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

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. How to keep flies off dogs is a question many owners have and sometimes it can 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!

 

 

What Causes Flies to Be Attracted to Dogs?

If your dog is constantly surrounded by flies, it’s easy to wonder if it’s because they’re dirty or smelly. While hygiene can be a factor, there are several other reasons why flies are attracted to your dog. Understanding these causes can help you take the necessary steps to prevent fly infestations and bites yourself. Here are some of the most common reasons flies are drawn to dogs:

 

• Dirty Fur and Lingering Odors: Flies are naturally attracted to odors, especially those emanating from dirty fur, fecal matter, or any remnants of food on your dog's coat. If your dog hasn’t had a bath in a while or if they’ve rolled in something smelly, flies will likely be more interested. Keeping your dog’s coat clean with pet-friendly soap can help deter flies and reduce their attraction to your pet.
• Wounds or Skin Conditions: Open wounds, irritated skin, or conditions like dermatitis can attract flies, particularly biting flies like deer flies and black flies. These pests are drawn to exposed skin, where they can easily bite and feed on blood. It’s important to treat any skin conditions promptly and protect your dog’s skin to prevent fly bites.
• Presence of Fecal Matter: Flies are also attracted to fecal matter. If your dog has diarrhea or any feces stuck to their anus or fur, it can be a major attractant. In such cases, flies may even attempt to lay eggs in the fecal matter, leading to potential fly infestations. Regularly cleaning your dog’s perineum and ensuring they are free from any fecal residues can help prevent this.
• Existing Infections or Health Issues: Dogs that are sick or have untreated infections, especially around their ears or backside, are more likely to attract flies. Flies can smell infection and are drawn to the pus or discharge that accompanies it. Ensuring your dog’s ears and other sensitive areas are clean and treated if necessary can prevent fly attraction.
• Sweat and Body Oils: During the summer months, dogs can sweat through their paws, and their bodies may produce more oils. Flies, including house flies and horse flies, are attracted to these oils, which can make your dog a target for bites. Regular grooming and the application of natural fly repellents, such as coconut oil or essential oils like tea tree oil, can help keep flies off your dog.
• Unclean Dog Bedding: Flies are not just attracted to the dog itself but also to their environment. If your dog’s bedding is dirty, it can become a breeding ground for flies. Washing your dog’s bedding regularly with hot water and a pet-friendly soap can help prevent fly populations from increasing and keep flies away from your dog.

 

By understanding these factors, you can take proactive steps to keep flies off dogs, ensuring your pet is comfortable and free from the irritation and potential health risks that flies can bring.

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Is It a Bad Sign if Flies Are on My Dog?

It can be. Flies are attracted to all warm-blooded mammals. You've probably had to wave off a bite of a bunch of flies yourself while hiking or running outside. Flies are especially attracted to dogs that are dirty or visibly ill. So if you notice more flies than usual swarming your dog, it may be a sign that your dog needs a bath or medical attention.

 

 

How to Keep Flies Off Dogs?

If you are concerned about flies 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!

 

 

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 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.

 

When you massage the CBD topicals into your dog's skin, the CBD will penetrate the surface and reach those receptors. This allows the CBD to have a lot of health benefits for your dog that are more than skin deep. This includes reducing irritation and swelling but also soothing physical discomfort and minimizing destructive behavior like chewing and scratching.

 

 

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 your dog’s skin is more exposed, such as the ears, belly, and backside. By applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to these vulnerable spots, you create a physical barrier that makes it difficult for flies to bite through.

 

The sticky texture of the jelly also deters flies and bugs from landing, helping to keep them at bay and protecting your dog from painful fly bites. This simple and quick method can be especially useful during the summer months when flies and other biting insects are more prevalent. It's a pet-friendly solution that can make outdoor activities more comfortable and enjoyable for your dog, reducing the risk of irritation, bites, and potential infections.

 

 

Other Homemade Repellents

If you want to avoid chemicals and possibly dangerous collars, you can create your own pet-safe bug repellents. 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. But give the treated clothing time to dry before dressing your dog up to avoid getting the chemicals on your dog's skin. Some companies even sell clothing already treated with insect repellant if you don't want to apply the chemicals yourself!

 

 

High-Quality Dog Food

It's important to make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible. Flies seek weak and sick animals. A high-quality diet that's nutritionally balanced gets your dog feeling their best! Pick dog food with a protein source as the top ingredient. Carbohydrates are great for active dogs that need some extra energy. Healthy fats, fiber, electrolytes, vitamins, and essential fatty acids are also important ingredients to find on the label.

 

 

Why Choose HolistaPet for CBD?

If you're looking for CBD dog shampoo, 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.

 

One thing you'll also notice about HolistaPet is that we proudly share reviews from real customers! We really care about your pet. So we love to hear real success stories from pet owners who want to keep their pup safe from flies. The stories we've heard are amazing and inspiring. We want your dog to have a similar experience and are here to help you pick the product that's right for your pooch.

 

 

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.

 

If your dog's fly bites are infected, crusted over, or there seems to be flies infesting their coat or skin, you should contact a veterinarian immediately for advice on fly repellents or other means that would rid your dog of biting flies. Your dog's vet will diagnose the problem and provide a treatment plan to help your pup get rid of these biting flies.

 

 

Final Thoughts - How to Keep Flies Off Dogs

Flies and mosquitoes are annoying — that's undeniable. Your dog can grow bothered by these insects, scratching and biting the flies buzzing around them. These beasts may seem harmless, but sometimes flies can be a real issue, especially if your dog bites or infections grow worse.

 

If you notice more fly bites than usual, it may be a sign that your pup is dirty or unwell. Always contact your veterinarian if you feel something may be wrong. Meanwhile, 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!