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A dangerous strain of bird flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, is spreading fast—jumping from birds to dairy cattle, wild mammals, and even humans. But what about dogs? Could your pet be at risk of infection, and if so, how serious is the threat?
Since the U.S. outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cattle began in March 2024, dozens of domestic cats have tested positive for the virus. And since 2022, 74 confirmed cases of bird flu in domestic cats have been reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with one confirmed case in a dog in Canada.
While the risk to dogs appears lower than other species, experts warn that the virus is still evolving. Understanding how H5N1 spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to reduce exposure is critical for pet owners.
How Is Bird Flu Transmitted To Dogs?
While transmission in dogs is uncommon, a dog could become infected if they:
- Chew on or eat an infected bird (as seen in the confirmed Canadian case)
- Come into contact with bird droppings, saliva, or other contaminated materials
- Are exposed to infected livestock, such as dairy cattle (though research on this risk is ongoing).
At present, there is no evidence of dog-to-dog or dog-to-human transmission. However, experts continue to monitor the virus for potential mutations. Until more is known, pet owners in areas with active outbreaks should take precautions to reduce exposure risks.
What Are The Signs Of Bird Flu In Pets?
While H5N1 infections in dogs remain rare, experts warn that the virus is still evolving. Recognizing the symptoms early is essential, particularly for pets exposed to infected birds or contaminated environments.
Dr. Hohenhaus explains that respiratory and neurological symptoms are the most common indicators of bird flu in infected animals.
“Respiratory and neurologic signs are most common in cats, and the dog in Canada had respiratory symptoms,” says Dr. Hohenhaus. “If your dog comes into contact with a dead bird or bird droppings, monitor for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if symptoms appear.”
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pet owners should seek veterinary care if their dog or cat exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Red or inflamed eyes
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Difficulty breathing (coughing, sneezing, or nasal congestion)
- Neurological symptoms (tremors, seizures, incoordination, or sudden blindness)
While bird flu appears to affect cats more severely than dogs, the full impact of H5N1 on canine health is still being studied. No cases have been reported in dogs in the U.S., but with the virus spreading among wildlife and livestock, staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect your pet.
What To Do If Your Pet Shows Symptoms
Acting quickly is essential if your pet begins showing signs of H5N1 infection. While cases in dogs remain rare, cats are more susceptible, and severe illness can develop rapidly.
1. Isolate Your Pet From Other Animals
If you suspect your pet has H5N1, limit contact with other pets to reduce the risk of transmission. Keep them in a separate, well-ventilated room and use separate food and water bowls.
2. Call Your Veterinarian Before Visiting & Ask About Testing
Do not bring a sick pet directly into a clinic without calling ahead. Many veterinary offices have protocols to handle potential infectious disease cases safely. Your vet may recommend:
- A telemedicine consultation to assess symptoms
- Special procedures for isolated treatment areas
- Guidelines to protect clinic staff and other animals
How Is Bird Flu Diagnosed In Pets?
If your veterinarian suspects H5N1 avian influenza, they may recommend diagnostic testing—especially if your pet has been exposed to wild birds, livestock, or raw animal products.
How it works:
Your vet will collect nasal, throat, or eye swabs and submit them to a laboratory for RT-PCR testing, which detects H5N1 viral RNA. Turnaround time varies:
- Preliminary results: 24–72 hours
- Confirmatory lab tests: up to 1 week
Cost & Availability:
Testing is not routine and may cost $100–$300+. Some state or federal health agencies may assist in outbreak situations.
False negatives are possible in the early stages of infection. Your vet may recommend continued monitoring or follow-up testing.
3. Protect Yourself
While there is no confirmed pet-to-human transmission of H5N1, health experts still recommend basic precautions when handling a sick animal:
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up after them
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet
- Disinfect surfaces and bedding to minimize contamination
4. Follow Veterinary Care Instructions
If your pet tests positive for H5N1, your veterinarian will provide guidance on treatment and supportive care. While no specific antiviral therapy for H5N1 in pets exists, early intervention can improve outcomes.
When To Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet experiences:
- Severe breathing difficulties (rapid, labored breathing or gasping)
- Loss of coordination or seizures
- Unresponsiveness or sudden collapse
Have There Been Cases Of Bird Flu In Dogs In The U.S.?
With growing concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, many pet owners wonder: Can dogs contract bird flu, and should we be worried?
To separate fact from speculation, I spoke with Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, senior veterinarian at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. She confirms that while cases in dogs are extremely rare, transmission is possible.
