How to get flies off your dog in autumn

Flies are particularly nasty in the spring and summer months. But boggy weather and the increasingly hot autumns we’re having in the UK mean that they can actually stick around a lot longer.

And while they’re well-known for being nuisances for outdoor animals and livestock, they can cause problems for our dogs, too.

Like most pet parents, you may be asking yourself if there’s more you can do to protect your dog against flies. We know it’s frustrating and often scary to see your dog in discomfort, but we’re here to help.

Below, we discuss how to get flies off your dog, why dogs can attract flies, and discuss some management strategies to make those flies buzz off for good.

Get behaviour cover up to £20,000 as part of your overall vet fee limit on Complete Care

Start my quote

Why are there flies on my dog?

Flies are attracted to dogs for numerous reasons. To a fly, a dog is the right mix of dirt, heat, moisture, and, sometimes, wounds. These are all elements flies rely on for nutrition and sustenance.

Overall, there can be flies on your dog for numerous reasons, like:

Body odours

Flies are drawn to smells, especially if your dog is dirty, dealing with diarrhoea, or is unwashed. But even if your dog is well-groomed, flies can still be interested in them.

Carbon dioxide

Flies are naturally attracted to warm-blooded animals, meaning they can sense the carbon dioxide animals like us exhale.

Dirt

Organic material, like dirt, poop, and urine, can get stuck in your dog’s fur, and this naturally attracts flies.

Environment

Sometimes, it’s not the dog that’s attracting flies but the environment they’re in. For example, if your daily walk runs near boggy, humid areas, or locations with a lot of livestock, then your dog is likely to encounter flies.

Wounds and skin issues

Flies are attracted to open wounds, skin infections, and even irritation in a dog’s eye. They need liquid to lay eggs, and they’re not too fussy about where this liquid comes from.

Do flies actually bite dogs?

Yes, some flies do bite dogs as well as causing general irritation.

Most bites aren’t dangerous, but some dogs are allergic to them, and they can become infected when scratched.

What types of flies bite dogs in the UK?

• Black flies - These are common flies we often see in the UK, usually near water. They're small in size but can leave red and sometimes large marks.

• Blandford flies - Rarer flies that can cause painful bites.

• Horse flies - Common in rural areas in the summer and are more likely to leave one large painful bite instead of many.

• Stable flies - Sometimes seen in farms near livestock and organic matter. These blood-feeding flies can bite dogs, usually when their preferred hosts aren't around.

Other fly-like insects that can bite dogs include:

• Biting midges - Small, annoying bugs found near water, causing a frustrating, itchy feeling.

• Mosquitoes - In the UK, these can bite dogs, but are little more than a nuisance in most cases. In other countries, diseases such as Leishmaniasis can be spread by mosquitos.

Signs your dog has been bitten by flies

Behavioural signs

• Anxiety and annoyance

• Excessive chewing

• Excessive licking of the same area

• Limping

• Restlessness

• Rolling

• Scratching

• Whining

Physical signs

• Bleeding

• Red bumps

• Scabs

• Sores

• Swelling

Urgent, concerning signs (when to see a vet)

• Difficulty breathing

• Hives

• Swelling, particularly facial swelling

• Vomiting

These are often caused by an allergic reaction.

How do I know if a fly bite is infected?

Infected fly bites will have visual symptoms like:

• General signs of illness, like fever and lethargy

• Pus

• Swelling

• Warm wounds

• Wounds or sores that don’t heal

• Visual signs of pain

What are the treatment options for fly bites?

Treatment depends on the severity of the bites and can involve a mix of at-home and veterinary care.

At-home care

• Gently clean the area with mild soap and water.

• Apply a cool compress or ice pack if your dog looks to be in pain and the area is hot to the touch.

• Use protective collars to prevent excessive scratching.

When to see a vet

Vets typically only get involved when there’s an infection, severe reactions (such as those listed in the urgent signs we shared above) or sores that don’t heal.

They’ll use a mix of antihistamines, antibiotics, and/or steroids depending on their diagnosis. They may also suggest a collar to prevent your dog licking or chewing at themselves.

Some pet parents understandably get worried and ask if they should see an emergency vet. You should definitely see one if there are severe reactions to the fly bites, but many simple bite wounds don’t need an emergency appointment. You can always ring your practice for advice if you are not sure.

How to prevent and treat flies from biting your dog

Most pet dogs are not too bothered by biting flies, but if you think you might have a fly problem, try the changing the following:

Environment

Controlling and cleaning your immediate environment, like picking up dog waste, covering bins, and removing stagnant water, can help.

