Dogs are majorly omnivorous, and we all know that they can eat anything and everything. There is a possibility you have seen your dog love catching and eating flies.
We’re pretty sure this behavior will make you think twice about it, and you will probably have searched for the root cause of this behavior.
The root cause behind catching and eating flies by dogs is in their nature. Some dog breeds are particularly for hunting and sporting, and sometimes they just love to chase and pursue bugs. For some dog breeds, it becomes an obsession, and in order to get a sigh of fulfillment, dogs start doing so. To an extent, it is acceptable, but if it is frequently happening, one needs to take measures to fix this behavior.
Furthermore, along with normal behavior, this is possible due to mild forms of seizure, epilepsy, and OCD too. Thus, analyze your dog properly and understand whether it is happening frequently or rarely.
If you have a four-legged friend at your place and want to decode this behavior they are showing, keep reading and understand why it is happening!
Why do dogs love catching and eating flies?
Catching and eating flies somewhere makes your dog happy. But do you know so many reasons are there due to a dog’s love of doing so? Well, the possible reasons are as follows:
Flies are creating nuisances for them
First of all, do understand that dogs are very particular about their surroundings. If they notice something inappropriate in their surroundings, they start behaving annoyingly. Similarly, with files and bugs, they notice that Flies and bugs appear to be a nuisance to them, and to get rid of them, they start catching and eating them. Sometimes it is so extensive that they don’t even notice other things happening around them.
Natural prey drive
Dogs come up with a natural prey drive. It may appear to be astounding, but yes, it is true. Along with biting to grab and biting to kill, dogs also start catching and eating flies. Some dog owners never agree to the behavior of dogs and consider that it is possible only in sporty dog breeds. But this is not true because it is a natural behavior that is noticeable in almost all dog breeds.
Encouragement
There is a possibility that when they first catch and eat the flies, you have encouraged them. Dogs are quick learners in such things, and likewise, they learn encouragement very quickly. Therefore, if you notice your dog doing such a thing, stop them immediately and handle the situation with a calm tone. Showing aggression at this moment leaves a negative impact on them.
Your dog is feeling bored
When your dog is feeling bored, they try to look out for certain things that can make them feel excited again. If they come across flies in their surroundings, they will love to catch and eat them. You notice your dog in a different zone at that moment. But do not encourage them to do it.
Health issue
A health issue is also responsible for such behavior in dogs. If your dog is experiencing a seizure, the chances are that they will start doing such activities. In this case, seizure should not be confused with muscle spasms, drooling, or uncontrolled movements. Have a conversation with the vet and let him diagnose your dog.
Problem with the eyes
Problem with eyes can also be a cause for it. If there is some dust and debris in the eye, this will appear like a bug to them, and your dog may start engaging in the activity to catch it.
Note: Every time, it is not possible that your dog is catching and eating flies because they are going through something or because they have got encouragement. Sometimes it happens that they just want a sudden mood change. Predicting the mood of dogs is not easy. One needs to notice their body language and understand what they are up to. Sometimes, in order to show excitement, dogs show such behavior as well.
How to fix dog’s behavior of catching and eating flies?
If you are irritated by your dog’s behavior, there are some possible solutions that you can implement. This includes:
Distract them
It is advisable for you to monitor your dog and see when they are trying to catch and eat the flies. If you notice them doing so, distract them right away. Distracting is helpful in overcoming this behavior in dogs, and with time, they will stop engaging in it. Be sure to handle this situation with a calm tone.
Roam here and there with your dog
Roaming here and there with your dog is one of the most effective solutions one can adapt to fix their dog’s catching and eating fly behavior. If you notice your dog doing so, take them away with you and also try to engage in some conversations with them. You can also practice exercise at that moment with them and feed them with their favorite dog food.
Make sure your dog is getting a proper diet
This may irritate you, but understand that if they are eating a nutritionally deficient diet, they will engage in such activities. It is important for you to pay attention to their diet and be sure that it is full of nutrition. Your dog will not attempt to catch and eat flies if he or she is content. Also, prepare a proper timetable for them and feed them accordingly.
Stop encouraging them
Sometimes it happens that you love seeing them doing such things and encourage them to do them unknowingly. Well, in this case, encouragement leaves a negative impact on them. This negative impact will make them accustomed to catching and eating flies, and fixing this behavior will seem difficult afterward.
Dog training is helpful
Dog training is responsible for fixing the behavior of your dog that appears to be annoying. Train your dog not to do such things. This may take some time for them to understand, but with time, things will get sorted out.
Discussion with the veterinary doctor
Sometimes it is not normal behavior but rather the result of a medical condition. In that case, approaching the veterinary doctor is the solution. Reach out to the doctor and discuss this behavior with them. If you have noticed it rarely, you can avoid it, but if it is frequently happening, this calls for attention.
Is it safe for dogs to eat flies?
It entirely depends. If dogs catch flies with no sting, it will not cause any problems for them. On the other hand, if they encounter a stinging insect, chances are they will bite them back and cause irritation and swelling. Sometimes it leads to allergies and esophageal issues as well.
Do I need to check with a veterinary doctor if my dog has eaten flies?
If for the next 24 hours, your dog is doing fine, there is no need for you to reach out to the veterinary doctor. But if they have started behaving inappropriately or not responding to your commands and not eating their meals properly, you need to check with the veterinary doctor.
You may also notice some signs like these:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Aggression (behavioral change)
Can flies cause any sort of health issues?
Unfortunately, yes. Fly consumption is responsible for causing multiple health issues. Sometimes it results in an allergy, and sometimes it results in esophageal and gastrointestinal issues. For example, if your dog has ingested fleas that are infected with tapeworm, chances are your dog may encounter other health conditions.
Can obsessive-compulsive disorder cause a dog to catch and bite flies that don’t exist?
Unfortunately, yes. If your dog is a victim of obsessive-compulsive disorder, then everything from chasing laser pointers to catching flies is common. It is very difficult for you to fix this behavior initially.
What we learned from all this
Catching and eating flies is a common behavior of dogs, and there is nothing to worry about if it is subtle. But if it is frequently happening and in order to catch the flies, your dog is hurting other people around them or themselves, you need to correct this behavior with the right solution.
Monitor your dog for health issues as well, because some health issues like epilepsy, seizures, OCD, or problems with the eyes are responsible for it. Have a conversation with the veterinary doctor and discuss this particular episode in detail with him. He will help you to know whether it is a common behavior or if they are doing it due to any health condition.
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