“There have been no confirmed cases of dogs contracting bird flu in the U.S., but there’s been one reported case in Canada,” Dr. Hohenhaus explains. “The dog chewed on a wild goose, got sick, and died.”
Although cats appear more vulnerable to H5N1 than dogs, experts caution that dogs are not entirely immune. The virus primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds or their contaminated environments (such as bird droppings), but so far, dogs have shown low susceptibility compared to other animals.
How Susceptible Are Dogs Compared To Other Mammals?
While dogs can contract H5N1, their susceptibility appears much lower than other mammals. Since the virus began spreading among wild birds in North America, researchers have documented fatal H5N1 infections in a wide range of non-avian species, including:
- Cats (both domestic and feral)
- Ferrets (commonly used as human flu models due to similar respiratory anatomy)
- Mink (including an outbreak on a Spanish mink farm with mammal-to-mammal transmission)
- Seals, sea lions, and dolphins (infected after scavenging infected bird carcasses)
- Foxes, raccoons, and skunks (wild scavengers that consumed infected birds)
- Dairy cattle (starting in 2024 — the first confirmed outbreak in livestock)
Domestic cats, in particular, have shown higher vulnerability—especially those fed raw diets or exposed to infected birds. Ferrets have also experienced severe illness and death following experimental or natural infections.
In contrast, confirmed canine cases remain extremely rare, with only one publicly reported case to date (a dog in Canada that chewed on a dead goose).
Why the difference? Scientists believe it may relate to species-specific differences in respiratory tract receptors to which the virus binds.
Carnivores that consume raw meat or frequently scavenge may also face higher exposure risk than dogs, who are typically fed processed diets.
That said, the virus is evolving. Experts continue to monitor cross-species spillover events closely, particularly in mammals that live in close contact with humans. Just because dogs are currently considered low-risk doesn’t mean that status won’t change with future mutations.
Can Pets Transmit Bird Flu To Humans? (And Vice Versa)
As of now, there is no documented case of H5N1 transmission from pets to humans. However, the situation is under close scientific scrutiny due to the virus’s expanding reach across species.
According to Dr. Hohenhaus, “Currently, there does not appear to be human-to-dog/cat or dog/cat-to-human transmission of the virus.” But because influenza viruses evolve quickly, pet owners are advised to take basic hygiene precautions—especially when caring for animals that show signs of illness.
What Is A Zoonotic Disease?
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can spread between animals and humans. H5N1 is classified as a zoonotic virus, although its transmission across species remains relatively rare.
That said, it isn’t the only virus known to jump between pets and people.
Examples of zoonotic infections involving household pets include:
- Ringworm–a fungal infection that spreads easily through contact with infected skin or fur
- Toxoplasmosis–caused by a parasite in cat feces; especially risky for pregnant individuals
- Leptospirosis–a bacterial infection dogs can spread to people through urine-contaminated surfaces
- SARS-CoV-2–the virus that causes COVID-19 was detected in cats, dogs, and minks during the pandemic
These examples illustrate how close human-pet relationships can sometimes create unintended health risks, even if transmission is rare.
What About Reverse Zoonosis?
Reverse zoonosis refers to the transmission of disease from humans to animals. While this isn’t currently a known issue with H5N1, the concept is gaining attention.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people passed the virus to their pets in confirmed cases, raising concern about how human illnesses can impact animals.
Because dogs and cats often live in such close proximity to people, viruses that mutate to cross species lines could potentially move in either direction. That’s why experts recommend cautious, preventive hygiene, even if your pet’s symptoms turn out to be unrelated to H5N1.
How To Stay Safe Around A Sick Pet
Even though there’s no evidence of bird flu transmission between pets and people, the virus is evolving. Practicing basic hygiene around animals showing signs of illness helps reduce the risk of transmission and protects other pets in the home.
Take the following precautions if your pet is sick or has been exposed to wildlife, livestock, or raw animal products:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your pet, their food, or waste
- Wear gloves and a mask if cleaning up vomit, feces, or respiratory secretions
- Avoid direct contact with your pet’s saliva, nasal discharge, or bedding
- Disinfect food bowls, litter boxes, toys, and common surfaces regularly
- Change clothes and shoes after visiting farms, parks with bird activity, or wildlife rehabilitation sites before interacting with pets
These steps align with recommendations from the AVMA and public health agencies monitoring zoonotic risks. While the current risk from pets is low, prevention today can help avoid problems tomorrow.
Is Raw Pet Food A Risk?
The rising number of H5N1 cases in cats has brought raw pet food back under scrutiny—particularly products containing raw poultry or unpasteurized dairy.
