My teething puppy snaps at air and hands. What should I do about it?

Hi, fly biting behavior (snapping at the air as if trying to catch a nonexistent fly) is an obsessive-compulsive behavior, caused by an array of issues that range from eye problems to a form of a focal seizure . This needs to be investigated by a neurologist. If confirms then managed with anti-epileptic medications that are used for generalized seizures. There is research that presented data indicating that some fly biting may be caused by an underlying medical disorder, GI disease being the most common. At home, these dogs consistently presented more fly biting following feeding, suggesting potential postprandial [after eating] discomfort. In these fly biting dogs, the jaw snapping was preceded by head raising and neck extension. When these dogs received treatment for their GI disease, the fly biting completely resolved in most cases in this research group. If your dog is fly biting, make sure your vet performs also a complete work-up for gastrointestinal disease. There is a chance you’ll find something that responds to treatment. Hope this helps but the best thing would be to try and find a specialist preferably a neurologist.

Hi there. Repetitive fly snapping when there is nothing present can be a sign of neurologic problems, or can be a compulsive behavior in dogs. If her neurologic exam is normal and she has no other symptoms, then it's more likely to be compulsive - but it would be best to have her evaluated by a veterinary behaviorist to know for sure. Treatment for compulsive behavior issues normally involves increasing exercise and mental stimulation, providing distractions or training an alternative behavior that can be cued and rewarded at times when she would normally start fly snapping, and often medication of some kind. You can find more information on how to locate a qualified professional in your area to help with this here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/findabehaviourist

When you describe your dog as ‘fly biting’ it makes me concerned that he is having seizure-like activity. If he is having seizures this would explain his abnormal behavior. The gums in this picture appear normal so I would not worry about that. I would recommend visiting your veterinarian as soon as possible. It would definitely be helpful to show them the video you recorded. Be sure to keep track of any/all other instances that this happens. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

This sounds like fly biting activity. Dogs with this disorder seem to have hallucinations: they chase flying items only they can see. You have to consider many underlying medical and behavioral reasons for this behavior. * attention seeking * ocular disease * seizures * metabolic or toxic or neoplastic diseases These all need to be ruled out but the most common reason is seizures. ( http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/flybite/flybite.html ) I suggest you seek help from your veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when puppies are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get her teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that she tries to nibble at you, you say no and give her the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when puppies are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get Roxy teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that she tries to nibble at you, you say no and give her the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. However, it does take persistence and consistency. Teething is part of the normal growth of a puppy but it does get better. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when puppies are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get Lucy teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that he tries to nibble at you, you say no and give him the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. Puppies do tend to sleep for long periods of time and that is normal and expected so as long as she is not showing any other signs of being sick like vomiting or anorexia, it is ok to continue to monitor that. Good luck and have a great day!