livestock is a good idea.
You should also skip feeding it raw meat or eggs, which can carry bacteria or viruses that make them sick. Even if your pup gives you the “puppy eyes,” it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Good hygiene goes a long way, too.
Always wash your hands after handling birds, touching droppings, or spending time in areas where animals are kept. The H5N1 virus can survive in colder conditions and water for days or weeks.
Don’t assume it’s gone because it’s out of sight.
If your dog regularly interacts with birds or lives in a high-risk area, talk to your vet about the possibility of a bird flu vaccine.
It may not be necessary for every pet, but it’s worth considering if your vet recommends it.
A few thoughtful precautions today can help you avoid bigger problems. They can also keep your dog healthy, happy, and ready for its next adventure.
Final thoughts on protecting your dog from bird flu
The good news is that bird flu infections in dogs are still rare, and with a few simple precautions, you can keep your furry friend safe.
By staying alert, practicing good hygiene, avoiding risky areas, and being mindful of your pets’ eating and where they roam, you’re already taking steps to protect their health.
Talk to your vet about any concerns, especially if you live near birds or farms.
Staying informed about local outbreaks and knowing what to watch for puts you in the best position to act quickly if necessary.
With extra awareness and care, you can confidently keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy — no matter what happens.
Jane Marsh is an environmental writer passionate about pet care and health. To read more of her work, visit her site, Environment.co.