If you have a fly infestation in your home, your dog may suffer more than you think. These insects don't just bother him, they can also irritate his skin and cause infections. To avoid this problem, more attention in cleaning may be enough, using normal detergents. Wash your dog, your home often and use repellents to keep them away from your four-legged friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wash and Train the Dog
Step 1. Wash your dog regularly so that he doesn't attract flies
These insects are attracted to dirt and bad smells; to keep them from getting close to your pet, wash and brush them once or twice a month. Repeat grooming as often as you notice flies targeting your dog, especially in the summer when they are most active.
Be sure to clean and trim the dog's fur in the anus and genital area so it doesn't get felted or dirty
Step 2. Teach your dog to clean up outside the house
Flies often lay eggs in feces. If your pet is dirty, he is more exposed to the bites of these insects. Train him to free himself in a specific area of the garden to make cleaning easier. Have him follow a routine every day and reward him when he is free in the area you indicated.
Step 3. Wash the dog bed at least once a week
Clean the area where he sleeps, to prevent stains, bad smells from accumulating and to eliminate any fly eggs that may be hiding in the fabrics. Hand or machine wash your blankets with pet-friendly detergent and hot water once a week to get rid of dirt, odors and eggs.
Step 4. Sprinkle baking soda on the dog's bed to get rid of bad smells
If the bed still smells after washing it, baking soda can solve the problem. Sprinkle some of the powder, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. Repeat this as needed or when washing the bed to keep it fresh.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Fly Infestations
Step 1. Remove any leftover food and bones from the dog's bed immediately
Don't leave them out, as flies are attracted to food. Feed your dog at fixed times so that the space he lives in does not get infested with flies.
Step 2. Vacuum the carpets several times a week
If your dog is bothered by flies in the house too, you may have an infestation. Vacuum the carpet regularly to get rid of any eggs you can't see with the naked eye. Once cleaned, empty the bag outside to prevent re-infestation.
Step 3. Remove the garbage from the house and garden
Since flies thrive in dirt, it's important to keep the dog's living area clean if you want to prevent bites from these insects. Throw away your trash, excrement and food scraps as soon as you see them, to avoid bad smells, which attract flies quickly.
Step 4. Bring the dog indoors during the hottest times of the day
Flies are most active in the summer months and especially during the day. The warmer it is, the more likely your pet is to be targeted by flies. Keep it indoors after 11 and throughout the afternoon to prevent bites from these insects.
Part 3 of 3: Try Natural or Chemical Fly Repellents
Step 1. Apply petroleum jelly to the dog's ears
If his ears are bitten frequently by flies, smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly on that area. Spray a small amount of cream on your hands and rub both sides of the dog's ears. This way the flies will no longer come close and the animal's wounds will be able to heal.
Open wounds attract even more flies, so it's important to use petroleum jelly to prevent further irritation
Step 2. Make a fly repellent with vinegar, mineral oil, and scented essential oils
If you don't like the idea of spraying chemical repellents on your dog, mix 250ml of apple cider vinegar and 250ml of mineral oil with half a teaspoon of the following essential oils: lemongrass, bitter orange, eucalyptus and cloves. Finish the solution with 500ml of dish soap, then mix one part of the natural repellent with five parts of water. Spray the repellent on your dog, especially in areas where flies land most often.
Note that this repellent has not been proven to be safe or effective
Step 3. Place traps or purchase plants that eat insects
Traps you can hang high up stay out of your dog's reach and catch any flies that enter the house. If, for whatever reason, you are against traps, buy a carnivorous plant that naturally reduces the infestation.
You can plant a Venus flytrap in the garden or on a window sill. You will need to take care of this plant regularly to keep it healthy
Step 4. Light a couple of lemongrass candles in the house
This aroma does not bother dogs, while it acts as an insect repellent. If you'd rather not kill the flies, buy some candles and light them in rooms that dogs frequent.
- Other citronella-based fragrances, such as essential oils or cleaning sprays can also keep bugs away, but flies find the smoke particularly annoying.
- Never leave candles burning unsupervised and keep them out of your dog's reach.
Step 5. Purchase an animal-safe fly repellent
Some repellents are dangerous for dogs, so read the instructions carefully before purchasing a product. Choose a variety specific for dogs, apply it on the objects he uses and on him every day or as often as indicated by the indications.
- Fly repellents with pyrethrum are usually non-toxic and safe for dogs.
- You can find safe pet repellents on the internet and in many pet stores.
Step 6. Ask your vet to prescribe dog ointments or cleansers
If your pet gets hit frequently by flies, take him to the vet and get a prescription for antibiotic cream. Tell him which repellents you use and ask him for advice on which natural or chemical anti-fly products you can use without putting your dog's health at risk.
Step 7. Avoid fly repellents not suitable for dogs
Even if a product is safe for humans, it could still be harmful or even lethal to animals. Avoid all products not specifically for dogs or not recommended by your vet.
