How to Stop Biting Flies on Dogs

In the summer months, flies will sometimes target dogs and cause painful bites. Outside dogs may receive fly bites on the tip of their ears and on the bridge of their nose. Dogs are unable to defend their ears against fly bites which is why flies typically target this area. Dogs that live on a farm or near livestock will be more susceptible to biting flies. Fly bites can also cause serious medical problems if a fly is able to hatch eggs in the wound.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea preventative
  • Fresh garlic
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Shampoo
  • Brush
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Avon Skin-So-Soft
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Instructions

    • 1

      Change your dog's environment to prevent fly biting. Clean up any feces or garbage in the area of your dog. Brush and bathe your dog often to clean urine-soaked or fecal-soiled hair.

    • 2

      Bring your dog in during the heat of the day. Flies tend to bite more during the hottest part of the day. Move your dog indoors to stop biting flies.

    • 3

      Use a topical flea preventative that also works for biting flies. Both K-9 Advantix and BioSpot advertise that they reduce fly biting when used. Apply the treatment once a month to stop fly biting on your dog.

    • 4

      Apply petroleum jelly to the tips of your dog's ears. This will help keep flies away and prevent biting.

    • 5

      Try a home remedy. Spray your dog with Avon Skin-So-Soft. The product has long been known to be a mosquito repellent. It also will work with flies. You can add a little apple cider vinegar to your dog's water which is thought to repel flies. Add a clove of fresh garlic in your dog's food every day. This is an excellent natural insect repellent including fleas.