Have you ever noticed flies bugging your dog? If so, you probably notice your dog flicking their ears or shaking to keep the flies off. If this is the case, you may be looking for a solution. Here’s how to keep flies off your dog:

Why Are There Flies Around Your Dog?

If you’ve noticed more flies than normal buzzing around your dog, there might be a few reasons for this:

1. Your dog is dirty.
2. They’ve rolled in something smelly.
3. Your dog is ill and has diarrhea.
4. Your dog is becoming incontinent.
5. They have a dirty coat or a skin infection.
6. Some flies are just attracted to warm-blooded mammals.

One of the most common reasons is that your dog might be dirty or have something smelly on their fur. Dogs sometimes like to roll in smelly stuff, and flies tend to be attracted to smell. So, if your dog has rolled around in any dirt, especially any animal droppings, flies will be drawn to them.

Flies may also be drawn to your dog if they are ill, especially if they have diarrhea or are incontinent. Flies also tend to be attracted to dogs that have a dirty coat or a skin infection. These can also be reasons why dogs smell bad, which can also attract flies.

Another reason your dog may be experiencing more flies is that some specific types of flies, such as deer flies or moose flies, are simply attracted to warm-blooded mammals and the heat and carbon dioxide they release.

Do Flies Bite Dogs?

Unfortunately, some flies do bite dogs, and they can be painful bites. Plus, insect bites on dogs will often cause the dogs to scratch the area, leading to infection, and may even require treatment. Flies often bite in areas where a dog’s fur is much thinner, such as the belly or the inside of their ears.

How to Keep Flies Off Your Dog

While it isn’t possible to keep all flies off your dog, you can take some preventative measures to help keep their numbers down. There are also things you can do to help alleviate any discomfort they may give your dog. Here’s how to keep flies off your dog:

1. Be selective about where you walk your dog.
2. Bathe them regularly.
3. Clean up after your dog.
4. Find a dog-safe insect repellent.
5. Invest in some fly traps.

1. Be Selective About Where You Walk Your Dog

While every dog needs to be walked, you might want to do a little observing about where flies are the worst during your walks. Grassy areas tend to be more active for insects, so stick to pavement or stone paths.

Time of day can also determine how many flies are out. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, so if possible, try to walk your dog in daylight. However, if it’s a hot day, do not take your dog out for too long and stick to cooler morning and evening hours, which are helpful summer safety tips for dogs.

When it is too hot out, your dog may overheat or even experience heat stroke. Sometimes, a day that is a little bit windy can be a good time to take your dog on a longer walk because it can be harder for flies to land on your dog if it’s windy.

2. Bathe Them Regularly

While baths will not necessarily repel all flies, keeping your dog clean can help. Flies like dirty surfaces, so clean fur and skin are not an ideal environment for them to land or lay their eggs.

However, make sure to use an unscented soap, as some scents may actually attract flies. Plus, this type of shampoo is better for your dog’s skin anyway. Using unscented products and making sure the products you’re using are dog-friendly are helpful dog bathing tips.

3. Clean Up After Your Dog

Trash and fecal matter will be a big attraction for flies. Even though not all flies bite, they can still irritate your dog by landing on them. Be sure to clean up any trash, keep a lid on trash cans and other waste receptacles, and pick up after your dog goes to the bathroom. A clean yard will help reduce the number of flies. Staying on top of landscaping like this can also help protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and other pests, including flies.

4. Find a Dog-Safe Insect Repellent

Sometimes, an insect repellent can help keep the flies away. However, be very careful when looking for one. A lot of natural repellents that are advertised as dog-safe are not actually safe for dogs or natural. You should be very cautious when choosing any product for your dog.

Most natural insect repellents typically use citronella, garlic oil, tea tree oil, limonene, or geranium oil. All of these are toxic to dogs. Other oils, such as lemongrass and cedarwood, are typically considered to be safe for dogs, so you may see them as ingredients in some insect repellents marketed as dog-safe. However, before you use any product, make sure you check with your vet, even if it’s labeled as dog-safe.

5. Invest in Some Fly Traps

To help keep the fly population down in your home, consider purchasing some fly traps. Flypaper is a very effective way to catch flies. However, if your dog gets tangled up in them, they can find themselves in a very sticky situation. If you use flypaper, make sure it is placed high enough that your dog can’t reach it and that it won’t interfere with any of your daily tasks or routine.

You can also use electric fly traps. These fly traps use blue lights to attract insects and trap them with sticky paper, much like flypaper. There are also some homemade fly traps that you can try. Fill a jar with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and dish soap. Then, make a cone out of a piece of paper and place it in the jar. The cone funnels flies into the apple cider vinegar mixture, but makes it hard for them to fly out of it.

When To Call Your Vet

If you notice that your dog has fly bites, help treat them with a gentle bath. However, if your dog starts scratching bitten areas and develops an infection, see your veterinarian. Some dogs may also develop an allergic reaction to a fly bite. If your dog’s face is swollen, or they have any lethargy, vomiting, or hives, call your vet immediately.

This is an overview of how to keep flies off your dog. Finding ways to keep flies off your dog can help your dog feel more comfortable inside your home as well as outdoors!