Why Does My Dog Eat Flies?
WouterMany dog owners have trouble understanding why their dog eats flies. In reality, it’s a healthy and natural behavior. Flies are a common backyard pest and don’t sting dogs. However, flies can carry parasites. Luckily, the amount of pesticide needed to make a dog sick is much higher than the concentration of pesticide found on a fly.
Some breeds are bred for hunting and sporting purposes and are naturally inclined to chase bugs. However, it can be unhealthy if your dog becomes obsessed with these insects. Though it’s normal for your dog to eat flies, you may want to consult a veterinary practitioner to see whether it’s a sign of a health problem.
Aside from gastrointestinal issues, other underlying causes of fly-biting can include eye conditions. Fly-biting can be caused by tiny pieces of debris floating in the eye fluid called vitreous floaters. These can be easily detected with proper examination. Another cause is neurological effects causing visual hallucinations.
Certain species of flies are known to carry screwworm larvae. The larvae resemble wood screws. However, screwworms are rarely dangerous to dogs and usually don’t infest other animals. The primary screwworm is found in Central and South America and the Caribbean. While the Old World screwworm is native to Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, it’s not yet present in the United States or Mexico.