While H5N1 is primarily transmitted through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, multiple recent cat deaths have been linked to contaminated pet food, prompting concern from veterinarians and the FDA.
Notable H5N1-Linked Recalls
Several cat deaths were traced back to raw products contaminated with H5N1. These included:
- Northwest Naturals Raw Frozen Chicken Recipe – recalled after cats in Oregon and California became ill and died
- Monarch Raw Pet Food (Goat Milk) – unpasteurized milk linked to feline H5N1 deaths in Colorado
- Answers Pet Food (Raw) – previously investigated in past years for zoonotic risks (not specifically H5N1-related, but notable for context)
These products were voluntarily recalled in early 2024, and the FDA responded by issuing updated safety guidance to raw pet food manufacturers.
How Long Can H5N1 Survive In Food?
Studies suggest that H5N1 can survive in raw meat and dairy for extended periods—even under refrigeration or freezing. This means that while cold temperatures slow bacterial growth, they do not reliably kill viruses like avian flu.
Unlike commercial pet foods that undergo cooking or pasteurization, raw and unpasteurized products may carry viable viral particles, especially if sourced from infected poultry or livestock.
What’s Changed With FDA Oversight?
In 2024, the FDA began requiring raw and minimally processed pet food manufacturers to include H5N1 as a “reasonably foreseeable hazard” in their food safety plans.
This means companies must:
- Evaluate whether their sourcing or production poses H5N1 risks
- Take documented steps to mitigate contamination (e.g., testing, supplier audits)
- Maintain traceable sourcing from healthy livestock and poultry only
However, these are planning requirements, not product mandates—pasteurization or virus inactivation is not yet required by law.
What Pet Parents Should Look For
To minimize risk:
- Avoid raw or unpasteurized products, especially during H5N1 outbreaks
- Check sourcing information on packaging (look for USDA-inspected meat or pasteurized claims)
- Stay updated on pet food recalls via the FDA’s Pet Food Recall List
If you feed a raw diet, consult your veterinarian about risks and consider temporarily switching to cooked or freeze-dried products from reputable brands that test for pathogens.
How Big Of A Risk Is H5N1 To Dogs & Cats?
Scientific research confirms that H5N1 can spread to pets through contaminated food.
- Dogs typically experience mild symptoms but can still be infected
- Cats are at a higher risk for severe illness or death, especially when consuming contaminated food
“At this time, H5N1 has not been detected in dogs in the U.S.,” the FDA states, “but there have been fatal cases in other countries.”
Can H5N1 Mutate To Affect Dogs More Severely?
Influenza viruses like H5N1 are notorious for their ability to mutate and jump species. While dogs are currently considered low-risk, experts caution that viral adaptation could change that.
Understanding Viral Mutation & Reassortment
Flu viruses mutate in two main ways:
- Antigenic drift refers to small genetic changes that accumulate over time. These mutations can subtly alter how the virus binds to host cells, potentially making it more infectious to new species.
- Antigenic shift occurs when two different influenza viruses infect the same cell and exchange genetic segments, creating a novel virus. This process can dramatically change how the virus behaves, including which species it infects.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these mechanisms are responsible for most new flu strains—including those that jump from animals to humans.
The fear among researchers is that if a dog were co-infected with H5N1 and another canine-adapted influenza strain, the two could recombine and create a new variant capable of spreading more easily in dogs or even jumping back to humans.
What We Know About H5N1 in Dogs
While rare, dogs can become infected with H5N1. A 2007 study documented asymptomatic infections in dogs exposed to the virus, while a 2011 experimental study showed that beagles inoculated with H5N1 shed the virus through nasal secretions—meaning they could potentially spread it to other animals, even without appearing sick.
More recently, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has continued monitoring canine cases worldwide as part of broader Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) surveillance.
Though only one confirmed natural infection has been reported in a dog, the virus’s rapid evolution in mammals—from sea lions to cattle—suggests dogs shouldn’t be ignored.
Could Dogs Become More Vulnerable?
Here’s what might increase risk over time:
- Frequent exposure: Dogs that scavenge or hunt birds may encounter the virus repeatedly, creating more chances for adaptation.
- Close living quarters: Dogs live closely with humans and other pets, which increases the chance of spillover or recombination with other flu strains.
- Viral adaptation: H5N1 may eventually acquire mutations that enhance binding to receptors in the canine respiratory tract, similar to how it adapted to infect mink during the outbreak in Spain.
So far, dogs have shown strong resistance to severe H5N1 illness. But like all influenza viruses, H5N1 is constantly changing—and animal health experts are watching closely.
Is There An H5N1 Vaccine?
