If you’ve ever come across strange red rings or irritated spots on your dog’s belly, your first reaction might be to assume the worst — and head straight to the vet. That reaction is totally normal.
But take a deep breath — those marks may not be as serious as they appear.
The Morinville Veterinary Clinic in Alberta, Canada, recently took to Facebook to calm worried pet owners by shedding light on a frequent but harmless issue.
In many cases, those angry red spots on your pup’s belly are simply fly bites.
We’ve been receiving a growing number of calls about red marks on dogs’ bellies,” the clinic shared, explaining:
“These are fly bites, often caused by resting in grassy areas. Though they appear alarming, most dogs aren’t bothered by them. The bites typically heal fast without treatment. These flies pop up for a few weeks each spring before vanishing. We hope this puts your mind at ease!”
This time, it was simply a friendly alert—a nudge to stay calm and skip unneeded vet visits or expenses.
Thanks for the heads-up! I was about to drop $200 at the vet—money I can’t spare right now, one person replied.
So, what’s behind these unsettling marks? The likely offenders are black flies, widespread in North America, particularly in northern areas.
“These marks are likely from black flies—a common pest found throughout North America, especially in northern areas,” explained Michael San Filippo, spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
“While these fly bites typically aren’t dangerous for dogs, we urge pet owners not to dismiss them entirely. Similar-looking marks could signal other issues that may pose real risks to your pet’s health.”
Though black fly bites themselves are usually harmless, veterinarians stress the importance of monitoring your dog’s skin and overall behavior closely.
Both the clinic and animal experts note that identical-looking bites might stem from different insects or even allergic reactions. When in doubt—or if something seems off—it’s always smart to check with your veterinarian.
“If you notice any unusual bites, injuries, or changes in behavior, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss,” San Filippo advised. “There are a number of factors to consider, such as your pet’s age, medical history, and overall health, as well as the specific risks in your area.”
The bottom line? Those scary-looking fly bites are usually nothing to worry about and heal naturally. But remember – when in doubt, it never hurts to get expert advice!
