Why does my dog bite the air?
My dog likes to bite the air as if he's catching a fly, why does he do this? Is this napping a sign of something, or is he just trying to have fun?
5 Answers
All dogs are silly and have this tendency, I believe that fresh air relaxes and excites them. If you have ever noticed dogs smelling the air they can smell all sorts of things within travel. Maybe to even think they can catch it in their mouths.
If a dog snaps at the air, and he's not feeling playful or threatened, it may be an indication of a neurological or behavior problem.
Some people use the terms “fly biting” or “fly catching” to describe canines who appear to be nipping at an invisible fly, instead of directing their snapping and licking at a person. Repeated episodes of fly catching may be a sign of seizure activity, which can often be controlled through medication.
Other dogs air snap out of boredom, if they don’t get enough exercise or stimulating play. This can turn into an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additional exercise and food puzzles may help to eliminate the behavior, but medication may be needed for severe cases.
If you’re not sure why your dog is snapping at the air, consult your veterinarian. If it's associated with aggression, you’ll want to work with your vet or a certified trainer to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
If a dog snaps at the air, and he's not feeling playful or threatened, it may be an indication of a neurological or behavior problem. Some people use the terms “fly biting” or “fly catching” to describe canines who appear to be nipping at an invisible fly, instead of directing their snapping and licking at a person.
There are neurological symptoms in which a dog will exhibit behaviors where they are biting the air or attempting to bite at an object that is not there. There are also studies which suggest this behavior may have underlying causes of a gastrointestinal problem.
I would actually have your pet evaluated for eyesight, GI and neurological issues that may exist.
Marie S., M.S.Ed
Canine Fly-Snapping Syndrome can be an obsessive-compulsive behavior problem, the result of genetics or caused by an array of issues that range from eye problems to a form of epilepsy.
This could be a number of things, dependent on age and well-being. If the puppy is young, it's common to do this out of excitement and playfulness! If it continues consistently at older ages, it could be a sign of anxiety, or another behavioral issue. Call your vet and ask questions depending.
They probably aren't biting the air. It could be trying to get a fly or moth