Introduction
Pet owners are becoming increasingly concerned with the recent outbreak of H5N1 avian flu in the United States. Many people are asking: Am I putting my dog at risk because there are infected birds, both wild and farm-raised, plus rare infections in people, dairy cows, and possibly other animals?
Avian influenza, or bird flu, primarily affects birds but on rare occasions can infect animals and, in rare cases, dogs. The good news is that the CDC in the United States currently assesses that the risk to humans and pets is very low. However, you can become more informed about the signs to look for and take steps to protect your pet.
What Is Bird Flu?
A series of influenza type A viruses that mostly infect birds but can sometimes cross species barriers are responsible for the avian influenza, also known as bird flu. In a few isolated cases, the H5N1 strain, which is the most well-known strain, has been found in humans as well as in a number of different animal species.
The names of different strains of viruses come from two primary proteins:
- H (Hemagglutinin): Helps the virus stick to the cells of the host
- N (Neuraminidase): Helps new viral particles get out of infected cells
Canine, feline, and fox variants of H5N1 have been identified in mammals, but the majority of the H5N1 strain has been identified in poultry (birds) and geese and ducks, according to veterinarians.
Are Dogs at Risk of Bird Flu?
To simply respond to your question, yes, dogs are susceptible to avian flu, but it is an incredibly rare occurrence. Generally speaking, dogs only become infected with the disease when they come into contact with an infected or deceased bird, eat contaminated poultry, or sniff or lick an area that has been polluted with bird feces or chicken secretions.
Although it is difficult for the virus to be transmitted from one dog to another, it is almost unheard of for one dog to spread it to another within a household.
Doctors believe that fewer than 1% of the reported cases of H5N1 worldwide are in dogs, indicating infection is very rare. The virus does mutate and occasionally jumps between species, but dogs are not viewed as key carriers of the virus. Most of the cases have been isolated and mild, indicating a very low likelihood of risk to a household pet even with a widespread bird flu campaign.
In other words, it’s possible for dogs to contract avian flu because of their genetic makeup, but the overall risk is very low. However, if you live near poultry farms, wetlands, or places that currently have an outbreak of bird flu, it would be good to be aware and take reasonable precautions to keep your pet safe.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Dogs
Because there are few confirmed cases of bird flu in dogs, much of what is known is drawn from other canine influenza viruses (H3N2, H3N8), which cause similar respiratory signs and symptoms.
Common signs to watch for include:
Mild to Moderate Signs
- Coughing or sneezing
- Runny nose or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Decreased appetite
- Low energy or lethargy
- Mild fever
Severe Signs
- High fever (over 103 F/39.4 C)
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
- Pneumonia-like signs
In previous outbreaks of influenza in dogs, studies indicate that up to 80-100% of dogs that were exposed to an infected dog would test positive for the virus, although only a certain percentage would have visible clinical signs.
As with humans, some dogs developed mild respiratory illness, and others experienced complications or secondary bacterial infections with pneumonia-like symptoms. The virus symptoms in dogs were cured and returned to normal with proper rest, adequate hydration, and supportive veterinary care.
How to Prevent Bird Flu in Dogs?
When discussing the topic of the bird flu, being cautious is better than being careless. While dogs generally do not get sick, it is good to be cautious. Here are a few simple and practical ways to keep your dog safe and healthy:
1. Keep Your Dog Away From Birds and Animals.
Bird flu normally spreads through contact with infected birds or their droppings. Dogs are naturally curious creatures that want to sniff everything, so even dogs may want to sniff around, which might get them into trouble.
You should try to:
- Prevent your dog from sniffing or chasing wild birds, and certainly if you see a sick or dead one.
- Do not walk near poultry farms or in areas with lots of birds, such as lakes and open fields.
- Use a leash in open areas, particularly if there are reports of bird flu in your neighborhood.
2. Stay Up-To-Date With Your Pet Vaccinations
Currently, there is no bird flu vaccine specifically developed for dogs, but it is still really important to stay on top of regular vaccines. Good immunity allows your pet to fight off other infections that can predispose them to illness.
Here’s what to do:
- Make sure your dog is up to date on their core vaccines, like parvovirus and distemper.
- Talk to your veterinarian about the canine influenza and Bordetella vaccines in case your dog goes to daycare, dog parks, or grooming salons.
On their own, they do not protect against bird flu, but they do help support your dog’s immune system to better handle other viruses.
1. Keep Your Dog Away From Birds Or Other Animals.
The avian flu usually spreads through contact with sick birds or their droppings. Dogs are naturally curious creatures that want to sniff everything, so even dogs may want to sniff around, which might get them into trouble.
You should try to:
- Prevent your dog from sniffing or chasing wild birds, and certainly if you see a sick or dead one.
- Do not walk near poultry farms or in areas with lots of birds, such as lakes and open fields.
- Use a leash in open areas, particularly if there are reports of bird flu in your neighborhood.
- A little caution outside goes a long way in keeping your dog safe and healthy.
3. Keep The Home Environment Clean.
Keeping things clean at home is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs – and it is low effort.
Implement these simple habits daily:
- Wash your pet’s food and water bowls daily with warm, soapy water.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after feeding, playing, or cleaning up after your pet.
- Disinfect toys, beds, and grooming equipment regularly.
- Do not share items between infected and healthy pets.
- Staying clean does not just help your dog, but it also helps the health of your whole home.
4. Stay Up To Date On Local Outbreaks
Being aware of what is occuring in your local area is a good idea, especially during flu season or potential wildlife outbreaks. A good place to check these sources for updates is:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Your local veterinary clinics or pet hospitals
They usually will share alerts and helpful tips for safety when there are cases of avian flu in your area
Can Bird Flu Spread Between Dogs and Humans?
