Vet Approved Guide Getting Flies Off Your Dog 2025 🐶🩺

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

If your dog is being swarmed by flies, you're not alone. As a veterinarian, I regularly treat dogs with fly bites, infected ears, and even dangerous conditions like fly strike. While a few harmless visitors may just be annoying, some flies can cause painful bites, transmit disease, and put your dog at serious risk—especially during warmer months. 🌞🐶

This guide covers everything you need to know: why flies target dogs, how to safely remove them, how to treat fly bites, and how to prevent them long-term using safe products, lifestyle adjustments, and expert support from Ask A Vet. 🩺

❓ Why Are Flies Attracted to Dogs?

Flies are drawn to dogs for several reasons:

• 🦴 Food residue around the mouth or fur
• 🩹 Open wounds or sores
• 💩 Fecal residue or soiled fur
• 🌡️ Warm, moist environments (especially in summer)

Some dogs are more at risk—particularly outdoor dogs, long-haired breeds with poor hygiene, or those with skin conditions. 🐕

🚨 Understanding Fly Strike (Myiasis)

Fly strike occurs when flies lay eggs in open wounds or moist areas of a dog’s body, leading to maggot infestation. This condition is most common in:

• 🐾 Dogs with untreated wounds or skin infections
• 👵 Older, immobile, or incontinent pets
• 🌧️ Dogs left outside in hot, humid conditions

Fly strike is a veterinary emergency. Symptoms include foul odor, visible maggots, intense itching, or tissue necrosis. If suspected, seek immediate help through Ask A Vet or your nearest clinic. 🆘

🧼 How to Safely Remove Flies from Your Dog

Step-by-Step:

1. 🪟 Move your dog indoors or into a shaded area
2. 🧽 Wipe down your dog’s coat with a damp cloth
3. 🧴 Use pet-safe fly repellent spray (avoid DEET)
4. 🧼 Bathe with antibacterial shampoo if needed
   

Avoid essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus unless directed by a vet—they can be toxic to dogs. 🛑

💥 Treating Fly Bites on Dogs

Fly bites often appear as red, crusty spots—especially on ears, face, and tail. Here's how to treat them:

• 🧴 Clean the area with saline or chlorhexidine solution
• 💊 Apply antibiotic ointment (pet-safe only)
• 🧢 Use a fly repellent cream or ear barrier balm
• 📱 Monitor for swelling, pus, or worsening—use Ask A Vet if unsure

Persistent wounds or signs of infection need veterinary attention. Don’t delay. 🩺

🛡️ Preventing Future Fly Problems

1. 🧼 Keep Your Dog Clean

• 🚿 Bathe regularly—especially after outdoor play
• 🧻 Wipe paws and underbelly after muddy walks
• ✂️ Trim matted fur where dirt collects

2. 🌿 Use Natural Fly Repellents

• 🧴 Pet-safe sprays with neem, citronella, or lemongrass
  

3. 🏠 Improve Your Dog’s Environment

• 🚫 Remove poop immediately from the yard
• 🛏️ Keep bedding clean and dry
• 🌬️ Use fans or shaded areas to deter flies

📋 Breed-Specific Risk Tips

• 🐕 Bulldogs and Shar-Peis: Extra skin folds can attract moisture and flies
• 🐩 Poodles and Doodles: Need trimmed coats and frequent brushing
• 🏕️ Outdoor breeds (e.g., Huskies): More prone to wounds from outdoor play

Ask your vet for a grooming and prevention routine tailored to your pet. Or consult virtually with Ask A Vet. 🩺📱

🧠 Behavioral Support for Fly-Averse Dogs

Dogs often become fearful or agitated when flies harass them. Some may:

• 🌀 Spin, snap at the air, or chase their tail
• 😨 Hide or become withdrawn
• 📉 Lose appetite or sleep

✅ Final Takeaways: Keep Flies Off, Comfort On

Flies may seem like a minor nuisance, but they can cause serious harm to dogs if ignored. From fly bites to life-threatening fly strike, prevention and quick action are key. 🛡️🐶

Quick Recap:

• 🪰 Flies are attracted to wounds, dirt, and outdoor conditions
• 🧼 Bathe, clean, and use pet-safe repellents to protect your dog
• 🩺 Treat bites carefully and consult vets for signs of infection
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet for fast guidance and wound care support
  

Need help now? Visit AskAVet.com.