Flies can be a nuisance for dogs, but why are flies attacking my dog? It’s a common issue that many pet owners face, especially during certain seasons. Flies tend to hover around certain conditions that attract them, and your dog could unknowingly provide the perfect environment. What are the potential causes of these pesky fly visits? How to help your pup stay fly-free all year round? Read this article by Petflix and Chill to break down everything!
Why Are Flies Attacking My Dog?
Why are there flies on my dog? If your pup has open wounds or smells terrible, these pests can attack it. External factors such as moist and warm weather can sometimes lead to fly bites.
Let’s explore why your pup might attract these pesky insects now!
#1. Open Wounds
Flies may be drawn to dogs because of smells from open wounds. These winged pests find your dog’s wounds and open sores especially alluring. They may worsen the wounds by laying their eggs there, which causes parasitic illnesses, such as botfly infestations.
#2. Dirty Or Matted Fur
If your canine’s fur is unclean or matted due to an illness, diarrhea, or skin disease, flies may be attracted to it. These harmful tiny invaders get lured to the perineum by loose stool and lay their eggs. As a result, the infestation begins.
#3. Attractiveness To Flies
Canine’s body heat, perspiration, and scents may all attract flies. If your pet has injuries or open wounds, flies may fly around and attack it.
#4. Moist And Warm Areas
If you live in an environment that is humid and warm, close to standing water, biting flies will be more prevalent. These kinds of insects can also flourish in vegetation-rich areas.
#5. Seasonal Factors
Fly populations tend to expand throughout certain seasons, particularly in the latter months of summer and spring. Hence, uninvited pests may buzz around it if your pup plays in grassy fields, near trash, or around livestock.
What Happens When A Dog Gets Bitten By Flies?
If you observe flies around or on your pet’s body, they have likely gotten bitten. To diagnose after the occurrence, the margins of the ears will likely display little red pimples that are black and crusty and occasionally bleed.
But why are flies attacking my dog’s ears? The canine’s ears have sensitive skin and are vulnerable to attack, and flies can easily feast on them. Check out the following signs:
- Itching
- Bite wound
- Skin redness
- Bump on the skin
- Flies hidden in the hair
- Bites that might crust over or bleed
Are Fly Bites Dangerous For Dogs?
The short answer is yes! It hurts when a dog gets bitten by a fly, especially a horsefly. Fly bites are potentially harmful to your pet’s well-being in addition to being an initial annoyance and discomfort. Most often, if this insect attacks your pup or deposits eggs underneath its coat, it can cause an illness or infestation.
Although a fly bite may not significantly affect your pup’s health, fly saliva can cause an allergic reaction. Nickel-sized areas are uncomfortable and can cause severe open wounds, excessive itching, and fast swelling. Without prompt intervention, an infection can arise.
How To Protect Your Dog From Flies?
Flies don’t just annoy dogs—they can cause painful bites and even infections. Here’s how to keep those buzzing bugs away and protect your furry friend:
#1. Keep Your Dog Clean And Groomed
Keeping your pooch clean is the simplest method to prevent flies from attacking them. Frequent cleanings may make a big difference. Ensure that you bathe your canine’s coat using a dog-friendly shampoo. Brush your pet’s hair between washes to get rid of matting and dirt accumulation. As a result, flies won’t be able to feed on dirt, muck, or skin accumulation. In addition, always keep your canine’s coat neat and tidy to cut down on smells that might draw flies.
#2. Clean Dog’s Waste
As mentioned earlier, waste particularly appeals to insects, including flies, because it provides food and an environment for laying eggs. This may result in a severe infestation. Therefore, ensuring all of your pup’s waste is removed from the garden is another straightforward and efficient method to keep flies away from your pet.
Furthermore, regular garbage cleanup will keep flies away from your home and eventually deter flies from buzzing your pet.
#3. Care The Wound
To reduce your dog’s appeal to flies, ensure any injuries or sores are cleansed and treated appropriately.
#4. Clean The Living Environment
Maintaining a clean living environment is as important as keeping your pet’s cage and yard tidy. This practice can discourage flies from entering your house. Also, remember to take out the garbage often and remove the food fragments in your kitchen sink.
Likewise, you should wash dishes immediately because the stench might draw pests inside your house.
#5. Use Pet-Safe Fly Repellents
There are several natural, dog-friendly, fly-repellent remedies that you may make at home. Mix apple cider vinegar with water (1:1 ratio) and fill the mixture into a spray container. All you need to do is spray the homemade solution over the canine, which can prevent flies from attacking it. Apply this method frequently to achieve the best result.
#6. Use Fly Traps
Fly traps are a valuable tool for eliminating flies from your house. The catchers should ideally be positioned in places where flies congregate to feed.
7.# Use Petroleum Jelly
The most common places for flies to attack are your pup’s ears and other delicate skin areas. Apply petroleum jelly to these regions as a repellent. It prevents insects from hurting your pooch since they can’t bite through the gel.
#8. Light Up Some Citronella Candles
A perfume that is harmless for canines and repels flies is citronella. Buy a few citronella candles and place them in any spaces your pet typically visits if you don’t want to kill insects.
When to See the Vet?
Call a veterinarian immediately if insects have bitten your pooch and their wounds are red and seeping or if it is not acting like itself. These professionals can treat inflammation or infection and help your canine feel better.
Animal lovers share the same concern:
In A Nutshell
So, why are flies attacking my dog? The answer often lies in wounds, unclean fur, warm weather, or nearby waste. These buzzing pests do more than annoy; they can bite, cause infections, and stress your pup. Don’t wait for it to get worse. Keep your dog clean, treat wounds early, and protect their space.
