It’s crucial to get rid of any potential fly breeding areas in your yard or environment, such as compost piles. Placing “ribbons on doorways to kennels, sheds, or laundry can allow dogs to brush flies off while entering. This can let dogs escape to a fly-free location.
In dogs who are predisposed to this condition, prevention is preferable to treatment because once their ears have been bit and are weeping or forming scabs, this serves as a beacon to the flies. Therefore, it is best to begin applying deterrents to your dog’s ears early in the fly season before the problem gets too bad.
Fly and Insect Repellents
A variety of products are available to keep flies out of your dog’s ears or other trouble spots.
Repel-X is a spray that should be applied to your dog 2 to 3 times a day. The affected regions should also receive two to three daily applications of fly repella cream.
The longevity of effect of several of these repellents is an issue. Owners are frequently unavailable to apply the repellents frequently enough because they are out during the day. One of the more potent and durable products is permoxin. In accordance with the instructions on the bottle, Permoxin can be wet down, washed, or sprayed on dogs. As necessary to meet fly pressure.
When dealing with exceptionally challenging swarms, Permoxin can be used with white Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and mineral oil to produce a lasting action (baby oils).
- 1ml of Permoxin should be mixed thoroughly with 40ml of baby oil or Vaseline.
- If a consistency that is more like baby oil or less like thick Vaseline is preferred, these two components can be combined in the right amounts before adding Permoxin to achieve the desired consistency.
- When the Vaseline/Permoxin mixture has the proper ointment consistency, gradually add a little amount of the baby oil/Permoxin mixture to it.
This will last until the summer and then be thrown away. Applying this cream to wounds will aid in their healing and stop flies from irritating them further.
For secondary infection and to lessen itching, a corticosteroid and/or antibiotic cream may be required in rare cases.
About Us
One of the first purpose-built veterinary clinics in Sydney was Gladesville Veterinary. Since the hospital’s founding in 1959, the property has undergone ongoing renovations, and it now has cutting-edge amenities for both employees and patients. Past partners in the firm, in addition to the founder Perry Manusu, were Harry Cooper, Bob Ratcliffe, Max Zuber, Pam Short, and Barry Young.
What can I use as a fly repellent spray on my dog?
In that case, how do you keep flies off dogs? You can do a lot of simple things to keep flies off your dog. Let’s begin with the fundamentals.
Keep Your Dog Clean and Healthy
You may get rid of flies around your dog simply by keeping him clean and healthy. Though there are some things that can be helpful, sometimes it is easier said than done. Given that flies adore scents and grime, you should groom him frequently.
The region around his genitalia and anus needs to be kept especially clean and clipped to prevent mattification and odor. He can stay squeaky clean and fly-free with routine bathing and brushing.
Applying petroleum jelly to the region will stop biting flies from landing in that area of your dog’s ears, for example. You can also use other secure insect repellents like lemongrass essential oil or apple cider vinegar.
If you’ve ever been near a stable, you know how annoying those bugs can be. In fact, lemongrass essential oil has been tested and shown to repel stable flies.
Idaho tansy, geranium, sandalwood, rosemary, and lavender are additional essential oils having fly-repelling qualities.
Simply diluted five to ten drops of your choice essential oil in a 32-ounce spray bottle of distilled water if you want to make your own essential oils fly spray for your dog. Before spraying it on your dog, make sure to give it a good shake.
Never apply essential oils without first diluting them in water, and avoid getting it in his eyes, nose, or mouth. His skin may become irritated by pure oils. Additionally, some essential oils are suitable for humans but not for animals.
Prior to using anything topically on your dog’s skin, it is always advisable to speak with your veterinarian. It’s possible that licking it off could irritate his stomach in some way.
Essential Oils that are Poisonous for Your Dog
You shouldn’t use essential oils because some of them are harmful to dogs. The following essential oils, while not all of them, can create more issues than they resolve:
- tetracycline oil;
- Pennyroyal;
- Wintergreen oil;
- pine resins;
- Oil of cinnamon
- citrus juices
- oil of peppermint
- oil from sweet birch;
- Oil of ylang-ylang.
