Vet reveals why red bites are appearing on dogs’ stomachs
When you see red, angry-looking circles on the stomach of your dog, you may be tempted to take your dog to the vet immediately, and you are not wrong to do so.
However, before you freak out, it happens that these bites may not be as threatening as they appear.
The Morinville Veterinary Clinic in Alberta, Canada, recently posted some good news on their Facebook page, and it is about a question that pet owners have in common.
It turns out that the red spots on the belly of your dog might be nothing more than the effects of fly bites.
The clinic posted: ”We are receiving increasing phone calls regarding red bites on the stomach of your dog.”
They are a form of fly bite and dogs usually contract them by lying in the grass. They are ugly, and tend not to bother the dogs. They do not need any treatment and heal themselves fast. These flies tend to come and stay a few weeks in the spring and disappear. We hope this will allay any concern you might have had about your own dog!”
This time it was simply a warning or heads-up a reminder not to overreact and run up unnecessary vet bills or resources.
The post soon became viral and pet owners across Facebook were sharing their experiences of finding similar bites on their dogs. Most of them were relieved because they did not have to run to the vet and spend a fortune on a bill.
When you see red, angry-looking circles on the stomach of your dog, you may be tempted to take your dog to the vet immediately, and you are not wrong to do so.
However, before you freak out, it happens that these bites may not be as threatening as they appear.
The Morinville Veterinary Clinic in Alberta, Canada, recently posted some good news on their Facebook page, and it is about a question that pet owners have in common.
It turns out that the red spots on the belly of your dog might be nothing more than the effects of fly bites.
Troy Macdiarmid posted on Monday, May 25, 2020
The clinic posted: ”We are receiving increasing phone calls regarding red bites on the stomach of your dog.”
They are a form of fly bite and dogs usually contract them by lying in the grass. They are ugly, and tend not to bother the dogs. They do not need any treatment and heal themselves fast. These flies tend to come and stay a few weeks in the spring and disappear. We hope this will allay any concern you might have had about your own dog!”
This time it was simply a warning or heads-up a reminder not to overreact and run up unnecessary vet bills or resources.
The post soon became viral and pet owners across Facebook were sharing their experiences of finding similar bites on their dogs. Most of them were relieved because they did not have to run to the vet and spend a fortune on a bill.
I appreciate the information. One user wrote, I was about to run out to the vet and drop some good 200 bucks I really can not afford.
What then are the causes of these ugly bite marks? It appears that the black flies are the culprit and they are prevalent in North America particularly in the northern parts.
Sherry Hurst-Weavers posted on Friday, May 24, 2019
Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), explained that these are the bites of black flies, which are very common in North America, especially in the northern latitudes.
The bites of these flies on dogs are normally harmless, though we would advise pet owners not to dismiss or underestimate such bites because there might be other reasons that might lead to such markings that might pose more danger to our pets.
Although black fly bites are not usually dangerous, one should not disregard any alterations in the skin and behavior of the pet.
The clinic and specialists caution that other pests might leave similar bite marks, or even allergic reactions. When you feel worried or see something unusual, it is always better to visit your vet.
Kenzie Estelle May Thacker posted on Thursday, May 28, 2020
San Filippo recommended that you should talk to your veterinarian in case you notice any unusual bites or injuries or behaviors. Several factors are to be considered, including the age, medical history, and health condition of your pet, and the particular health risks to your pets in your area.
