If you’re like most dog parents, you don’t want to share your pup with any uninvited guests – especially pesky gnats and flies. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep these critters away from your four-legged friend. Here are the top 11 ways to keep gnats and flies off your dog.
Why are insects like gnats and flies attracted to dogs?
Additionally, dogs often have a strong scent, which can also attract insects. For one, dogs are often warm-blooded, which means they have a higher body temperature than the surrounding air. There are a few reasons why insects, like gnats and flies, are attracted to dogs. And finally, dogs often move around a lot, which makes it easy for insects to land on them. This makes them a perfect target for flying insects looking for a meal.
Ways to Keep Gnats and Flies Off Your Dog
But did you know that these pesky insects can be just as irritating for your dog? Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases that can be harmful to your furry friend. There are few things more annoying than having flies and gnats constantly buzzing around your head, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful summer day.
Here are 11 of the best: Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep gnats and flies off your dog.
1. Keep them well-groomed. Regular brushing and bathing will help to remove any dirt or debris that might be attracting insects.
2. Use a pet-safe insect repellent. There are a number of products on the market that are specifically designed to keep bugs away from your pet.
3. Keep their food and water covered. Flies are attracted to food and water, so be sure to keep your dog’s bowl covered when they’re not using it.
Insects are attracted to sweet smells, so opt for a shampoo that is unscented or has a citrusy scent. 4. Avoid sweet-smelling shampoos.
Remove any garbage, standing water, or other potential breeding grounds for insects. 5. Keep your yard clean. If you have a lot of flies in your yard, it’s likely because there is something there that they’re attracted to.
Set up a fan near where your dog likes to lounge to help keep them comfortable. 6. Use a fan. Flies and gnats are less likely to bother your dog if there’s a breeze blowing.
7. Put up a screen. If you have a porch or other outdoor area where your dog likes to spend time, consider putting up a screen to keep insects out.
There are a number of pet-safe “fly swatters” on the market that your dog will love to chase. 8. Give them a “fly swatter.” Dogs love to play with toys, so why not give them one that will also help keep bugs away?
9. Set up a trap. This is a great way to reduce the population of insects in your yard without using chemicals. There are a number of traps that you can use to catch flies and gnats.
Planting some of these around your yard can help to keep bugs away. 10. Plant some fly-repelling plants. There are a number of plants that naturally repel flies and other insects, such as marigolds, basil, and lavender.
If you don’t want to use chemicals to keep bugs away, there are a number of natural fly sprays that you can make at home. 11. Use a natural fly spray.
Method #1: Use Ointment on Your Dog’s Ears
You can apply the ointment to your dog’s ears, or any other area where you see the insects congregating. This will help to keep them away from your dog’s sensitive skin. If you want to keep gnats and flies off your dog, one method you can try is using ointment.
Method #2: Keep Your Yard Free of Waste
One of the best ways to keep gnats and flies off your dog is to keep your yard free of waste. This means picking up after your dog, and disposing of their waste properly. You can also use a fly trap to catch any stragglers.
Method #3: Keep Your Dog and His Area Clean
One of the best ways to keep gnats and flies off your dog is to keep his area clean. This means regular baths, brushing, and cleaning up any areas where he may have relieved himself. If you keep your dog’s area clean, you will not only help keep him comfortable and free of pests, but you will also help keep your home free of them as well.
Method #4: Try Homemade Gnat Repellent Recipes
There are a few different recipes you can try, and you may find that one works better for your dog than another. If you’re looking for a more natural way to keep gnats and flies off your dog, you may want to try a homemade repellent recipe.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture to help repel gnats and flies even further. To make a homemade repellent, you’ll need a few ingredients that you likely already have in your home. For example, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and witch hazel are all common ingredients. Simply mix these together and apply to your dog’s coat.
You may need to reapply the repellent every few hours, depending on how long you’ll be outside and how strong the gnat and fly population is. If you’re not sure which essential oils to use, lemongrass, citronella, and eucalyptus are all good options. Simply add a few drops of each oil to the mixture and apply to your dog’s coat.
Method #5: Raid Fruit Fly Traps
To get rid of fruit flies, raid their traps! They’re also attracted to the fermentation of beer and wine. Fruit flies are attracted to the sweetness of ripe fruit, so they’re often found near kitchens.
Then, add a drop of dish soap to the vinegar. One way to make a trap is to take a bowl and fill it with apple cider vinegar. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar, so the flies will sink and drown. There are a few different ways to make a fruit fly trap, but they all work by luring the flies in with sweetness and then trapping them.
The fruit flies will be attracted to the sweetness and will drown in the water. Mix equal parts sugar and water in a bowl, and then add some slices of ripe fruit. You can also make a trap with ripe fruit, sugar, and water.
You can also try hanging a fruit fly trap near where your dog likes to spend time. To keep fruit flies away from your dog, make sure to keep any ripe fruit or fermenting liquids well out of reach.
Method #6: Garsum Sticky Traps
But did you know that there’s a way to keep them away using something called a Garsum sticky trap? If you have a dog, then you know how annoying it can be to have gnats and flies constantly buzzing around their head.