The best course of action is to avoid using these as fly repellents because the most of them require a high dose to cause issues. Environment is a crucial factor in preventing flies from landing on dogs.
How to Keep Flies Off Dogs: Keep Your Dog’s Environment Clean
The environment that your dog is in is a crucial factor in fly prevention. You need to do the following actions to keep the biting flies at bay.
Pick Up Your Dog’s Food
Pick up your dog’s bowl as soon as he finishes eating and wash it right away. Your dog should be fed at a set time, and his bowls should be cleaned right away. This will assist you in stopping the spread of any fly infestations.
Wash Your Dog’s Bedding
To prevent the accumulation of stains or odors that can attract flies, this should be done at least once every week. Additionally, it will eliminate any fly eggs that may be concealed in the fabric.
Dog bedding should be washed in hot water and pet-friendly soap. After that, you can sprinkle baking soda on the bedding to eliminate any scents that may still be there. After about 15 minutes, turn it off and vacuum it up.
Clean Your Dog’s Kennel Area
You shouldn’t keep food or bones out in his kennel because doing so will draw flies. Additionally, you can expect that biting flies will be drawn to his kennel if it is filthy and smells terrible.
Clean Up Your Dog’s Poop
Flies are drawn to dog excrement because that is where they lay their maggot-egg-laying eggs. Your dog’s excrement contains full of dead materials, which maggots love to eat. You may eliminate flies in the vicinity by keeping the yard clean and poop-free.
Clean Up the Trash Around Your Home
Maintaining a clean, clutter-free house is also crucial. When biting flies have finished dining on the waste, they will move on to your devoted dog. Trash attracts biting flies. Garbage has a foul stench, which quickly draws flies.
Vacuum the Carpet
In order to avoid fly infestations, it is beneficial to vacuum your carpet several times every week. Fly eggs are frequently laid in carpeting by flies. They are there even though you can’t see them if you have fly issues.
A new infestation can be avoided by vacuuming several times per week and discarding the vacuum bag outside.
Your dog does not like the vacuum? Learn why dogs dislike vacuums and how to correct inappropriate behavior when cleaning around them.
Hang Up Fly Traps
To draw flies, you can utilize plants like venus fly traps or create a fly trap out of sugar water. This is a lot like the yellow jacket traps you see, but instead of using meat, you use sugar water. The flies enter but are unable to exit.
Use Natural Pesticides to Repel Flies
Several pet-friendly solutions work as natural fly repellents. They can also keep away other insects like gnats and mosquitoes. Some effective natural fly swatters include:
- Citronella;
- oil of lemongrass
- You can use this to efficiently get rid of flies by applying it to your dog or the vicinity;
Can you use fly spray on a dog?
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are also present now that the sun is out. Heartworm and West Nile virus are two fatal diseases spread by mosquitoes. Many dog owners ask if it’s safe to put human insect spray on their dog since they want to protect their animals as much as they can.
No, never apply human bug repellant on your dog. The two compounds that are most frequently found in insect repellent for people are DEET and picaridin, both of which can result in nausea, dizziness, irritability, and seizures. This is why after using bug spray, you shouldn’t allow your dog lick your skin.
Online sources for homemade mosquito repellent often contain ingredients that are particularly hazardous to dogs. The best course of action is to stick with items designed for dogs. Many anti-flea and anti-tick medications also provide protection from mosquitoes.
One practical monthly topical medication that kills and deters fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is K9 Advantix. Any veterinary facility or clinic will sell this medicine, which is specifically developed for dogs.
Can I spritz my dog with apple cider vinegar?
Aside from humans, apple cider vinegar may also help dogs with dandruff and itchy skin. The greatest method to assist is to give your dog an apple cider vinegar bath. The vinegar’s acidity aids in balancing the pH of the skin, and its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities aid in the natural healing of skin infections. Additionally, it relieves inflammation and skin irritants to make dogs feel better.
