Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog touched a bird. Could she get sick or is it dangerous?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog went after a bird that could not fly. She tried to pick it up and touched it with her nose. Is that dangerous if a bird was in or near her mouth? Will she get sick?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 13th, 2017

It is highly unlikely that your dog touching a bird will cause any illness. While there is no way to know with certainty, dogs are always outside touching things they shouldn't be, and eating gross stuff like animal poop, carcasses, and puddle water. Their immune systems are built much tougher than ours fortunately, so unless you start seeing any clinical signs of illness I would not spend too much time worrying about this. Hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored