The spread of avian influenza amongst animals has some pet parents asking, “Can pets get bird flu?”

The answer is yes; although cases are rare, bird flu has infected pet birds as well as cats and dogs. We therefore recommend pet parents take a few extra safety precautions and familiarize themselves with the symptoms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – also known as bird flu or H5N1.

What Is The HPAI Virus?

As the name suggests, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza refers to a severe form of avian influenza, which is a virus. Specifically, HPAI is caused by certain strains of the influenza A virus, which spreads among animals.

Right now, outbreaks of HPAI are making headlines and worrying some pet parents. It is true that this virus has been recorded as infecting farm animals, pets (including birds, cats, and dogs), and very rarely, people. It can be quite severe for animals that contract it.

Like any virus, HPAI spreads through infected individuals by air (coughs, sneezes, breathing) or body waste. It may also spread when pets interact with wild or domestic animals.

There is no cure for HPAI, so prevention will be a key strategy for pet parents to take.

What Are The Signs of Bird Flu in Pets?

In pet dogs and cats, the signs of HPAI include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Red eyes
• Discharge from the eyes and nose
• Neurologic issues, like tremors, seizures, or incoordination

In pet birds, HPAI may present as:

• Decreased energy, movement, or appetite
• Swelling around the head, neck, eyes, combs, or wattles
• Coughing, gasping for air, or sneezing
• Nervousness, tremors, or lack of coordination
• Nasal discharge

If you suspect your pet has bird flu, isolate them and contact your vet.

Safety Considerations for Cats and Dogs

To stay on the safe side, we recommend taking a few extra precautions for your cats and dogs until we know more.

Reconsider Raw Food (for Now)

For pet parents who feed their fur kiddos raw foods need to be aware that there is a risk that contaminated ingredients can infect pets. The FDA advises that only heat-treated pet food can render viruses inert. Therefore, we recommend choosing cooked foods until their advisory changes and avoiding all raw pet foods like eggs, meat, and unpasteurized milk.

Keep an Eye on Them Outdoors

We recommend keeping outdoor cats indoors as much as possible. Dogs can be more easily supervised when outdoors with you, but free-roaming cats may wander far from view and come into contact with the virus by hunting or eating an infected bird, coming into contact with infected animals, or drinking from a tainted water source. Because cats are particularly vulnerable to this virus, opt instead to allow cats outdoor time while supervised or leashed, or get exercise indoors with a cat wheel or playtime.

As Always, Keep Them Healthy

Should a pet contract a viral infection, their overall health will affect their resilience and ability to battle infection. Ensure that pets have a rich and varied diet, have all their vaccinations, get regular veterinary checkups, and get physical exercise to keep their lungs and immune system healthy.

NHV’s Commitment to Safety

NHV was founded on the safety and well-being of pets, and this dedication shows up everywhere in our manufacturing process. With 3rd party testing of each ingredient for safety and efficacy, and the use of sterile bottles to keep contents safe, pet parents rely on the safety of our products.

Additionally, our supplement formulas contain no bird products and therefore pose no risk of contamination with the bird flu, so you can rest easy knowing that when you use an NHV supplement, your fur kiddo is only getting good stuff.

Supplements for Support

While influenza has no cure, we can promote healthy immune system functioning

While influenza has no cure, we can promote healthy immune system functioning. For example, ensuring that pets eat wholesome diets, get adequate exercise, and remain up-to-date on their vaccines will help them should they contract the bird flu. Additionally, certain supplements may play a role in their immune response. These supplements may be implemented proactively before a pet becomes sick.

Natures Immuno is a blend of medicinal mushrooms that have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support the immune system. Certain mushrooms in this blend, like cordyceps, have even been observed to have antiviral properties.

Additionally, should your fur kiddo contract HPAI or another viral infection, a supplement that focuses on respiratory wellness may be added as a support. NHV Resp-Aid contains a blend of 9 herbs which may help to clear the airways and allow pets to get better breaths in.

While the headlines about pets and bird flu may be scary, taking these precautions and being proactive about your little one’s immune system can make a difference.