Why do Flies Bite My Dog?
Flies can be drawn to a dog’s coat, especially if it is matted or unclean as a result of an illness, skin condition, or diarrhea. “Diarrhea around the perineum attracts flies; they lay eggs, and the infestation happens,” said Dr. Virginia Sinnott, an emergency doctor at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. This type of infestation is preventable by keeping an ill dog clean and indoors, she said.
Some flies, such as horse flies, can take a bite out of your dog’s ears, belly or backside which can hurt, bleed and become infected. Though these bites are certainly irritating to our pets, flies don’t present the same health risks to dogs that other insects do, Sinnott. “Mosquitos are worse, as they bring heartworm disease (especially in the South), which is fatal to dogs and cats.”
Flies are particularly active during the day in hot weather, she added, so if they tend to bother your dog, make sure to keep her inside during those times. However, solving any medical issues that may predispose your dog to a fly infestation is most important.
Why Do Flies Bite My Dog?
There are several reasons flies might be attracted to your dog. If your dog’s coat is matted or unclean because of a skin condition, illness, or something like diarrhea, it will attract flies. This is common in the area of the perineum near your dog’s anus.
Fecal matter that is caked on in that area can attract flies because they want to lay their eggs there. Fly eggs hatch into maggots and cause an infestation in that part of your dog’s body. This is completely preventable by simply making sure your dog stays clean.
It’s particularly important to help your dog stay clean if he is ill. Many times, a sick dog has trouble keeping himself clean, and he needs a little help from his best friend (that’s you!). It’s also helpful if you keep an ill dog inside.
It’s also true that some flies like to take a bite out of your dog’s ears. Horseflies are an example of this kind of fly. They also will bite his rear end which hurts, and the bites can bleed and even become infected which causes more problems for your pooch.
While these kinds of bites irritate your furry friend, they usually don’t present the same kind of health risk as other types of biting insects like mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carry certain parasites, like heartworms, which can be fatal to your best buddy. That’s why it can be a good idea to use some kind of dog-safe insect repellent to keep the bugs away.
How Can I Keep Flies Off My Dog?
Keeping your dog clean and healthy will go a long way in keeping flies at bay, but there are other steps you can take to get them off your dog’s back, literally. If flies are targeting a specific area on your dog, say his ears, try applying petroleum jelly to the area to keep them from biting. You can also consider at-home, pet-safe repellants, like a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or lemon and water, or any number of over-the-counter insect repellants that are as safe for your dog as they are for you. Just be sure to talk to your vet before pursuing any of these remedies, either homemade or store-bought.
FAQ
How do I get rid of flies from attacking my dog?
Flies most often like to bite at your dog’s ears and other thin skin. Place petroleum jelly around these areas to act as a deterrent. Flies are unable to bite through petroleum jelly, which is why it deters them from biting at your dog.
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