Yes. There is a specific disease associated with bird dust, although it is most common with cockatoos and African Greys and birds that have a fine white powder. Don’t know what your roommate’s bird is, but if it’s one llike that, not ceaning the cage would only add to the problem.

I’m sure you like your roommate other that and don’t want to cause problems, but the bird shouldn’t live in those conditions either. It’s literally a crime, albeit a misdemeaner. If the ASPCA finds out, your roommate will at the very least be warned. It is unlikely that there will be any fine assiciated, because they don’t usually go to court on something like a simple neglect case where the animal has enough food and clean water and is otherwise in good apparent health.

I suggesst you get a one-time visitor in the house, repairan, computer guy, cousin’s boyfriend…just someone you have no connection to and will never see again. A few days afte the visit, call the ASPCA and report the cage. They will come out and want to see it. They will give your roommate a few days to clean it up and may come back out to check, but they will say they can come out at any time and check.

Don’t hesitate to give your name to the humane society when you call. They cannot disclose the scource of their information or their informant. If you hae lots of people coming in and out of the house all the time, just call. But don’t ever say you are going to do it. Just do it. It would be an encouragement to keep the cage clean alll the time.

That said, there may be other reasons for your dogs’ respiratory problems.