What Are Air Bites? Understanding the Causes and Treatments

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the National Institutes of Health, fly biting, the term for a pet snapping at invisible objects, has been linked to underlying medical disorders, with gastrointestinal disease being the most common cause identified in one case series.

Quick Summary

Air biting is a pet behavior where an animal snaps at invisible objects, potentially caused by neurological issues like focal seizures, gastrointestinal discomfort, anxiety, or compulsive disorders, necessitating veterinary consultation for diagnosis.

Key Points

Fly-Biting Behavior: Air bites is the non-medical term for fly-biting or fly-snapping, a repetitive action where a pet appears to bite at invisible objects.
Multiple Potential Causes: The behavior can be a sign of underlying issues including focal seizures, gastrointestinal discomfort, anxiety, compulsive disorders, or vision problems.
Neurological Concern: Focal seizures, which are localized brain electrical disturbances, are one of the most common medical causes and can make a pet snap at imaginary flies while still conscious.
GI Connection: Recent research has highlighted a link between fly-biting and gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux, suggesting some pets bite the air due to internal nausea or discomfort.
Behavioral vs. Medical: It is crucial to distinguish air bites from normal play. Repetitive, random episodes that are hard to redirect point towards a behavioral or medical issue, not just play.
Veterinary Consultation is Key: Proper diagnosis is only possible through a veterinary exam. Owners should document episodes and discuss them with a vet to rule out serious conditions and find appropriate treatment.
Never Punish: Punishing a pet for air biting is ineffective and can worsen anxiety, which may be the root cause of the behavior.

What are air bites in pets?

Air bites, more clinically known as "fly-biting" or "fly-snapping," is a repetitive behavior where a pet appears to be biting or snapping at imaginary flies or objects in the air. This behavior can be concerning for pet owners, as it can occur seemingly out of nowhere. While sometimes a harmless quirk, it is often a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral issue that requires investigation. The episodes can range from a few casual snaps to frenzied, panicked biting, and the animal is usually aware of its surroundings, though some neurological causes can involve a disconnected state. This is distinctly different from a pet playing with a real insect and should be monitored carefully. A single, isolated incident may not be a concern, but repetitive or sudden onset air biting should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Common causes of air bites

Neurological issues and focal seizures

One of the most serious and common medical causes for air biting is a focal seizure, also known as a partial seizure. A focal seizure is an abnormal electrical activity confined to a specific area of the brain, causing a localized effect. In the case of fly-biting, this abnormal activity affects the part of the brain that controls movement and awareness, causing the animal to snap at invisible objects. The dog or cat remains conscious during these episodes and may be distractible, making them difficult to identify as seizure activity without professional diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal discomfort

Emerging research indicates a strong link between air biting and underlying gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Conditions that cause acid reflux or stomach upset, such as helicobacter pylori infections or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause a sensation that prompts the air biting. Pets may snap at the air as a response to the nausea or discomfort they are feeling. If your pet shows signs of GI upset along with air biting, such as excessive licking, regurgitation, or changes in appetite, it is crucial to investigate this possibility with a vet.

Compulsive disorders and anxiety

In some cases, air biting can develop into a compulsive disorder, similar to human obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This behavioral problem can start due to stress, boredom, or a learned habit, and then become a fixed, repetitive behavior. Anxiety, stress, and fear are also major triggers for air snapping. Sudden changes in a pet's environment, separation anxiety, or exposure to loud noises can all induce this behavior. Addressing the underlying stressor is key to managing a behavioral-based air biting issue.

Vision problems

It is possible that what the pet is reacting to is not imaginary, but rather a vision anomaly. Conditions like retinal problems, cataracts, or even small "floaters" in the eye can cause a pet to see things that are not there, leading to them snapping or biting at the air. A comprehensive eye exam by a vet can help rule out or identify these issues.

Comparison: Air Bites vs. Normal Play Behavior


Feature	Air Bites / Fly-Biting	Normal Play Behavior
Trigger	Often random or linked to stress/discomfort; no visible prey.	Occurs in response to a visible target (e.g., toy, treat, insect).
Context	Can happen at any time, especially when resting or relaxed.	Part of an interactive game or hunting sequence; less repetitive.
Distractibility	The pet may be distracted by the owner's voice or a toy, especially with anxiety-related cases.	The pet is highly focused on the object of play.
Body Language	Can be accompanied by other signs of discomfort, anxiety, or unusual posture.	Playful posture, wagging tail, relaxed body.
Frequency	Repetitive episodes that may increase over time.	Sporadic, playful, and easily redirected.

What to do if your pet is air biting

The first and most important step is to schedule a comprehensive check-up with your veterinarian. This is necessary to rule out serious medical causes such as neurological disorders, including seizures, or underlying gastrointestinal issues. Here is a list of steps to take:

Keep a log: Document when the air bites occur, what the pet was doing beforehand, and how long the episode lasts. This information is invaluable for your vet.
Consider potential triggers: Note any recent changes in your pet's diet, environment, or routine. Have you switched foods? Has there been a new pet or person in the house? Identifying a trigger can aid in diagnosis.
Do not punish: Scolding or punishing your pet for this behavior will not help and may cause increased anxiety, potentially worsening the problem.
Explore management options: Treatment will depend on the root cause. For neurological issues, anti-epileptic medication may be prescribed. For GI issues, dietary changes or medications may be used. Behavioral issues may require enrichment, training, or anti-anxiety medication. In some cases, a vet may refer you to a specialist, such as a veterinary neurologist or a veterinary behaviorist.

Conclusion

While a pet snapping at imaginary flies can seem like a minor or amusing habit, it is often a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Air bites, or fly-biting, can stem from neurological issues, such as focal seizures, or medical problems like gastrointestinal disease, and can also be a sign of anxiety or compulsive behaviors. A proper diagnosis from a veterinary professional is essential to determine the correct course of action and provide the pet with the appropriate treatment. By carefully observing and documenting episodes, pet owners can provide their vets with the information needed to create an effective management plan and ensure their companion's long-term health and well-being. For more information on canine behavior, consult reputable sources like the American Kennel Club on dog air snapping.

Note: While some pet snack brands use the term "Air Bites" for products designed for air frying, this article focuses solely on the medical behavior exhibited by pets, not commercial food products.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for advice regarding your pet's health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Air bites and fly-biting refer to the same behavior. "Fly-biting" is the more clinical term used by veterinarians to describe a pet snapping at invisible objects in the air, but the terms are used interchangeably.

Yes, air bites can be a manifestation of a focal or partial seizure, which affects only a specific part of the brain. The pet remains conscious and may seem to be biting at nothing.

Yes, recent research suggests a link between air biting and gastrointestinal discomfort. Acid reflux or other stomach problems can cause a sensation that prompts the behavior.

You should contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. Documenting the frequency, duration, and triggers of the episodes can help your vet with diagnosis.

While air biting has been observed in many breeds, some, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are noted as being more prone to the behavior, particularly when linked to seizures or neurological issues.

Yes, stress and anxiety are known triggers for air biting. The behavior can sometimes be a coping mechanism or can evolve into a compulsive disorder, especially if a pet's environment has recently changed.

If a neurological cause like focal seizures is identified, a vet may prescribe anti-epileptic medications such as phenobarbital or levetiracetam to help control the episodes.