Just like the wild wolf, dogs have predatory instincts.
As such, it wont be surprising to find them running after small animals like squirrels, rabbits, mice, or birds.
Birds are a favorite prey of dogs, but dogs shouldn’t be allowed to catch wild birds. Your dog might get serious diseases if they eat a bird, even though it is not as common as you think.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats A Bird?
If your dog ate a bird, on top of being disgusted, you may be panicking thinking they just got poisoned or got some deadly disease.
The reality is that most dogs are completely fine even after this daring ingestion and they dont even show symptoms.
However, there is indeed a health risk that should not be underestimated and a small percentage of dogs do feel sick after eating birds, so you should keep an eye out for any abnormal behavior or symptom.
You should monitor your dog for at least a week after he eats a bird.
You should immediately report any abnormalities to your veterinarian. If the situation becomes more serious, your veterinarian will be able to examine your dog and give you a detailed history.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats A Dead Bird?
Consuming dead animals can lead to complications. This is because you don’t know the cause of the death unless your dog kills the bird.
Your dog could also be affected if a bird is killed by disease, poison, or any other unnatural cause.
If your dog ate a dead bird, first of all, it will be fundamental to remove whats left of the bird (if anything) to prevent your dog from eating anymore.
It is safer to call your vet to explain the situation.
It doesn’t matter if your dog ate a live bird or a dead bird. If they don’t show any symptoms in the next few days, and eat, drink, and act normally, they should be okay.
What Could Happen If A Dog Eats A Bird?
In many cases, your dog will be fine.
Dogs are originally wild predators and have ingested their fair share of raw meat with no consequences for hundreds of years, so its in their nature.
But lets take into consideration the worst outcome, which is the one where your dog suffers the consequences of their short hunting trip.
Birds can be infected or have diseases.
Salmonella
Salmonella can be transmitted to birds through their intestines. If your dog eats a bird, they may get infected.
Salmonellosis can also affect humans and other animals. If your dog is bitten, you and your pets may be at high risk.
Your dog will absolutely need a medical examination.
For as long as your dog isnt completely clear of the infection, you should be extra careful when cleaning after them and disinfect any place where they may leave droppings.
Symptoms of salmonellosis include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Insatiable appetite
- Lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Shock
Dogs will usually only experience mild symptoms such as diarrhea, since it is rare for them to get severe salmonella.
Nonetheless, if you know your dog ate a bird before developing these symptoms, you should have them checked right away.
Gastroenteritis
Salmonellosis can lead to gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
This is a serious disorder that could be fatal for your dog and symptoms include blood in the vomit or stools. Your dog should be examined immediately if you suspect gastroenteritis.
Diagnosis is usually achieved through very invasive methods, but luckily dogs that are treated in time usually make a full recovery.
West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus was first discovered in West Nile, Africa in 1937. Since then, it has spread through bird migration worldwide.
This is a mosquito-borne disease that can be spread by both birds and mosquitoes.
Birds are actually the most affected species, but the virus can spread to other animals and humans as well, usually with mild symptoms.
Although it is uncommon for dogs to become infected by West Nile virus, it can still happen if they eat birds with high levels of infected blood.
This virus is a neurologic disease and its symptoms include:
- Fever
- Lack of coordination
- Depression
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Pale gums
- Confusion
- Spasms
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
There is actually a vaccine for this disease, but its used for horses, which are way more affected by this virus than dogs and cats. It is not recommended to use the horse vaccine on your dog.
Avian Flu
Dogs are not usually affected by avian flu, however, studies report that the H5N1 avian influenza can affect dogs and cats as well, with dogs being actually highly susceptible to this virus.
Dogs can contract the disease by eating infected birds of all species. The first symptoms typically appear within a few days of ingestion. They include:
- Fever
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Conjunctivitis
Unfortunately, there is not enough information about avian flu in dogs to know exactly how the disease develops, but in some cases, dogs died shortly after developing symptoms.
Although rare, this is a possibility when dogs eat wild birds and the only way to be completely sure that your dog cannot catch this virus is to prevent them from eating wild animals.
Histoplasmosis
Dogs that eat bird poop may be at risk for histoplasmosis. Bird droppings can sometimes contain the Histoplasma Capsulatum Fugus, which is the reason the dog got the name of this fungal infection.
Dogs could get this infection by simply inhaling bird droppings long enough for the spores to enter their nose and infect the lungs. If ingested, it can infect the intestines as well.
Histoplasmosis can be a chronic disease that can affect many species. Fortunately, it is not contagious so you won’t have to worry if your pets are affected.
