What Those Red Circles On Your Dog’s Belly Really Mean
Seeing angry, red circles on your dog's stomach when he turns over for a belly rub would have almost any pet owner running to the vet, but those big splotches may not affect your pup as much as you may think.
The Morinville Veterinary Clinic in Alberta, Canada, recently shared a message about a common affliction on its Facebook page to reassure worried pet parents.
"We are getting more and more phone calls about red bites on your dog's stomach," the post reads. "These are a type of fly bite, and dogs generally get them from laying in the grass. They look terrible, but usually do not bother the dogs. They heal quickly on their own, and do not require any treatment. These flies are usually around for a few weeks every spring and then go away. We hope this eases any worry that you may have had about your own dog!"
The post quickly went viral as Facebook users commiserated about finding similar bites on their pets - and feeling grateful they were just spared a big vet bill.
"Thank you for the information. I was just getting ready to run out to the vet and spend a good $200 I really don’t have," one person wrote.
So what's the likely culprit behind these nasty-looking marks?
"These appear to be bites from black flies, which are widely spread across North America, particularly the northern latitudes," says Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "Bites from these flies on dogs are usually harmless, but we'd caution pet owners not to ignore or downplay these kinds of bites, as there may be other causes that could cause similar markings that indicate more of a threat to our pets."
Those could potentially include other bugs or pests, plus allergic reactions to various environmental triggers. Because problematic bites could appear similar to these, err on the side of caution and take your pup to see a doctor if you're truly concerned.
"If you notice any unusual bites or injuries or behaviors, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss," San Filippo says. "There are a number of factors to consider, such as your pet's age, medical history, and health status, as well as the specific health threats to your pets where you live."
Because when it comes to your dog's health, it's always better to play it safe.
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