We know flies can become an issue with food recycling becoming more popular, especially when you don’t have access to outdoor space, so try experimenting with where you leave your bins too.

Good grooming regime

Making sure your pet has a good grooming regime will help to make them less attractive to flies. Regularly brushing your pet and bathing them when they get dirty will mean they give off less fly-attracting odour.

You should also make sure they have no urine or poop in their coat, especially if your pet suffers from issues like incontinence.

Prevention

Use pet-safe repellents rather than human ones. There are vet-approved collars available which can help repel mosquitos. Repellent sprays are also available which may help with other biting flies. Speak to your vet or local pet store for advice.

Are there any at-home remedies?

Some pet parents use apple cider vinegar and Vaseline as at-home remedies.

Using a mix of equal parts water and apple-cider vinegar can act like a mild repellent for flies, but have a chat with your vet first to see if it’s okay for your dog.

For Vaseline, it’s only really appropriate for a dog’s ears. They can’t accidentally consume any that way, and it can be an effective way to keep flies from this common, irritating spot. But don’t use too much - a little goes a long way.

What at-home remedies and products should I avoid?

Some repellents are not good for dogs and should be avoided.

For example, it’s common to ask if DEET insect repellent is safe for dogs, but the answer is no. You must never use DEET on your dog, as it can cause severe toxicity issues that lead to neurological damage.

Citronella, another commonly suggested repellent, can be toxic in the wrong amounts and the smell is likely to annoy your dog.

Generally, don’t use human bug repellents on your dog.

Seasonal adjustments

Sometimes, dogs and flies only encounter each other when they’re on walks or out and about. In these cases, you can time your walks at non-peak fly times, like dawn and dusk, or by changing where you walk and avoiding marshy, overgrown areas and areas with lots of livestock.

Are some types of dogs more prone to issues with flies?

Yes. Some dogs are more prone to fly bites because of their lifestyle, while others are more sensitive to the bites themselves due to their coats.

Two types of dogs typically suffer more from fly bites:

Thin-coated breeds

Thin-coated breeds, like Greyhounds and Whippets, have more exposed skin than other breeds. This makes them more susceptible to severe bites, which is another reason why some pet parents might put theirs in protective clothing.

Working dogs

Working dogs, like farm dogs, are out and about in the mud and marshes more often. They are also near livestock which can attract insects.This exposes them to more flies and, in turn, bites.

Can dogs eat flies?

It’s generally harmless. Some dogs will happily chew down a fly if it comes their way. It really depends on the dog.

Eating too many flies can lead to a mild stomach ache, but that’s the extent of the risks.

Why is my dog biting at imaginary flies? (Fly-Snapping Syndrome)

So, what if your dog is biting at flies, but there are none there? This is actually a recognised symptom for a few health issues in dogs. It can be seen in many conditions including gastrointestinal issues, neurological problems and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It’s a distinct issue that’s separate from the problems with flies we’ve mentioned above, but we thought it was worth chatting about, as it can be serious.

Fly-Snapping Syndrome - sometimes called fly-biting syndrome - is where a dog has episodes of biting or snapping into thin air as if they’re chasing flies around. Sometimes, you’ll notice your dog jumping, licking or swallowing too.

Please see your vet if you notice Fly-Snapping Syndrome. It may not be anything serious, but it’s worth getting things checked out, as it could mean your dog isn’t well.

It’s quite hard to diagnose sometimes, so take videos of your pet’s behaviour so that your vet can see what is going on.

Should I worry about horse flies biting my dog?

It depends on how many bites there are. Horse fly bites are pretty nasty, but one or two bites shouldn’t be a cause to panic. At-home care is likely to be enough to cure these.

We’d only recommend seeing a vet if there are numerous bites, the bites aren’t healing or seem infected, they’re severe in nature, or your dog is showing some of the serious symptoms we mentioned in the “when to see a vet” section above.

Why do flies love my dog's ears so much?

Ears are the perfect place for most flies. They're warm, have moisture and attract flies with odour.

If flies are only going for your dog's ears, you can try:

• Applying a small amount of Vaseline

• Keeping their ears clean

• Using a fly mask in severe cases

• Using a vet-approved repellent
  

Top-quality pet insurance

Squeaky-clean pet insurance

Our cover helps your pet with accidents and illnesses with no nasty surprises, like hidden fees and annual payout limits.

Protect your pet