Here’s how it works: you simply place the trap near where your dog likes to lie down, and the gnats and flies will be attracted to the sticky surface. They’ll get stuck and won’t be able to escape, effectively getting rid of them for good!
Not only is this an effective way to get rid of gnats and flies, but it’s also safe for your dog since there are no chemicals involved. So if you’re looking for a natural way to keep these pesky insects away from your furry friend, give Garsum sticky traps a try!
Method #7: Natural Gnat and Fly Repellent Sprays and Oils
Citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender oils are all effective at repelling these pests. Simply mix a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and mist your dog’s coat lightly. There are a number of natural sprays and oils that can be used to repel gnats and flies from your dog.
Another option is to make a fly repellent collar by soaking a bandana or piece of cloth in a mixture of water and essential oils. Wrap the bandana around your dog’s neck, making sure that the oils come into contact with their skin.
Finally, you can also try using a fly trap to catch and kill these pests. Then, place the bowl near where you often see flies. Fill a bowl with water and add a drop of dish soap. The flies will be attracted to the water and soap mixture and will drown when they try to land.
Method #8: Flys-Off Insect Repellent for Dogs and Cats
This type of repellent is designed specifically for dogs and cats, and it can be quite effective in keeping a variety of different insects at bay. There are a few different ways to keep pesky insects off of your beloved pet, and one of those ways is by using a flys-off insect repellent.
One of the great things about using a flys-off insect repellent is that it is relatively safe for your pet. Unlike some other methods of repelling insects, such as using chemicals or pesticides, a flys-off repellent will not put your pet at risk for any type of health problems.
Simply apply the repellent to your pet’s coat and then brush it in. Another benefit of using a flys-off repellent is that it is relatively easy to use. Most flys-off repellents come in a spray bottle, which makes application even easier.
This type of repellent is safe, easy to use, and can be quite effective in keeping a variety of different insects at bay. If you are looking for an effective way to keep insects off of your pet, then a flys-off insect repellent may be the perfect solution.
Method #9: Ultrashield Natural Fly Repellent Spray for Dogs
But there are ways to keep the bugs off your dog without using harsh chemicals. Ultrashield Natural Fly Repellent Spray is one of those ways. As the weather gets warmer, we start to see more and more bugs. And as much as we don’t like them, our dogs seem to love them.
It’s also safe to use around other animals and people. It’s safe to use on dogs of all ages and can be applied directly to their coat. This spray uses a blend of essential oils to repel bugs.
To use, simply spray your dog’s coat evenly and brush it in. You can reapply as needed, but usually once a day is sufficient.
If you’re looking for a natural, safe way to keep bugs off your dog, Ultrashield Natural Fly Repellent Spray is a great option.
Method #10: Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Yard Garden Spray
Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Yard Garden Spray is an all-natural, safe, and effective way to keep gnats and flies off your dog. This spray is made with cedar oil and other essential oils that repel and kill insects. It is safe to use around children and pets, and won’t harm your plants or lawn. Simply spray it around your yard or garden, and enjoy a bug-free area.
Method #11: Wondercide Natural Deet-Free Mosquito and Insect Repellent
There are a number of natural mosquito and insect repellents on the market, but Wondercide’s Natural Deet-Free Mosquito and Insect Repellent is one of the most effective. This repellent uses a blend of essential oils to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, and it is safe to use on dogs and humans.
Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or exercise. To use, simply spray the repellent on your dog’s coat, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Wondercide’s Natural Deet-Free Mosquito and Insect Repellent is a safe and effective way to keep your dog free of pests all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I keep gnats and flies off my dog?
There are a number of things you can do to keep gnats and flies off your dog. First, try to keep your dog in areas that are free of these pests. If you are outdoors, keep your dog away from areas where gnats and flies are present. Second, use products that repel or kill gnats and flies. These products can be found at your local pet store or online. Third, keep your dog clean. Gnats and flies are attracted to dirty dogs. Be sure to bathe your dog regularly and brush him/her to remove any dirt or debris. Finally, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about gnats or flies bothering your dog.
2. What are some products that can be used to repel or kill gnats and flies?
There are a number of products that can be used to repel or kill gnats and flies. These products can be found at your local pet store or online. Some of the most popular products include fly traps, fly strips, and insecticidal sprays.
3. How can I keep my dog clean?
Gnats and flies are attracted to dirty dogs. Be sure to bathe your dog regularly and brush him/her to remove any dirt or debris. You may also want to consider using a dog shampoo that contains insecticidal properties.
4. Where are gnats and flies typically found?
Gnats and flies are typically found in areas with stagnant water or decaying organic matter. They can also be found near garbage cans, pet food, and other sources of food.
5. Why are gnats and flies attracted to dogs?
Gnats and flies are attracted to dogs because they are attracted to the scent of dog urine and feces. They are also attracted to the warmth of a dog’s body.
Final thoughts
There are a variety of ways to keep gnats and flies off your dog. Some of these methods include using insect repellent, keeping your dog clean, and using a fly trap. By using one or more of these methods, you can help keep your dog comfortable and free from these pesky insects.