Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Many pet parents forget that their canine fur babies are carnivores. The ancestors of our dog and their current wild cousins all ate a wide variety of things, including birds! Dogs will occasionally go after a bird to chase it and possibly eat it. But can a bird make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a bird? Are you worried the bird will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together some information about birds and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Birds & Sickness
Dogs are natural hunters, with some dog breeds having a strong prey drive. Birds are very enticing and fun to chase! And sometimes, a dog may catch a bird. In that case, the dog may do what comes naturally and eat the bird. That sounds yucky to us, but it’s a natural snack that some dogs enjoy!
But can the bird make your dog sick? Most of the time, your dog should be OK after eating a bird. However, it is possible for birds to carry diseases and parasites that can infect dogs. These include:
- Salmonella
- West Nile Virus
- Chlamydia
- And more
Other Issues
If your dog happens to eat the entire bird, it’s necessary to watch for signs of intestinal blockage. Features and bones can become lodged in the intestines and create a blockage. This can be a life-threatening condition if not treated.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats a Bird
We recommend calling the vet right away if your dog has eaten a bird. The vet may say to monitor your dog for any suspicious symptoms that may come up.
The good news is that vets can treat most bacterial infections with antibiotics. In the case of West Nile, the vet will treat your dog’s symptoms, and it will take time for your canine companion to recover. And if your dog develops intestinal blockage, the vet may need to perform surgery to remove the bones and feathers causing the problem.
Eating birds is a natural habit in dogs; however, it’s best to train your dog not to eat birds. Your dog then won’t be put in danger of developing certain illnesses or other health issues after having a feathery treat! We always say prevention is the best medicine!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
