Why does my dog air snap or fly snap when excited or anxious?

Question

Hi, I have a white boxer who licks everything non stop. She also air snaps or fly snaps. The vet says nothing is wrong but I'm not sure he knew anything about fly snapping. The thing is she does it when she is excited or anxious and she will wag her tail. She seems happy doing it. She will snip at other dogs if they "distract her while she is fly snapping". She's easy to snap out of it so he doesn't seem like a seizure and I've changed her food thinking maybe her stomach is upset. (Licking. Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 50 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

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

Why does my dog air snap or fly snap when excited or anxious?

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