{"id":236,"date":"2021-05-21T11:25:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T18:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastsacvet.com\/blog\/?p=236"},"modified":"2022-03-09T11:47:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-09T19:47:24","slug":"true-confessions-my-pet-eats-bugs-and-its-probably-okay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eastsacvet.com\/blog\/true-confessions-my-pet-eats-bugs-and-its-probably-okay\/","title":{"rendered":"True Confessions: My Pet Eats Bugs (and It\u2019s Probably Okay)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Pet<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Many pets have a tendency to track flying objects with the intent to chomp on and swallow them. It may seem odd, and it\u2019s definitely a little gross, but it is a fairly normal behavior in the animal world. Dogs and cats seem to enjoy snatching up flying insects. If you\u2019ve been cautiously observing this behavior, and wondering why your pet eats bugs, we\u2019ve got the scoop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Shoo, Fly!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of us absolutely detest flies, and go above and beyond to keep them out of the house. While a nuisance for us, flies appear enticing to dogs and cats. They zoom, dip, soar, and settle on places as if to taunt the pets we love. In other words, they\u2019re captivating to watch\u2014and sometimes to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your pet eats bugs because, well, it\u2019s an interesting thing to do. They\u2019re crunchy, fun to chase, and satisfy their predatory instincts. Plus, they could even offer an easy bit of nutrition\u2014despite triggering our collective gag reflex!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, your pet may eat bugs to relieve stress and anxiety<\/a>, or to reduce boredom. It\u2019s entertainment, and eating bugs is, simply, fun for them. If your pet is young and full of energy, eating bugs may satisfy their need for activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Else to Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A pet eats bugs because they can, not necessarily because they\u2019re missing something in their diet, or that they\u2019re even hungry. We know the impulse to add more calories to their bowl<\/a> in order to minimize their bug eating activities, but they really don\u2019t go hand-in-hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating bugs just answers an ancient instinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Eating Bugs Safe…or Unhealthy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking beyond the gross factor, eating flies is probably nothing to worry about. Yes, they have the potential to spread disease, bacteria, and parasites, but the acid in your pet\u2019s stomach likely kills whatever they\u2019re carrying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, some flies pick up chemical compounds intended to eradicate flying insects and other pests. If your pet eats a fly that has ingested poison, they can become sick. The solution can either be to train your pet<\/a> not to eat bugs, or apply a pet-safe insecticide around your property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Pet Eats Bugs, Then Gets Sick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While flies are definitely off-putting and potentially sickening, other bugs can cause gastrointestinal distress and even more serious symptoms, such as venom toxicity. For owners worried that their pet eats bugs, be sure the following are always off-limits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n