If you’ve ever noticed red, angry-looking circles on your dog’s stomach, your first instinct might be to rush them to the vet— and that’s completely understandable.

But before you panic, it turns out that these bites might not be as alarming as they seem.

The Morinville Veterinary Clinic, located in Alberta, Canada, recently shared some reassuring news on their Facebook page, addressing a common concern among pet owners.

As it turns out, those red marks on your dog’s belly could simply be the result of fly bites.

Posted by Troy Macdiarmid on Monday, May 25, 2020
”We are getting more and more phone calls about red bites on your dog’s stomach,” the clinic posted and added:

”These are a type of fly bite, and dogs generally get them from laying in the grass. They look terrible, but usually do not bother the dogs. They heal quickly on their own and do not require any treatment. These flies are usually around for a few weeks every spring and then go away. We hope this eases any worry that you may have had about your own dog!”

This time, it was just a warning or heads-up – a reminder not to overreact and rack up unnecessary vet bills or resources.

The post quickly went viral, with pet owners all over Facebook sharing their own experiences of finding similar bites on their dogs. Many expressed relief, knowing they didn’t need to rush to the vet and avoid a costly bill.

”Thank you for the information. I was just getting ready to run out to the vet and spend a good $200 I really don’t have,” one user commented.

So, what exactly causes these nasty-looking bite marks? The culprit seems to be black flies, which are common across North America, especially in the northern regions.

Posted by Sherry Hurst-Weavers on Friday, May 24, 2019
“These appear to be bites from black flies, which are widely spread across North America, particularly the northern latitudes,” explained Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

”Bites from these flies on dogs are usually harmless, but we’d caution pet owners not to ignore or downplay these kinds of bites, as there may be other causes that could cause similar markings that indicate more of a threat to our pets.”

While black fly bites themselves are generally not harmful, it’s important not to overlook any changes in your pet’s skin or behavior.

The clinic and experts warn that similar bite marks could be caused by other pests, or possibly allergic reactions. If you’re concerned or notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet.

Posted by Kenzie Estelle May Thacker on Thursday, May 28, 2020
”If you notice any unusual bites or injuries or behaviors, 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 health status, as well as the specific health threats to your pets where you live.”

The key takeaway? While fly bites can look alarming, they’re typically harmless and clear up on their own. But as always, trust your instincts and reach out to a professional if you’re ever unsure!