Currently, no H5N1 vaccine exists for dogs or other pets. Because confirmed cases in pets remain rare and most canine infections have been mild, pet-focused vaccine development has not been prioritized.
However, that could change.
How Pet Vaccines Are Developed
Veterinary vaccines are often developed only after:
- A disease causes sustained outbreaks across multiple regions or species
- There’s risk of significant mortality or economic loss (as in livestock)
- A virus shows signs of adapting for pet-to-pet or pet-to-human transmission
If more cases begin to appear—or if dog-to-dog transmission is observed—vaccine research for pets could become a public health priority.
What About Vaccines For Humans?
Existing human H5N1 vaccines were developed for older strains of the virus and may provide some level of protection against severe illness. However, these vaccines were never widely produced because H5N1 historically posed little risk to humans.
With the recent spread of H5N1 to dairy cattle and other mammals, vaccine development has become a priority. In July 2024, the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded Moderna $176 million to develop an updated mRNA-based H5N1 vaccine. This next-generation vaccine is currently in early testing stages.
5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Dogs & Cats Safe
While the risk of H5N1 bird flu to dogs and cats remains relatively low, taking precautions is essential—especially as the virus evolves. Dr. Hohenhaus and her team at the AMC recommend these steps to reduce the risk of exposure.
1. Avoid Feeding Raw Meat Or Unpasteurized Dairy
Raw or undercooked meat, particularly poultry, can carry H5N1. Unpasteurized milk from infected livestock has also been linked to outbreaks in cats. Stick to cooked and commercially processed pet food to minimize risk.
2. Keep Cats Indoors
Outdoor cats are more likely to encounter infected birds, droppings, or contaminated environments. Keeping cats inside reduces their risk of exposure to H5N1 and other infectious diseases.
3. Prevent Contact With Birds & Wildlife
Even though the risk to dogs is lower than for cats, preventing contact with dead birds, bird droppings, and livestock waste is key. Train dogs to avoid scavenging and clean their paws after walks in areas with bird activity.
4. Monitor Your Pet for Signs of Illness
Watch for lethargy, fever, respiratory distress (sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge), or neurological symptoms (tremors, seizures, disorientation). If your pet displays any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
5. Take Precautions If You’ve Been Around Sick Animals
The AVMA also recommends that, before interacting with their pets, owners should change clothes and shoes and thoroughly wash any exposed skin after contact with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how H5N1 bird flu could affect your pets? You’re not alone.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about bird flu transmission, symptoms, and safety. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Can My Dog Carry Bird Flu Without Getting Sick?
Yes, it’s possible. Some studies suggest that dogs exposed to H5N1 may shed the virus through nasal secretions without showing obvious signs of illness.
While this hasn’t been documented in natural infections in the U.S., experimental studies show asymptomatic shedding could occur—especially in dogs with high exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Bird Poop?
Yes. Infected bird droppings are one of the most common sources of H5N1 transmission to mammals.
If your dog ingests feces from a wild bird carrying the virus, they could become infected—even if symptoms are mild or delayed. Always discourage scavenging and clean paws after outdoor walks.
Should I Be Worried About Walking My Dog In Parks With Birds?
The risk is low for most dogs, but precautions help.
Avoid letting your dog interact with dead birds, bird feces, or areas with heavy waterfowl presence during known outbreaks. Stick to leashed walks and wipe down paws after outdoor activity.
Can H5N1 Spread Through Dog Food?
Not typically, but it’s possible if the food contains raw or unpasteurized meat or dairy from infected animals. Always check food sourcing and stick to cooked, shelf-stable, or pasteurized pet foods when outbreaks are ongoing.
What Should I Do If My Pet Finds A Dead Bird?
Do not let them touch, mouth, or ingest the bird. Use gloves and a bag to dispose of the carcass, then wash your hands and clean your pet’s paws and muzzle.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows any signs of illness afterward—especially coughing, fever, or lethargy.
Why These Precautions Matter
Although H5N1 infections in domestic dogs are rare, the virus is still evolving, and new risks could emerge. Taking these simple preventive steps helps keep your pets safe from potential exposure.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
As a public relations specialist at the University of Virginia Health System, Sally served on the H1N1 swine flu preparedness committee to determine how the health system would address the pandemic in its hospital and beyond. Committee members included international infectious diseases experts, hospital leadership, a World Health Organization member, and others. She has also been researching and writing about human health for nearly 30 years and has been an expert on pet health conditions and treatment for over a decade. Sally is part of a team of canine professionals and long-time dog owners who stay on top of the most helpful research, best products, and more for our own pups and those of all of our readers.
