Knowing how to keep flies off outdoor dogs is important if your dog enjoys being outside. Dogs are cheerful and energetic creatures that marvel in exploring the great outdoors.
When your dog is running through bushes and dashing around outside, she’s eventually going to get exposed to pests. And flies in particular can be a pesky pest to deal with. You may think that a thorough cleaning is enough to keep flies off your doggy, but that’s not always the case. If not properly treated, flies can be a serious issues for your fur buddy.
Flies are known to transmit diseases among animals. Because flies ingest the saliva, mucus and blood of various animals, they are prone to carrying disease. Fly infestation can afflict intense irritation and uncontrollable scratching for your dog. And this can lead to worse conditions such as inflammation, infection and hair loss. Worst of all, once flies manage to get to exposed skin, the blood will attract even more flies. And an open wound is perfect nesting ground for flies.
This is a nasty condition that horrifies any dog owner who encounters it. So what preparations can you take to keep flies at bay and protect your lovable dog?
Knowing The Fly Season In The U.S.
Knowing when flies are most prolific in the year is a good way to prepare for confronting them.
Flies and pests are mostly active during warm weather with little to no wind to blow them away. This period is known as fly season. Flies thrive most during the spring and summer, but may persist year-round if you live in a consistently high-temperature environment.
Fly season in the U.S. generally begins in March and can last thru September or October. Those living in the South who experience longer periods of high heat and humidity naturally attract more flies for longer periods than those who live colder Northern states. The map above gives an approximate indication on which month is the beginning of fly season depending where you live in the United States.
Understanding Horse & Deer Flies
Lone flies buzzing around your dog are usually harmless. But swarms of them are more dangerous as they can quickly attack your dog and bite through their skin. Horse flies in particular are known to be the largest flies in the world (up to an inch in length) capable of causing bleeding and painful bites to dogs and horses alike. Male horse flies are more attracted to sugary substances whereas females are particularly attracted to animal blood.
Deer flies on the other hand are more familiarly known to buzz around our heads in large hoards. They usually remain in shady locations such as below bushes and trees to encroach on any hosts who are seeking for protection from the harsh sunlight. Both species are mainly attracted to CO2 emissions, body temperature, and the movements of large and dark objects, making dogs an easy target.
Both types of flies are also attracted towards shiny surfaces, so it’s advisable for you and your dog to avoid bodies of water during the fly season without proper precautions. Flies are also known to attack during the daylight a few hours after the sun rises and a few hours before it sets.
Flies attack less during cloudy days and days with relatively lower temperatures. Fortunately, they are not active throughout the night. With this knowledge, you can adjust the time and day that you take your dog out to minimize exposure to flies.
Skin irritations can develop in your dog if they remain dirty for too long. Skin irritations attract flies as the scent of blood and exposed flesh is irresistible to them. Flies can also be attracted by diarrhea residue. So it’s best to keep your dog away from direct contact with other infested animals as your dog can easily become attacked by flies in such an environment.
7 Tips On How To Keep Flies Off Of Outdoor Dogs
Better than having to handle the effects of flies plaguing your dog, there are options on how to keep those pesky flies off of him. The following measures are proven to be medically sound to repel the effects of flies.
1) Natural Fly Repellent Spray
Fly repellent sprays aren’t meant for long lasting effect. But they are effective if you want to keep flies off your dog for several hours. Normally if your dog is going to be outdoors for long periods of time during the fly season, you may need to apply the spray on multiple occasions.
Some sprays like Absorbine Ultra Shield Green fly repellent spray is composed of several natural essential oils that are safe to use on your dog and is eco-friendly. The repellant lasts up to 8 hours and is meant simply to repel and not kill flies. This is an excellent preventative measure that is easily sprayed on your dog before leaving the house or every once in a while when outside.
The product’s main ingredients include thyme, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, citronella, clove oil and geraniol. These essential oils are proven to effectively repel flies, and can be used on your dog safely.
But as always, be sure and check the label and use as directed.
