Recently, there have been rising concerns regarding bird flu or avian flu and how it affects humans—as well as certain mammals, including cats and dogs. In this article by Sploot Vets, we answer the most common questions, providing information about prevention, safety tips, and more.
Overview
- The avian influenza virus H5N1 infects wild birds, poultry, humans, cats, dogs, and other susceptible mammals.
- The main mode of transmission for bird flu is through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Currently, there are more cases of bird flu in cats than in dogs.
What is Avian Flu or Bird Flu? [Is It Dangerous?]
Avian flu or bird flu is an infectious type of influenza virus with various strains. As of late 2024 and early 2025, there’s been a multi-state outbreak involving the H5N1 strain of bird flu or avian flu, affecting commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and wild birds. This strain can also infect humans, cats, and dogs.
Due to the widespread nature of this strain of avian flu, the public is advised to be aware of its development for both their personal safety—as well as the safety of pet dogs and cats, especially for pets with the habit of hunting or scavenging birds. Aside from this behavior, other risk factors include:
- Pets that frequent places with wild or commercial flocks.
- Pets that consume raw or freeze-dried poultry-based products.
- Pets that spend time with other pets that are any of the above.
Note: The rest of this article focuses on pet parent and pet safety. For more information on how the current outbreak of avian flu or bird flu is affecting the public, please refer to the following:
Can Humans Get Bird Flu from Pet Cats (& Dogs)?
The most common way to contract bird flu or avian flu (H5N1) is through direct contact with infected poultry or wild birds, their saliva, mucus, or feces, or contaminated surfaces.
Though less common, other mammals like cats, dogs, ferrets, and farm animals can contract bird flu—and may also shed the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. Thus, humans can contract the virus from pets through the same route as birds (i.e. close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces). However, to date, there are NO cases to demonstrate avian influenza (H5N1) transmission from pets to their owners.
Note: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus can be viable on contaminated surfaces for around 26 hours on plastic surfaces and for about 4.5 hours on skin surfaces.
Can Bird Flu Be Transmitted From Humans to Pets?
Though it may be possible for humans to also transmit the virus to their pets, particularly through respiratory droplets, there are also NO documented cases of this mode of transmission.
Are Cats at a Higher Risk of Getting Bird Flu Than Dogs?
Though both dogs and cats can get infected with bird flu, sources state that cats may be at a higher risk of infection. Additionally, there have been more cases of bird flu H5N1 infecting cats than dogs in recent times.
Outdoor cats may be at a higher risk of contracting the H5N1 virus since they may instinctively hunt or ingest wild birds—which may be carrying the virus. However, in the same way, dogs that spend unsupervised time in the backyard (and have a history of eating or scavenging birds) may also be at risk.
In addition, both dogs and cats may be at risk of getting bird flu if they consume raw or freeze-dried poultry-based diets. Sploot veterinarian, Dr. Amy Casali explains “Both dogs and cats could potentially become ill with avian influenza from a raw diet—but so far, only feline cases and deaths have been recorded from this mode of transmission.”
What Are The Symptoms Of The Bird Flu In Cats & Dogs?
Symptoms of bird flu in cats and dogs include the following:
- Respiratory distress and difficulty breathing
- Coughing and sneezing
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Red or inflamed eyes
- Neurological symptoms like tremors and seizures (in severe cases)
Note: The mortality rate of bird flu (H5N1) in cats is around 67 percent, according to a 20-year review by the University of Maryland. Though the mortality rate for dogs is not established, there have also been some cases of fatalities in past years. Thus, potential infections in dogs and cats are considered veterinary emergencies. If you suspect that your pet may be infected, reach out to a trusted veterinarian immediately.
How To Prevent Bird Flu in Cats & Dogs
While there is a widespread infection of bird flu amongst wild birds, it is recommended to do the following:
- Keep cats indoors.
- Keep dogs supervised when outdoors
- AVOID raw or freeze-dried poultry-based pet food and treats.
The above measures help reduce your pets’ risk of exposure, which also helps keep the household safe—since the virus can be transmitted from pets to humans.
Final Thoughts on Bird Flu in Pets
This wraps up our guide on avian flu or bird flu in cats and dogs, what factors make pets at risk, and prevention tips. While this situation is still ongoing as of early 2025, awareness is key. We recommend staying on top of public advisories for utmost safety.
Rest assured, our veterinary experts at Sploot Vets are also monitoring the situation—stay connected with us on social media @splootvets to get the latest from our team!
Sploot Veterinary Care: Your Go-To Vet for All-in-One Care
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one, top-tier veterinary care, 365 days a year. Whether your pet needs routine care, a sick visit, urgent care, or emergency care, we’re always here when you need us most!
Experience next-level vet care at Sploot today! Visit one of our state-of-the-art vet clinics in Chicago and Denver. Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
