You take your dog outside for a quiet adventure. Suddenly, your pup zeroes in on a bug and goes ballistic.
Perhaps it’s a fly that has become your dog’s obsession. Or maybe your buddy is trying to catch a moth. If your furry friend is like my Henry, he believes every lizard must be investigated immediately.
It may look weird and even make you laugh at your dog’s tiny lion behavior. But is there any reason you should be concerned when dogs are obsessed with bugs?
Your Dog Is Triggered By Movement
It’s instinctual for dogs to be attracted to anything that moves fast in an unpredictable manner. The zig-zagging, buzzing, and fluttering of bugs are nature’s dog toys.
Even calm dogs, like my Henry, will get their hunting mode activated by these fast movements.
Your dog inherited these chasing instincts from wolf ancestors. They learned that chasing bugs could provide:
- Mental stimulation
- Hunting practice
- Excitement and entertainment
- A cure for boredom
Today, your dog sees bugs as tiny moving toys.
Some Dogs Simply Love The Chase
Some dog breeds are obsessed with tracking and chasing tiny creatures. Hunting, terrier, herding, and sporting dogs were bred to zone in on quick movements.
Almost any dog can find a bug interesting.
Henry loves chasing lizards. Even though his skills aren’t up to his wolf ancestors’ standards, he loves it. Actually, I’m certain the lizards laugh at his abilities.
Thankfully, most dogs find the fun is in the chase and not so much in the catch.
Should You Let Your Dog Eat Bugs?
The occasional bug chase generally isn’t an issue. But eating bugs shouldn’t be your dog’s goal.
There are certain insects that can sting, bite, or cause an upset stomach. Some bugs even carry parasites or are simply toxic to dogs.
You may not want your dog eating bugs like:
- Bees, wasps, or hornets
- Fireflies
- Ants, especially fire ants
- Caterpillars
- Spiders of any kind
- Scorpions
- Stink bugs
But eating large amounts of any bug could become dangerous. Also, you don’t know if the insect was sprayed or came in contact with pesticides.
Letting your excited dog crunch down on a bug could result in a pricey vet visit.
When Bug Obsession Could Become A Problem
Generally, chasing bugs is harmless. But there are times it can become a concern.
You will want to consult your vet if your dog:
- Obsessively stares at walls or floors
- Constantly snaps at invisible bugs
- Seems anxious or unable to settle
- Suddenly develops compulsive behaviors
Sometimes, excessive bug-fixation can be linked to anxiety or medical issues.
The Bottom Line On Dogs And Bugs
Dogs are furry little investigators who love to play whenever they are given the chance. Tiny moving creatures like bugs and lizards are Mother Nature’s toys. Usually, it’s harmless unless your dog decides to snack on something dangerous.
If your dog loses his mind over a housefly, then congratulations. You have your own live-in bug exterminator.
Fun Dog Fact: Dogs dream about what they like, which can include chasing bugs and lizards. Those twitchy paws may indicate a deep sleep chase.
