In today's issue:

-Meet our dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

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Costco’s Best-Kept Secrets: 10 Weird Tricks Only Superfans Know

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

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The Science and Quirks Behind Your Dog’s Imaginary Fly-Catching

If you’ve ever looked over at your dog and caught them intensely tracking something invisible, only to bite down on thin air with a dramatic snap, you aren't alone. It’s one of those canine behaviors that is equal parts hilarious and bewildering. One second they’re dozing on the rug, and the next they’re engaged in a high-stakes duel with a completely imaginary insect.

While it often looks like a harmless quirk, "fly-snapping" or "fly-biting" can actually stem from a handful of different causes—ranging from quirky playfulness to underlying biology. Here is a look at why your furry friend might be hunting phantom bugs.

Sharp Senses and Stray Floating Dust

Before jumping to complex explanations, it helps to remember just how extraordinary a dog's vision and reflexes are. Dogs are exceptionally attuned to tiny, rapid movements and light contrast. That "invisible fly" might actually be:

• A speck of dust caught in a sunbeam.
• A tiny hair floating through the air.
• A trick of light or a reflection off a watch or phone screen.

To your dog, a catching ray of light is an irresistible target that warrants an immediate, snappy response.

Boredom, Playfulness, and Attention-Seeking

Dogs are masters at learning how to get a reaction out of us. If your dog snapped at the air once and you laughed, cheered, or gasped, they likely took mental notes. Repeating the behavior becomes a fun game—either as an outlet for excess energy or a reliable way to get you to look up from your phone and interact with them.

Mild Visual Oddities (Eye "Floaters")

Just like humans, dogs can develop vitreous floaters—tiny bits of microscopic tissue floating inside the fluid of their eyes. To a dog, a floater looks like a small spot constantly moving across their field of vision. Naturally, their instinct is to track it and try to catch it. If the snapping happens mostly in bright rooms or outdoors, eye floaters could very well be the culprit.

Gastrointestinal Upset and Acid Reflux

It sounds strange, but gut health and air-snapping are surprisingly linked. Veterinary gastroenterologists have found that dogs suffering from nausea, acid reflux, or inflammatory bowel issues often exhibit repetitive licking, swallowing, and snapping actions. The theory is that reflux creates an uncomfortable sensation in their throat or an unusual taste in their mouth, causing them to bite and gulp at the air for relief.

Compulsive Behaviors or Neurological Spikes

In some cases, frequent air-snapping can be a form of compulsive behavior or a focal seizure (sometimes referred to as "fly-snapping syndrome"). Unlike playful or environment-triggered snapping, a neurological fly-snap often comes with a dazed, fixated expression where the dog is difficult to distract or snap out of the trance.

When Should You Call the Vet?

An occasional phantom snap during playtime or in a sunny room is usually nothing more than a funny dog moment. However, it’s worth checking in with your veterinarian if you notice:

• The behavior becomes frequent, repetitive, or lasts for long stretches of time.
• Your dog seems distressed, confused, or unresponsive while doing it.
• It is accompanied by symptoms like lip-licking, excessive gulping, vomiting, or a sudden loss of appetite.

Next time your pup leaps up to catch an invisible foe, take a close look at their eyes and the light in the room. You might just catch the floating dust speck that sparked their grand adventure—or realize it's time for a quick belly rub to redirect that hunting energy!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Pedigree - High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food: Potential plastic contaminants
• Steve's Real Food - Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food: Possible Low Thiamine Levels (B1)
• Raaw Energy - Dog Food: Potential Listeria Contamination

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