Summertime means hot weather, barbecue, and lots of flies. While most people don’t mind flies buzzing around their heads, flies can be a real annoyance for dogs.
Flies can get into dogs’ eyes and ears, making them scratch and uncomfortable.
In this blog post, we will share some top tips on how to keep flies off dogs so you can enjoy summer without the buzzing bother. We also share with you what NOT to do to keep flies off your dog.
So keep reading to learn how to keep your four-legged friend fly-free all summer long!
Why Are There Flies On Your Dog And Why They Bite It
Flies are attracted to dogs for a few reasons.
The first reason is that dogs are warm-blooded animals. This means that they emit heat, which attracts flies. This is why you often see flies buzzing around dogs in the summertime.
Another reason that flies are attracted to dogs is because of the bacteria on their skin. Flies are attracted to the smell of bacteria, and they will land on a dog’s skin to feed on it.
When a fly lands on a dog’s skin, it will bite the dog to break through the hair and skin. This is how the fly feeds on the bacteria.
The third reason that flies are attracted to dogs is because of the sweat glands in their skin. Dogs have more sweat glands than humans, which means that they produce more sweat.
This sweat attracts flies, and when land on the skin, they will bite the dog to get to the sweat.
Another reason that flies are attracted to dogs is because of the pet’s fur. Dogs that have long fur or thick fur are more likely to attract flies than dogs with short fur. A dog’s coat and fur are the perfect places for a fly to lay its eggs.
What Kind Of Flies Can Bite Your Dog
There are two types of flies that are known to bite dogs: houseflies and horseflies.
Houseflies are more common in urban areas, while horse flies are more common in rural areas.
Both houseflies and horseflies have mouthparts that contain piercing and sucking components. This allows them to pierce the skin of their host and feed on their blood. Houseflies and horseflies also have similar life cycles.
They both go through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Associated Risks With Fly Bites
While fly bites are not usually dangerous, they can cause some problems for dogs.
The first problem is that fly bites can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. This can lead to itching, swelling, and redness at the bite site.
In severe cases, an allergic reaction to a fly bite can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
Another problem with fly bites is that they can introduce bacteria into the dog’s system. This can cause an infection at the bite site or even a systemic infection if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Finally, fly bites can be painful for dogs. Dogs may try to scratch or lick at the bite site, which can lead to further irritation and even infection.
6 Ways To Keep Flies Off Your Dog
#1 – Keep Your Puppy Clean And Healthy
The best way to keep flies off your dog is to make sure that your dog is clean and healthy. A dirty or unhealthy dog is more likely to attract flies than a clean and healthy dog.
The first step in keeping your dog clean and healthy is to brush their fur regularly. This will remove any dirt, debris, or dead skin cells that may be attracting flies.
It is also important to bathe your dog on a regular basis. This will help to remove any sweat, bacteria, or dirt that may be attracting flies.
Furthermore, a healthy diet will help to keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy, which will make it less attractive to flies.
Make sure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times. This will help to keep them hydrated and their skin healthy.
#2 – Keep Your Home And Dog’s Environment Clean
Another way to keep flies off your dog is to keep your home and their environment clean.
If there is garbage or food scraps around your home, this will attract flies. Be sure to clean up any garbage or food scraps as soon as possible.
You should also make sure that you are cleaning your dog’s bowls, bedding, and toys regularly.
Any area where your dog spends time should be clean and free of potential attractants for flies.
#3 – Make Sure All Of Your Dog’s Waste Is Cleaned Up
One of the main attractants for flies is dog waste. If you do not clean up your dog’s waste, this will attract flies to your home.
Be sure to scoop up your dog’s waste as soon as possible after they go to the bathroom.
You should also dispose of their waste in a sealed bag so that flies cannot get to it.
If you have a backyard, you should also consider investing in a compost bin for your dog’s waste. This will keep the flies away and provide you with nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
#4 – Repel Flies With Natural Pesticides And Fly Repellents
There are a number of natural pesticides and fly repellents that you can use to keep flies away from your dog.
Some of the most effective natural pesticides include neem oil, cedar oil, and eucalyptus oil.
These oils can be diluted with water and sprayed around your home to repel flies.
You can also add a few drops of these oils to your dog’s collar to help keep flies away from them.
There are also several commercial fly repellents that you can purchase. These products usually contain essential oils or other natural ingredients that repel flies.
#5 – Kill Flies In Your Home With Fly Catches
Another way to keep flies away from your dog is to use flycatchers in your home.
Flycatchers are devices that trap and kill flies. They usually contain a sticky substance that the flies land on and get stuck.
You can purchase flycatchers at most hardware stores or online.
#6 – Bring Your Dog Inside During Hot Summer Days
One of the best ways to keep flies off your dog is to bring them inside during hot summer days.
Flies are more active in warm weather, so they are more likely to bother your dog when it is hot outside.
What NOT To Do To Keep Flies Off Dogs
Do not use chemical fly sprays around your dog. These products can be toxic if ingested by your dog. In addition, they can be harmful if inhaled by your dog.
Likewise, do not use insecticides. Although they are designed to kill insects, they can also be harmful to your dog if they are ingested or inhaled.
If you must use a pesticide, only use products that are specifically designed to be safe around dogs.
When There Is A Need To Call A Professional For Flies?
Most of the time you can combat the flies yourself, however, if you have tried all of the above methods and you are still having problems with flies, you may need to call a professional.
A professional pest control company can provide you with more information about how to keep flies away from your dog.
They can also help you identify the source of the problem and provide you with treatments to get rid of the flies for good.
You may also need to call a professional if your yard or home is infested with flies.
In this case, the professionals will be able to treat your yard or home so that the flies are eliminated.
People Also Ask
How Do I Get Rid Of Flies Around My Dog?
To get rid of flies around your dog, you should clean up any garbage or food scraps, make sure all of your dog’s waste is cleaned up, and use flycatchers in your home to kill flies. You can also bring your dog inside during hot summer days.
How Do You Get Rid Of Flies On Dogs Naturally?
There are several natural pesticides and fly repellents that you can use to keep flies away from your dog. Some of the most effective natural pesticides include neem oil, cedar oil, and eucalyptus oil.
Why Are There So Many Flies On My Dog?
There could be several reasons why there are so many flies on your dog. It could be because there is food or garbage nearby, or it could be because your dog’s waste has not been cleaned up. If you have tried all of the above methods and you are still having problems with flies, you may need to call a professional.
Does Vaseline Keep Flies Off Dogs?
Vaseline is not a known repellant, however, it is effective in treating fly bites and other wounds. If you have any open wounds on your dog, you can apply a small amount of Vaseline to the area to help heal the wound and keep flies away.
Conclusion
There are several ways how to keep flies off dogs.
Some of the most effective methods include cleaning up any garbage or food scraps, making sure all of your dog’s waste is cleaned up, and using flycatchers in your home to kill flies. You can also bring your dog inside during hot summer days.
A natural way? Use neem oil, cedar oil, or eucalyptus oil.
