Can a Dog Get Rabies From a Dead Bird?
If birds can carry salmonella, you might also worry about the possibility of your dog getting rabies by eating the dead bird. Perhaps, your dog licked a dead bird and you get worried about the possible bacteria and viruses your dog could get and pass on to everyone in the house.
Rabies, is indeed a dangerous disease, but it’s not present in birds. So, no, your dog cannot get rabies from a dead bird. That’s because only mammals can contract rabies.
Can Eating a Dead Bird Kill a Dog?
Serious effects such as falling very ill or even death is always the main concern for most dog owners who find their beloved fur best friends eating a dead animal. If you are greeted by your dog with a dead bird in his mouth, you can’t help but feel worried if he or she might die.
Just remember that in most cases, the risks are low for dogs that ate a dead bird or if your dog swallowed a whole bird, for instance.
Eating a bird that has been poisoned is a different story. In this case, your dog can also get poisoned and you may need to bring him to the vet as soon as possible.
You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Dead Snake
Why Dogs Like To Eat Dead Animals
Before we discuss tips on what to do if your dog ate a dead bird, it’s important to understand why dogs like to play with or eat dead animals. Dogs eating dead things isn’t just limited to birds, but they’ve been known to eat other dead animals as well. You may be interested in also checking out:
Dogs are easily intrigued by dead things because of the smell. And when it smells, a dog’s interest is piqued – all the more when there is that smell of decay. While we, humans, are grossed out, dogs are drawn to it. So, don’t be surprised if your dog will stop and pick the gross thing up with its mouth during your walks or if they come across a dead bird in your yard.
Have you wondered why this is so? According to popular theory on why dogs like to play with dead animals or put them in their mouth, it has to do with their wolf ancestors. By playing with dead things, wolves mask their own scent, making it easier for them to hunt. This is an instinct that has been passed on from wolf ancestors to the domesticated dogs of today.
I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED TO MY BIRD…
All dogs have some level of prey drive. While that urge to kill is higher in some dogs than others, it’s ingrained in your pup. Typically, that prey drive isn’t going to affect you or your dog’s everyday life.
You may have to watch your dog chase after a bird every once in a while. In most cases, they won’t even catch it.
It’s more common than you think for dogs to eat birds. Whether they snatch it out the air or they find the ravaged leftovers of some other animal, no dog is going to be able to resist taking a bite.
That bird your dog munched on was once a living creature that could have possibly carried some diseases.
In the best-case scenario, your dog will experience nothing more than garbage gut. Medically, this condition is referred to as gastroenteritis. It’s akin to food poisoning in humans.
Basically, the bacteria and toxic organisms on the bird are wreaking havoc on your pup’s gastrointestinal system.
Your pup will experience tons of discomfort in the meantime, but it’s not as dangerous as some other potential problems.
Usually, dogs with garbage gut will experience severe diarrhea that may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
They’ll appear to be lethargic and weak. Chances are, they won’t attempt to eat until the problem is resolved.
While this is the most benign of the potential issues that come after eating a bird, you still need to treat it seriously.
Garbage gut can take a turn for the worst pretty quickly. Your dog may go into shock.
In severe cases of garbage gut, those toxins can enter the bloodstream and cause Avian flu.
Also, there’s the matter of physical obstructions in your dog’s systems. Feathers are not digestible, so there’s always the risk of internal injury.
They may induce vomiting in an attempt to get rid of the bird. Your vet may also provide antibiotics, fluids, and anything else your pup needs as they recover.
Avian Flu is rare in dogs. However, they’re not immune. In fact, studies found that canines have a high risk of getting the flu from the H5N1 strain.
As we mentioned earlier, Avian Flu can be a direct byproduct of garbage gut. Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, the flu will immediately take hold.
Whatever the case may be, it’s serious. Symptoms include labored breathing, reddening eyes, and a persistent cough.
A trip to the vet is crucial. Avian Flu has the potential to be fatal for dogs. The earlier you get veterinary help, the better the prognosis.
Salmonella is a serious issue that doesn’t just affect dogs. Outbreaks of the illness have caused lasting health problems and death.
It’s usually caused by eating raw bird meat, which would fit the criteria after your dog chows down on a bird.
The biggest issue with salmonella is that it acts fast. Their intestines can become inflamed and the blood can be infected. The latter outcome leads to septic fever and future spread.
Salmonella is also quite contagious. If you have young children or elderly folks in the home with a compromised immune system, you must quarantine your dog and seek help immediately.
The symptoms of Salmonella are quite varied. In the early stages, it may seem that your dog simply has a fever. Dehydration, lethargy, and shock are all common.
As the disease progresses, you might notice swollen lymph nodes, mucus in their stool, and a rapid heart rate.
Time is of the essence when it comes to Salmonella. To help your dog and keep everyone around you protected, visit an emergency vet.
At the very least, fluids will be provided. If the blood has already been infected, the vet may recommend a transfusion as well.
The chances of your dog coming down with West Nile Virus after eating a bird is relatively low. However, it has happened before.
Because mosquitos bite birds frequently, there’s a chance that the bird your dog ate had the virus already. This increases the chances of infection.
West Nile Virus is a neurological disease that causes the brain to swell up. It can be fatal without treatment.
Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior. Erratic movements, muscle spasms, and lameness are serious signs of a potential problem.
If you suspect that the bird your dog ate could have West Nile Virus, go to the vet as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, there is not a known cure for this disease. The best thing the vet will be able to do is provide medications to alleviate pain
If you find your dog with feathers in their mouth, you need to take the steps to ensure that nothing serious will happen. In most cases, you will have nothing to worry about. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
To prevent possible issues in the future, work with a trainer. You can teach your dog commands to grab his attention and pull him away from any bird feasts.
If you find a dead bird, do not touch it with your bare hands. Always use protection and sanitize the area thoroughly. Your dog is still at risk just by being near it. Call your local animal control for proper disposal to be safe.