What will keep flies off my dog

Method 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Groom your dog regularly to prevent attracting flies. Flies gravitate towards dirt and bad odors. If your dog is brushed and bathed once or twice a month, they are less likely to attract flies. Brush and bathe your dog in addition to their monthly grooming session whenever you notice flies targeting your dog, especially during the summer months when flies are more active.

Make sure you're cleaning and trimming the fur around your dog's anus and genitals so it doesn't get matted or dirty. House train your dog. Flies often lay their eggs in fecal matter. If your dog has poor hygiene, they will be more susceptible to fly bites. Train your dog to toilet in a specific area of the yard to make cleanup easier. Set up a daily toileting routine for your dog and reward them for relieving themselves in the designated area.

Wash your dog's bedding at least once a week. Cleaning your dog bedding will prevent it from accumulating smells or stains and get rid of any fly eggs that might be hiding in the fabric. Hand or machine wash your dog bedding with a pet-friendly soap and hot water once a week to keep it free from dirt, odors, or fly eggs. Sprinkle baking soda on your dog's bedding to get rid of lingering odors. If your dog's bedding still smells unpleasant after washing it, baking soda may get rid of the scent.

Sprinkle a little baking soda on the bedding, leave it for about 15 minutes and then vacuum it up. Re-apply the baking soda as needed or whenever you wash your dog's bedding to keep the bedding smelling fresh. Method 2. Clean up dog food or bones around your dog's kennel immediately. Do not leave dog food or bones out, as flies are attracted to open food sources. Set specific meal times for your dog to prevent their living space from becoming infested with flies.

Vacuum your carpets several times a week. If your dog is often bothered by flies in your home, you may have an infestation. Regularly vacuuming your carpet will help you pick up any fly eggs on the ground that may be unseen by the naked eye. After vacuuming your home, empty the vacuum cleaner outside to prevent reinfestation. Clean up any trash or waste in your home or yard.

Because flies thrive in dirty conditions, keeping your dog's living areas well-maintained is important for preventing fly bites. Throw away any garbage, dog waste, or old food as you see it to avoid unpleasant smells, which can attract flies quickly. Bring your dog inside during the hottest times of the day. Flies are most active during the summer months, especially during the day. The hotter the temperature, the more likely your dog is to be infested with flies.

Keep your dog indoors during the late morning and afternoon to prevent fly bites. Method 3. Apply petroleum jelly to your dog's ears. If your dog's ears are often bitten by flies, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the area. Never apply essential oils directly to your dog's fur or skin without first diluting them with water since pure oils can irritate the skin.

Enlist the help of apple cider vinegar in your battle against flies. Apple cider vinegar is a natural fly repellent that you can apply topically to your dog or add to his food and water.

Kristina Barroso is a full-time teacher who has been freelance writing since She published her first book, a break-up survival guide, in and specializes in a variety of topics including, but not limited to, relationships and issues in education. Dog Health. By Kristina Barroso. Health Hazards of Fly Strikes Flies are more than just annoying little critters; they can pose a genuine health risk to your canine companion. Environmental Fly Control Making the environment as unappealing as possible is the first line of defense when it comes to keeping flies away from your dog.

Healthy Nutrition Pamper your pooch with a high quality diet of nutritionally balanced meals. Essential Oils Protect your pooch from fly strikes by making your own non-toxic fly repellent from essential oils.

Biting insects can be extremely bothersome, and in some cases, dangerous. Mosquitoes, black flies, no-see-ums and deer flies — they all exist in Maine, and they can really make a mark on your skin and your sanity. In addition, there are certain flies — such as deer flies — that can find skin through quite a bit of fur, pestering a dog to no end. To combat biting flies, people have concocted a wide variety of repellents using artificial chemicals and natural materials.

Dogs tend to lick themselves, which means they ingest whatever coats their fur. In addition, some substances used in insect repellent — even certain essential oils — can poison a dog right through their skin. Tea tree oil is often used in natural insect repellents. Other essential oils that are toxic to dogs and most frequently cause problems include pennyroyal oil, oil of wintergreen and pine oils, according to a Pet Poison Helpline article written by Jo Marshall , a senior veterinary information specialist.

In addition, cinnamon oil, citrus oils, peppermint oil, sweet birch oil and ylang ylang, can be poisonous to dogs in high enough doses, according to an article published by the American Kennel Club.

You have to be very careful. Topical treatments that repel fleas, ticks and biting flies are frequently suggested by veterinarians as the first line of defense. These liquid treatments contain synthetic chemicals, such as permethrins, at safe doses for dogs within specific weight brackets.

And these treatments are not safe for cats.