I recently washed my girls (Cobe and Ivy) and found these small black flies on them. They seemed to have gone away and were dead in the water, when I was done bathing them. They were not fleas, I know what fleas are and look like. I just don't have any idea what they are. They were small like fleas, but didn't seem to bother them much (no iching). Are these fruit flies? I have never heard of fruit flies on a dog, but they are bad around here this year? Any idea?
Mindy in Ontario
There is a product used for horses to keep flies off. It can be found in the pet stores or online pet stores.I think it is called "Fly-off", but cannot remember for sure. Best of luck. (04/30/2005)
Why not call a vets office and ask? They deal with animal problems all the time and I'm sure they'd have a solution for you. I don't, or I'd post it. (05/02/2005)
By Diana
Avon sells a bath oil that I can't remember the name of right now. Soft Sense? Look for an Avon representative, they will know. It also works for fleas. Fill the tub with warm water, adding the bath oil under the running water. Then dip them. Just like a flea dip basically. Please don't use the "Fly-off", it is safe for horses and cattle because they don't lick themselves. I also have those fly-catcher bags hanging up, they really work. (05/03/2005)
By Barb
Avon's Skin So Soft, bath oil-supposedly spritz on animal and will keep fleas off. Personally I use Advantage, (around $10.00 per vial) get from vet, pet store or EBAY. Seems pricey, but really isn't when you consider cost of shampoos and spray. Really does last at least one month and keeps fleas off. A friend lives in country and has large dogs and uses the "Bio Spot" products. Less expensive than Advantage and she says it works. (07/20/2005)
By Sandy
You are not by yourself in getting rid of flies on dogs. However, I found that Vaseline (trade name) can help protect the dogs ears from being chew by the flies. However, you will have a problem if another dogs keeps licking the dog ears. (08/12/2005)
For getting rid of those pests, I use vinegar. I'd rather have a smelly dog than a sick one. I use the Albertson's cheap vinegar. (08/23/2005)
By Jeri
Someone just told me that you can place cat nip and basil in cheese cloth, hang it in the area where dogs are, and it will keep the flies away. Could be worth a try. (08/29/2005)
By Kathryn
I have a Lab who lives outside. He also has problems with flies. I try to bathe him on a regular basis and coat him with baby powder. Flies don't seem to like it. Also for his ears, I found that Desitin diaper cream (thick version) does the trick. It contains Zinc which also helps heal any existing wounds from flies. It works better than Vaseline and it promotes healing.
By Mrs.K
I use a product you get from the vet. It cost about 8 dollars, and you rub it on their fur, and can rub on their ears, and hard to reach places, like between eyes. It lasts for 2 or 3 days. You can smell the insecticide in it, but man, it keeps the flies from biting them. It is called, Pet-Guard. It is made by Virbac, only sold by licensed vets, although I wonder if you could buy on internet. My dogs ears get eaten up, if I do not use it. I have had the same bottle for about 2 years, it is worth it. Good Luck. (05/28/2007)
By K in Kansas
I use Larry's Fly repellent its mostly for horses, but the latest bottle said its OK for dogs. You mix it with water and it lasts for year for me. I have 4 dogs and I spray them all over especially the ears and I also spray their beds and the back door. Works very well. (07/05/2007)
By Guest
Whatever you do, if you have kittens, do not spray fly spray around them. My grandson sprayed a kitten and it died. Probably licked it's hair and ate it. (08/25/2007)
By Little Suzy
I have a Rottweiller and the flies were tremendous on him all over, his ears especially. There is an auction barn across the street so there is no shortage of flies that's for sure. I tried canola oil last year and it seemed to work even after he rubbed most of it off in the dirt. His ears were very chewed before I tried this and it seemed to allow them to heal faster without the flies bugging him, but I am going to try the diaper cream too that sounds like a good idea.
By Amber
I saw one person say that a friend has used Bio Spot for fleas. Please do not use this product or any of the cheaper versions. There are numerous animals (mostly cats) that have become deathly ill after having these cheap products applied to them. It's much safer to use the veterinarian approved products and cheaper in the long run. If you have an animal that becomes ill, it will require immediate veterinary care to keep it alive. Please pass this information on to all animal lovers. (05/25/2008)
By Tracy
I have found that Swat is the best product out there, a little on the messy side, but I have no complaints because it does its job. Another thing is if you can hang one of these things outside near the kennel. It is awesome in attracting and killing flies. I promise you'll love it.
http://www.amazon.com/Trap-N-Toss-Disposable-Fly/dp/B0002XI7GO?tag=thriftyfun0b-20
Good luck. (06/11/2008)
By Judy G.
My vet told me to get the word out to make sure no one puts a product with Deet in it on a dog. It is very bad for the dog. (07/15/2008)
By Nancy
I just discovered my poor old Mastiff has a badly infected ear from the flies eating him alive. My younger Mastiff was starting to get eaten by the flies. I bathed them both with medicated shampoo, applied Bag Balm to the ears and applied "Bronco" fly spray to them both. I used to work with horses and Bronco is good stuff $5.99 for a huge spray bottle. Make sure you apply it to a cloth for the face, you don't want that stuff in their eyes or being inhaled by anyone. I'm going back to the feed store today to get oral antibiotics for my old boy. I will post again in a few weeks to let everyone know how it goes. My poor dogs. (07/23/2008)
By JoAnn
I found a good natural solution. I use Bag Balm on the worst effected areas. i.e. the dogs snout and ears. Then I apply Burt's Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent. It contains caster oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil, peppermint oil, citronella oil, clove oil, and geranium oil. It works great and isn't toxic. Smells good too. (09/05/2008)
By Kim
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