
Dear Cathy,
I have an eight-year-old, 35-pound mixed-breed dog who sits outside with me in the evening. One of his favorite things to do is to catch flies. He just sits there, and when a fly comes by, he catches and swallows it. He’s quite good at it, and it keeps our patio free from flies. But I was wondering if this could cause any health issues. He has never had a health problem, but I thought I would ask you if this is something I need to stop him from doing. – Jenna
Dear Jenna,
It sounds like your dog has become quite the fly-catching expert, and I understand your concern about whether it could cause health issues. Fortunately, flies are not harmful to dogs, and eating them generally won’t cause any problems. In fact, dogs are natural scavengers and would likely eat far worse things given the opportunity. Flies are mostly just a source of protein and won’t pose a health risk to your dog.
That said, while flies are safe, it’s important to stay alert in case he tries to catch other insects that could be more dangerous. For instance, bees, wasps, or yellow jackets could sting his mouth or throat if he catches them. A sting inside the mouth could cause swelling, which could become serious if it affects his ability to breathe or eat. It’s a good idea to keep some Benadryl on hand just in case, but always consult your vet before giving it to your dog to ensure the right dosage.
If you notice any signs of swelling, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, or unusual behavior after catching an insect, it’s best to seek veterinary advice immediately. But as far as flies go, you can let your dog continue to enjoy his evening “fly hunting” without too much worry.
In addition to stinging insects, you should also be aware of the other things dogs like to put in their mouths:
- Toxic Plants and Mushrooms: Dogs can sometimes nibble on plants or mushrooms that grow outdoors, and while many are harmless, others can be toxic. Knowing what’s growing in your yard and removing anything potentially harmful is important.
- Stones or Rocks: Some dogs like to chew on or swallow small stones, which can cause blockages in the digestive tract or damage teeth. It’s a good idea to watch your dog to ensure he’s not picking up rocks or other inedible items.
- Small Toys or Debris: If your dog is habitually catching things, be mindful of any small objects, such as children’s toys or garden debris, that could be accidentally swallowed. Small items can become lodged in his throat or cause gastrointestinal blockages.
- Rodents or Other Small Animals: Some dogs have a strong prey drive and might try to catch and eat small critters, such as mice or lizards. While this is natural behavior, wild animals can carry parasites or diseases, so it’s best to discourage him from catching them if possible.
- Insects Treated with Pesticides: While flies are harmless, be cautious if the area or your home has been recently treated with insecticides or pesticides. Ingesting insects that have been exposed to these chemicals could lead to poisoning or other health issues.
- Snakes. While most garden snakes are non-venomous and can help control pests, they can bite defensively if threatened. Although non-venomous snake bites are usually minor, swallowing one could pose a choking hazard or digestive issue for a dog, especially if the snake is large. The greater concern arises with venomous snakes like copperheads or rattlesnakes, which could pose a serious threat to a dog. A bite from a venomous snake can cause severe swelling, pain, and even life-threatening reactions that require immediate veterinary attention. Even a deadly venomous snake could still be dangerous because the venom remains in the body after death.
To reduce the chances of these encounters, keep your yard tidy and trimmed, and remove brush piles to make it less inviting for snakes.
Additionally, supervising your dog when he’s outside and teaching a strong “leave it” command can help keep him from approaching snakes or other potentially harmful critters. (If your dog is bitten or shows signs of pain, swelling, or lethargy, it’s essential to contact a vet immediately for treatment.)
While catching flies isn’t something you need to stop, it’s always good to be mindful of these other potential hazards. I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, and columnist with more than 35 years in the field of animal welfare. If you are interested in her children’s books, please visit https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/. Send your pet questions to moc.tidnuptep @yhtac