2) Topical Fly Repellent Ointment
Instead of sprays, fly repellents can also be sold in the form of topical creams. Ointments usually are gentler on the skin and tend to have a longer lasting effect than sprays.
Always consult with your vet first before choosing this option. If it is safe to use, you won’t have to worry about infestation for a long time.
3) Fly Traps
Another way to help prevent your outdoor dog from encountering hordes of flies is to minimize the fly population around your property. Fly traps are a simple and affordable way to do this.
Fly traps are generally made of simple plastic containers with attractants inside. These attractants aren’t pesticides but bait that is used to lure flies in. This is relatively non-toxic compared to the other options as the attractants are made from sugary food and feed additives.
All you have to do is add water into the bag which dissolves the attractant.
Most products are incredibly affordable and can be easily carried around when you go out with your dog. It can be hung anywhere, lasts for long periods and attracts thousands of flies. Some traps can hold from 20,000 to 35,000 flies. So you can dramatically reduce the population of flies around your dog with just a few of these traps.
Fly traps that use attractants rather than pesticides are arguably the environmentally safest and non-toxic option to rid flies in close vicinity to your dog’s play area. But even with fly traps, you may find yourself still having to deal with some flies trying to feast on your outdoor doggy. The next option is much more suited to prevent flies from direct contact with your dog.
4) Insect Repellent Clothing For Dogs
If you prefer not having any spray or ointment on your dog, or just want to add an extra layer of protection on top of a repellant, then insect-repellent clothing is a great option.
This special clothing is specifically designed to repel small insects like flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and even fleas.
There are two types of insect repellent clothing for dogs in the market – noseeum and permethrin.
Noseeum is very finely woven lightweight mesh made so tight that small insects can’t penetrate through the fabric. It works well under certain conditions. With dogs that are more active, the lightweight fabric of noseeum can tear pretty easily. So some folks find it ineffective for their dog.
Permethrin is safe to use on dogs. And Insect Shield’s Insect Repellent Mesh Top is particularly manufactured for dogs. Insect Shield also sells a variety of insect-repelling clothing including bandannas, blankets, vests, tees, hoodies and beds.
5) Clean Your Premises and Regularly Throw Out Trash
Flies love dirtiness. So having a clean environment helps keep flies away. Regularly cleaning your dog’s food bowls, water dishes and their kennels is an important step to keeping those pesky flies away. And it doesn’t hurt to clean up your dog’s feces around your property too. Because if there’s anything flies love more than garbage its poop.
6) Maintain Proper Grooming Habits and Hygiene
Next in line to keeping your property clean is making sure to keep your dog clean too. Flies are attracted to dirt, urine, blood and feces. If your doggy is outside and dirty, you can be sure he’ll be a prime target for flies. So make it a habit to clean your dog if they get dirty often.
And if your dog has any cuts or open wounds, treat it properly so that it doesn’t open up again and attract flies to it.
Grooming your dog is also just as important and sometimes overlooked. Regularly brushing your dog’s coat keeps their hair and skin clean and healthy, which naturally prevents them from scratching and exposing their skin to flies. This is especially important for long-haired breeds but other dogs can benefit just as much from removing any loose or tangled hair.
7) Boost Your Dog’s Immune System
While maintaining their personal hygiene is a great preventative measure to ward of flies, it can be worth taking an extra precautionary step to boost your dog’s immune system during the fly season. This way if at any point your dog is bitten, his immune system is able to combat any potential bacteria transmitted by the flies.
Zenapet’s Dog Immune Support contains a range of vitamins and antioxidants to help your dog fight against any pathogens or toxins that may enter their body. Dogs with weaker immune systems are more prone to infections and diseases that are transmitted by flies. So keep your pets immune system strong during the fly season.
Preparation and Cleanliness Keeps the Flies Away
Dogs are irreplaceable members of the family. As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to care for them during the fly season when they are most vulnerable. Preparation is key. And there are precautions that are essential to save your dog from experiencing the unnecessary pains of fly infestation. By applying these simple and affordable steps to your daily routine, you can make a big difference to your dog’s health and happiness while he’s outdoors.