How to Keep Flies Off My Dog [In 6 Quick and Easy Steps]

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While on a dog walk, it can be frustrating when flies start buzzing around you and your dog, trying to land on your pets or your heads. Learning how to keep flies off dogs is necessary since it can also mean something is up with your pup. Luckily, there are many ways and tips to keep your dog and yard free of these pests.

 

But why are flies so attracted to your dog? If you notice more flies swarming your dog than usual, it may be a sign that your dog needs a good bath or vet visit.  The best thing you can use is CBD Shampoo for dogs. Let's take a closer look at why flies are attracted to dogs and how to safely keep them away from your dog during walks!

 

 

How to Keep Flies Off Canines

Flies bite, and if you are concerned about them constantly bugging your pup, it doesn't hurt to contact a veterinarian to get your dog checked out for infection or sickness. Though, there are some things you can do meanwhile right at home that will reduce the number of flies buzzing around your dog while they are playing outside.

 

Avoid Hotter Weather

Flies are extra active during hotter days. If you notice flies irritating your dog during playtime in the summer, try keeping your dog inside during those hotter hours. Bring your dog out in the morning or evening when the weather is a bit cooler. You'll notice fewer flies during these times!

 

Use Petroleum Jelly

If you're planning to take your dog for a walk and notice that the weather is particularly buggy, applying petroleum jelly to areas where your dog is frequently targeted by flies can be an effective preventative measure. Flies tend to bite in areas where skin is more exposed, such as the ears, belly, and backside. By applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your dog's coat, you create a physical barrier that makes it difficult for flies to bite through.

 

use petroleum jelly

 

Other Homemade Repellents

If you want to avoid chemicals and possibly dangerous collars, you can create your own pet-safe fly repellent for dogs. Some of the popular options for a natural fly repellent include apple cider vinegar blended with water or lemon with water. Talk to your vet about these options to see if it's safe for your pup in particular.

 

Use Bug-Safe Clothing

It can help to put some clothing on your dog to prevent flies in. This gives flies one more layer to struggle with, reducing the number of bites your dog gets. Try a bandana, dog vest, or harness. You can also treat these articles of clothing with repellants like permethrin spray or DEET spray. These products will repel flies.

 

Give Your Dog a Bath

After some extensive outdoor time (especially if it included mud or water), your dog's dirty coat and scent will attract biting flies. While you should only give your dog a bath once every two weeks (at most), sometimes you need to give your dog a quick bath to keep flies off of them! When giving your dog a bath, use HolistaPet's CBD dog shampoo! This vegan, 100% natural oil formula is great for dogs with sensitive skin. It may safely reduce your dog's irritation from bug bites, including itchiness, redness, and swelling.

 

CBD is a naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant. It won't get your dog high due to a lack of THC (this is the compound that creates euphoric affects). But CBD interacts with the receptors in your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which controls your dog's wellbeing and balance (homeostasis). The receptors are in all parts of your dog's body, including right under the skin.

 

 

Is It Common For Flies to Be Attracted to Dogs?

Yes! Dogs that spend time outside, especially if they get dirty or swim in the water, will attract flies. Dogs in kennels or farms will also commonly come in contact with flies or insects that are attracted to the messiness, dirt or smells. Here's how to know if your dog is bitten by a fly:

 

  • Itching, scratching, biting at skin
  • Redness on the skin
  • Bumps and swelling on the skin
  • Bumps that are bleeding or have crust on them
  • You can see flies in your dog's fur

 

Beagle scratching skin

 

 

Related: Why is My Dog So Itchy? Top 8 Reasons for Compulsive Itching

 

 

Should I Go to the Vet for Flies on My Dog?

When you see a fly approaching your dog while out on a walk don't panic. That's totally normal. And despite the initial pain and surprise, it's usually harmless beyond that moment. Just hope the fly, flies away and doesn't rally their troops. If your dog's ears, head, and body are itchy, you can often use CBD shampoo and over-the-counter products for fly control and to soothe your pup's discomfort.

 

 

Why Choose HolistaPet for CBD?

If you're looking for CBD dog shampoo to deter flies, you're in the right place! HolistaPet's dog shampoo is organic, vegan, and all natural - as are all of our CBD products for dogs! All of the ingredients are safe and gentle. You won't find any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Each bottle of CBD dog shampoo from HolistaPet comes with a Certificate of Analysis. This means that a third-party company checked out the product to ensure it's free of contaminants and has potent CBD.

 

 

Final Thoughts - How to Keep Flies Off My Dog

Whether it's horse flies, a deer fly, or regular ol' house flies, all of them are annoying. Your dog can grow bothered by these insects, scratching and biting the flies buzzing around them. Using CBD dog shampoo to soothe your dog's physical discomfort and reduce swelling and itching and may help the fight in getting rid of flies for good. Your dog will be back to frolicking outside in no time!

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