Always perform a 24-hour spot test on a sensitive dog first to ensure that there won’t be any vomiting, irritation, or redness.
For better coat condition and to reduce dandruff, filtered water and apple cider vinegar mixed in a diluted solution can be added to a spray bottle. Avoid applying this combination to any open sores or hotspots.
To improve coat quality, many recipes call for mixing this 50/50 solution with water before shampooing. For an added bonus of repelling pests and longer-lasting coat benefits, two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can be added to a quart of water and applied after shampooing, without rinsing off. Prior to this, be sure to perform a 24-hour spot test to be sure your dog will accept the medication.
How can I avoid my dog’s ears being bit by flies?
During the hot summer months, biting flies can rapidly make your dog itchy and miserable. Flies love to bite your pet’s ears and nose because they have the thinnest skin there, making them the most vulnerable parts of their bodies to attack. Fly bites can result in illnesses or even the deposit of maggots under the skin of your pet. Take precautions to keep your dog from getting bitten by flies too frequently and to keep him comfortable and healthy.
Bring your pet indoors. Biting flies rarely flourish inside of homes, and most people will take extra precautions to ensure that any biting flies that do enter are swiftly exterminated. Keep your dog inside your home, where biting flies are few or nonexistent, if you want to protect him from them.
Defend your house and garden from flies that bite. Eliminating breeding places, such as stagnant ponds or water-filled containers, can help reduce the number of biting flies around your home. Biting flies reproduce in standing water and swampy locations. To further help limit fly populations, make sure all of your windows are covered with screens and place pet-safe, commercially available fly traps all over your home.
To keep flies from biting your dog, use fly-repellents. Any store that sells pet supplies will have a large selection of fly repellents that are suitable for pets. Spray or apply repellant to the outer parts of the dog’s ears to protect them specifically. Avoid spraying insect repellent into the inner ear.
Warnings
You may need to explore your choices with your veterinarian if your dog appears to be experiencing a serious allergic reaction to the biting insects in order to choose the best course of action for your pet.
Which insect repellents are safe for dogs?
Canine safe bug spray
- For dogs and cats, use Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellent.
- Badger Shake & Spray Anti-Bug.
- Pets can use Natural Care’s flea and tick spray.
- For pets and the home, use Wondercide Lemongrass Natural Flea & Tick Spray.
- Flea and tick spray from Richard’s Organics.
Which insecticide is suitable for use on animals?
Because it has been shown to kill and repel more than 70 species of flying, crawling, creeping, and biting pests, SENTRY Fly Repellent Spray offers exceptional value. It can be used on dogs, horses, and ponies.
How can homemade fly spray be made?
Ingredients
- 4 cups raw apple cider vinegar are required, or you can manufacture your own by following the instructions.
- 20 drops of essential rosemary oil (where to buy my favorite essential oils)
- Basil essential oil, 20 drops.
- Peppermint essential oil, 20 drops.
- 2 teaspoons of oil, liquid (olive oil, canola oil, or mineral oil will work)
How frequently should I use apple cider vinegar to flea-treat my dog?
Fleas and ticks may not be killed by this spray, but they detest apple cider vinegar. As long as you continue to treat them, the remedy should cause fleas and ticks to leap off of your dog and remain off.
This remedy can be applied the same way as an over-the-counter flea and/or tick spray. You can treat your dog’s bedding by spraying it right on his coat.
Because this spray is natural and non-toxic, you can massage it into the fur to help it penetrate to the skin below.
Spray your dog once per week or whenever they begin to scratch, and don’t forget to massage the solution into their skin.
Once you’ve tried it, let us know how it went and what you think of the spray.
Know of any additional all-natural treatments for ticks and fleas? How do you keep your dog safe from vermin? Tell us in the comments section below!
