There are many reasons why a pet might have compulsive behaviors, and for the most part, it’s harmless. However, if your canine is a compulsive eater and starts to lose weight or becomes very sluggish, this could be cause for concern.
Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent compulsive eating in your dog or treat it if you notice symptoms of distress. If you’re wondering, “Why does my dog eat flies?”, this blog will help put your mind at ease.
If you notice this behavior, they could potentially have worms or even some other medical issues going on with dogs. They may turn to insects for food due to loss of appetite because of these issues, making them feel nauseous, etc.
This may also happen out of boredom when you leave a dog alone all day without proper exercise and mental stimulation. As such, this boredom often leads them into trying new things like bugs around the house.
Why Does My Dog Eat Flies? What to Do
If you’ve noticed that your dog eats flies, you may wonder if it’s normal. The truth is, it might just be a game of catch. If your dog is chasing something, it’s likely that the dog wants to play with them and eat them as part of the process.
Your furry friend may also have some nutritional deficiencies, which could be why he’s eating flies. Make sure that you’re feeding your dog the right food for his age and weight, along with providing fresh water at all times. Insects are known to be carriers of parasitic worms. If your dog is eating flies, he might have a worm infestation that needs treatment.
If this concerns you, it’s a good idea to take your dog to see your vet as soon as possible for a checkup. You’ll feel better knowing there isn’t something wrong with them or, worse, something contagious they could pass onto other pets in the home, too!
Keep in mind that if your dog is on parasite preventatives, they’re protected and probably won’t need to take a trip to the vet.
Is My Dog’s Fly Chasing Cause For Worry?
If your pup loves to chase flies around, it could be a sign of prey drive being triggered, so always monitor him if he’s outside tracking bugs! It might not mean any harm at all, and you should only really worry about this issue if he starts eating a very large number of them or gets into other insects that are poisonous for dogs.
There are certain insects that your pup may find tasty, for example, crickets or grasshoppers, while other ones like ants will cause him pain if he eats too many!
If he’s in the house or outside chasing a fly, there might be nothing wrong with him other than his prey drive being triggered. That means that when something moves fast like a bug, your furry friend will try and get hold of it. Always monitor what your pup is up to, regardless of why your pet runs after bugs or flies.
As people, we enjoy the taste of different foods, so why wouldn’t our best friends in this world also have preferences when it comes down to what they choose to munch on from time to time?
Insects are an excellent source of protein which is why dogs can eat bugs, but the problem is there’s not a lot of nutritional value in some insects. You don’t want your best friend to rely on them as the dog’s source of protein because it isn’t good for them.
Can Eating Flies Be Harmful to My Dog?
There are some insects that dogs can easily digest. However, others may cause them harm by coming into contact with their digestive system or skin. Flies carry diseases and parasites, and they spread to humans and animals quickly, so it’s essential you know the risks of your dog eating flies if this is something he regularly does!
Flies may or may not be harmful to your dog. It really depends on the specific insect! Some flies are parasites that will infest their bodies with worms or other bugs, causing irritation and discomfort. Other insects contain toxins that can poison them if consumed in large amounts over time, leading to more severe problems like organ failure.
Flies and Insects Your Dog Can and Cannot Eat
Dogs can eat flies on occasion without any harm. However, dogs cannot consume bugs such as bees or wasps because these will sting the inside of their mouth.
Your dog may see them all as sky raisins, but bugs are bugs, and they should be treated as such. This means not eating bugs that sting, bugs with hard exoskeletons, or bugs with long legs covered in sharp bristles!
Here are some bugs and insects your dog should stay away from:
- Wasps: Wasps and hornets
- Ants: Fire ants, harvester ants
- Beetles: June bugs, dung beetles, and ladybugs
- Spiders: Any venomous spider or one that looks like it could be venomous. This includes black widows!
These are some insects your dog can safely eat:
- Grasshoppers and crickets: Any small bug with a soft body that doesn’t have long bristles or sharp legs.
- Earthworms: these are good for your dog as treats and can help with digestion.
- Flies: Eating a house fly or two will likely not lead to any harm for your dog.
Conclusion
Why does my dog eat flies?
If you’re a pet owner, your priority should always be to protect your dog and make sure they don’t come into contact with any harmful insects.
We hope this blog has taken away your worry about whether your dog is safe to eat flies. In general, flies are safe for dogs to eat. This is especially true when they’re on parasite preventatives. That said, keep an eye out for odd behavior or health issues. If you notice your pet acting strangely, contact your vet.