Those strange red circles on your dog’s belly might look scary, but they’re often nothing more than black fly bites—annoying but harmless.
The Morinville Veterinary Clinic in Canada recently addressed the issue after numerous concerned pet owners called about the marks. The clinic explained that black flies, which thrive in grassy areas, are the likely culprits. These bites tend to appear in spring and fade away on their own without treatment.
While the bites are usually no cause for alarm, experts like Michael San Filippo of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advise keeping an eye on them. If your dog seems itchy, the spots worsen, or other symptoms arise, a vet check is a good idea. Allergies or other insects could also cause similar reactions.
For most dogs, though, these bites are just a seasonal nuisance. As one relieved pet owner commented online, “I was about to spend $200 at the vet—thank goodness I saw this post first!”