Histoplasmosis symptoms are not specific and can easily be mistaken for another condition.
The most common symptoms of histoplasmosis in dogs include:
- Mild fever
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Chronic cough
- Heavy breathing
As you can see these symptoms may be related to many other diseases.
They are serious enough to warrant a medical exam. Your veterinarian will then be able to diagnose the problem after performing a series of tests.
Chlamydia Psittaci
Dead birds or dried bird droppings can cause chlamydia in your dog. Walking your dog in wide areas full of birds can increase the risk of developing this disease.
The symptoms are different from human chlamydia, so its unlikely that you may be able to make a diagnosis without a medical examination.
Symptoms of chlamydia in dogs include:
- Swollen, red eyes and yellow/green discharge
- Low energy levels
- Panting
- Pawing at their eyes due to itchiness
You can’t get chlamydia by your dog, but don’t be alarmed.
This infection can also be transmitted to cats. Fortunately, it isn’t serious and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Eating a bird can easily cause blockage in the intestines, especially in small dogs. Bones and feathers are not easily digestible and could remain stuck in the gastrointestinal apparatus.
If your dog ate a baby bird they might be luckier because the bones of newly born birds are softer and could pass through your dog without causing discomfort.
The most common symptoms of blockage in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Insatiable appetite
- Dehydration
Bad ingestion is a common problem in dogs. However, GI obstruction should not be ignored as it can lead to serious complications.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to have the bird removed medically.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Birds
Predators or not predators, your dog should not be allowed to eat random wild animalsor anything that its outside a well-balanced diet for that matter.
Now that you know the risks of dog eating birds, surely you understand the importance of keeping your pet away from this possible danger.
There are many ways to train your dog not to catch or eat birds. Some of these may require patience from you or professional training.
If youve trained your dog since they were a puppy (as you should have), youre already halfway there!
You Should Keep Them On A Leash
The most obvious method is perhaps the most effective. The leash allows you to control your dogs movements and to prevent them from getting away and eating things from the ground where you cant see them.
This might be a challenge with big dogs, so you could also try adding a little bell to their collar: this way, birds will hear them when they approach and will have time to fly away. You won’t find your dog happy if they lose their stealth but it will give you peace of mind.
Training In Behavioral Psychology
Training your dog may solve a lot of problems that go beyond eating what they shouldnt.
All dogs are loved dearly by us, and we often overlook their mischiefs. But this will come back to bite you sooner or later.
An untrained dog is a dog you will soon have no control on.
This will put you, your furniture, your children, and most of all your pet at risk because you will have no means to stop them from doing stuff that could harm them.
Behavioral training can be done by pet parents if they have enough time and patience, or you can consult a professional.
You can redirection train your dog if your dog is well-behaved.
Dogs sense of smell is much stronger than humans, so they get distracted easily and you can use this to your own advantage.
You could also bring your favorite snacks along on walks to lure your dog away.
It may be easier to do this if you start in quiet areas with fewer birds and then move on to more busy places.
Teach Them Useful Commands
For the sake of your peaceful lifelong partnership with your dog, it will be fundamental to teach them at least a handful of commands since theyre still puppies.
This will make it less likely that your dog will eat a bird if they catch it.
Commands like leave it or come here will be really useful if you spot your dog with a bird in their mouthbecause your dog will feel compelled to drop the prey immediately and do as you say.
Dogs can be trained when theyre adults too. It will be important to start in a place void of distractions and to reward them with treats whenever they get the command right.
Gradually, you can reduce the treat. If you train your dog properly, you’ll be able to see that your dog still obeys the command, even without the reward.
Exercise
Dogs that exercise regularly are healthy and keep their weight under control. They won’t wake you at night, will not be irritable, and they won’t have the strength to chase birds at the end.
You should also give your dog lots of exercise throughout the day.
Dogs that are neglected by their owners or spend too much time resting can develop destructive behavior, depression, abandonment issues, and other nasty habits.
Can Dogs Eat Birds?
You shouldnt let your dog eat birds or any wild animal for that matter.
Even though it is rare, serious complications and diseases could befall your dog if he eats birds and even dead animals.
Although it is difficult to stop dogs from pursuing predatory instincts, proper training can help you teach your dog to obey your commands. This could save your life.
Your dog will be fine if it ate a bird. However, if you see vomiting, diarrhea, or any other unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian because your dog may need to be examined.
Hopefully, it will just be an upset stomach or something as harmless, but prevention is always the best medicine.