While it is extremely uncommon for avian flu, also known as canine bird flu, to be transferred to humans from dogs, it is not totally outside the realm of possibility that this could be an even remote consideration. The transmission could occur through several vectors:
1. Aerosol droplets: If an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or exhales, the dog may aerosolize viral particles into the air and push droplets into the airways of other pets.
2. Contaminated surfaces: If someone touches the food bowl, chew toy, or bedding of an infected dog, the virus may be transmitted to the human, especially if it is transferred to the person’s hand, mouth, or nail.
3. Bodily secretions: Bird flu viruses may also be found in an infected dog’s salivary secretions (saliva), nasal secretions (nasal mucus), or feces (diarrhea). Regardless of whether mucous membranes or contaminated surfaces are involved, contact with these body secretions can lead to increased opportunities for transmission if hygiene is not exercised following contact.
A dog infected with the virus can shed the virus to other animals for several days without showing any signs of illness. In addition, if a dog is infected with both bacteria and the influenza virus, the resulting illness can be more severe, and it can also lead to secondary problems such as bacterial pneumonia.
What to Do If Your Dog Shows Symptoms?
If your dog begins coughing, breathing heavily, or running a fever, it is certainly concerning, but do not panic; take it seriously. Here’s what to do first:
1. Keep Your Dog Away From Other Pets
If you have other pets, isolate the sick dog until you know exactly what is going on. It will stop any potential spread of infection.
2. Call Your Veterinarian
Call your vet immediately. Describe to them the symptoms you notice your dog displaying coughing, loss of appetite, and tiredness, etc. Your vet may recommend coming in for a check-up or performing specific tests.
3. Do Not Give Your Dog Human Medication
Refrain from administering any over-the-counter flu medications intended for humans to your canine. Most medications can potentially harm pets and will likely make him or her feel worse anyway. Instead, you should wait until your veterinary professional advises otherwise.
4. Provide a Safe and Healing Environment for Your Dog at Home
Make sure your dog has a relaxed and warm area for him or her to do nothing. Offer your dog water, light, and nutritious food to support him if heat energy is needed, which will keep your dog hydrated and give him energy. Similarly, just like any human being, dogs need ample relaxation time after being ill.
5. Consider Follow-Up Diagnostic Tests if Necessary
Your veterinarian may recommend a PCR test, chest X-ray, or blood work to investigate and rule out other illnesses like kennel cough, pneumonia, or heart disease.
When Should I Call The Veterinarian?
It’s always best to consult your veterinarian if your dog begins to show signs that something is wrong. It is never a good idea to wait until symptoms become worse – early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening. Your dog can be exposed to a variety of issues. Your dog may start to show clinical signs such as:
- A cough that persists, or difficulty breathing
- Looks tired, weak, or isn’t as interested in food or play
- Fever, runny nose, or watery eyes
- Vomits or is exhibiting signs of dehydration
- Suddenly has another demeanor – quieter, anxious, restless.
- If your dog’s breathing is labored or the gum/tongue is pale or bluish, you need to contact an emergency veterinary care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the common symptoms of bird flu in dogs?
The most common symptoms of bird flu in dogs include coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In some cases, dogs may have difficulty breathing or pneumonia. If your dog is showing any of the signs, then you should immediately visit your veterinarian for evaluation.
2. How to test bird flu symptoms in Dogs?
In order to diagnose bird flu in dogs, your veterinarian will have to perform certain tests. Most commonly, this will be taken by swab from the dog’s nose, throat, or eyes and submitted to a laboratory for PCR diagnostics for the particular virus. Your veterinarian may also recommend blood testing or chest X-rays to evaluate for infection or rule out pneumonia.
3. What diseases can be caused by birds to dogs?
There are a number of diseases that dogs can get from birds, particularly through exposure to droppings, droppings still in the gastrointestinal tract, or dead birds. Diseases dogs can get from birds include:
- Avian influenza (bird flu): A viral respiratory disease.
- Salmonella: A bacterial disease that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, among other symptoms.
- Psittacosis (parrot fever): A rare bacterial disease that can cause lethargy and coughing.
- Cryptococcus: It is a fungal disease that can infect animals through the nose and spread to the lungs or brain.
4. Can dogs get bird flu from bird poop?
Absolutely, your dog’s risk of transmission increases with direct exposure to infected bird feces. Bird flu can last in feces, and a dog can pick this up if it sniffs or licks the contaminated surface.
Consequently, it is best to steer clear of dog parks, ponds, and poultry – all locations where wild birds congregate and where there is a potential for dog feces to carry the virus because of wild bird feces.
5. How to protect yourself from bird flu?
You can keep your pet safe from the virus just by following simple practices:
- Keep dogs away from wild birds
- Stay away from areas that report bird flu
- Clean and disinfect bowls, toys, and bedding
- Wash your hands after handling pets
- Stay up to date on any bird flu reports in the region
- Visit your veterinarian for routine visits and vaccinations.
Final Thoughts
The recent outbreak of H5N1 bird flu reminds us that viruses can quickly change their behavior, but there is no need to panic. Thankfully, preventing your dog from H5N1 transmission is very simple and does not involve any special medications or vaccines. Simply keep yourself aware, keep your pet properly vaccinated, don’t allow your dog to come in contact with wild birds or poultry, and keep the dog healthy (if your dog is predisposed to illnesses, make sure you are not taking chances).
The best way is to keep yourself aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that can cause exposure to viral illnesses such as H5N1. Practice good hygiene habits, not just at home but also outside, and be vigilant.