Identifying the Bugs
There are a few common types of bugs you may notice flying around your dog:
– Gnats – Tiny flies about 1/8 inch long with one set of wings. Appear in swarms near moist areas. Usually black or dark colored.
– Fruit flies – Another tiny fly around 1/8 inch long. Attracted to ripe or decaying fruit. Beige/brown coloring.
– Mosquitoes – Slim insects with long legs and a pointed mouthpart for sucking blood. Range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.
– Flies – Larger than gnats/fruit flies with two wings. House flies and blow flies common around dogs. Shiny metallic bodies.
Pay attention to size, shape, and coloring when identifying the bugs. Compare them to pictures online of common types like gnats, flies, mosquitoes, etc. The specific characteristics can help narrow it down.
Knowing the type of bug is the first step in determining if they pose a threat and how to control them.
Are the Bugs Harmful?
Most small flying bugs encountered outdoors are harmless to dogs, but some can bite or irritate your dog’s skin. The most common bugs that may bother dogs include gnats, mosquitoes, flies, midges, and fungus gnats according to sources from Pawsafe and the St. Francisville Animal Hospital. While they don’t usually pose serious health risks, their bites can certainly be annoying and itchy for dogs. Watch for signs like persistent scratching, rubbing, licking or chewing at the skin, redness, and broken skin that could indicate an allergic reaction or a secondary skin infection.
Some dogs may be more sensitive to the saliva of certain bugs, especially mosquitoes. Rarer concerns with some bug bites can include transmission of parasites like fleas and ticks, or diseases like dog heartworm from mosquitoes according to PawSafe.
Most small flies are primarily a nuisance, but they can spoil your time outside with excessive buzzing and landing on your dog. Be attentive to your dog’s comfort level and reactions. Protect any irritated skin with medicine and keep flies away when possible. Overall, don’t let minor bugs stop you and your dog from making fun outdoor memories, but do watch for unusual responses that mean it’s time to come indoors or call your vet.
Preventing Bugs
There are several natural ways to help prevent bugs from gathering around and biting your dog.
Applying natural repellents made from ingredients like citronella, cedar oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil to your dog’s coat can help deter mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas (1). You can find pre-made natural repellent sprays and wipes for dogs at many pet stores. Homemade sprays are also easy to make using essential oils diluted in water or witch hazel (2). Reapply these frequently when outdoors.
Keeping your yard clean and tidy can also help discourage bugs. Remove any standing water and debris that can be mosquito breeding grounds. Keep the grass mowed and bushes trimmed back (3).
Install tight screens on all doors and windows to prevent bugs from getting inside. Use a fan near your dog when indoors to keep air circulated.
Treating Bug Bites
If your dog experiences irritation or swelling from bug bites, you can give them Benadryl to help reduce the reaction. The standard dosage is 1 mg per pound, given 2-3 times a day. Consult with your veterinarian for the proper dosage for your dog (https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/insect-bite-on-dog/).
Applying a hydrocortisone cream to the affected area can also help relieve itching and inflammation caused by bug bites. Only use creams formulated for dogs and follow label instructions (https://www.petsbest.com/blog/tips-if-dog-cat-gets-bug-bite-or-sting).
See your veterinarian right away if the bites become infected. Signs of infection include pus, worsening swelling, and red streaks. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics or other medication to treat the infection.
Protecting Your Dog
There are a several strategies you can use to protect your dog from problematic insects:
Keep your dog indoors during dusk and dawn when bugs like mosquitoes and biting midges are most active (Source 1). Try to avoid taking your dog on walks near bodies of stagnant water where these insects breed.
Use an effective tick and flea prevention product recommended by your veterinarian. Products like flea and tick collars, spot-on treatments, and oral medications can repel and kill ticks and fleas to protect your dog (Source 2).
Check your dog thoroughly for ticks after going outside, especially in wooded, grassy areas. Remove any attached ticks promptly and safely.
Bathe and brush your dog regularly to keep its coat clean and to remove dirt, debris, and dead skin where bugs can hide.
Talk to your vet about safe and effective flea, tick, and mosquito repellents designed specifically for dogs if you plan to be outdoors a lot.
Controlling Bugs in Your Yard
There are several effective ways to help control bugs and insects in your yard without using harsh chemicals.
One of the best things you can do is eliminate any standing water after it rains or you water your lawn and gardens. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so getting rid of it can help reduce their numbers. Dump out any water that collects in buckets, toys, pet dishes, gutters, and even bottle caps.
Using citronella candles or torches around your patio and seating areas can also help deter mosquitoes and some flying insects. The citronella oil gives off an aroma that bugs don’t like. Place the candles or torches near where you’ll be sitting outside to help keep the bugs away.
Planting mint, lavender, marigolds, or other herbs and flowers that bugs dislike can help repel them from your yard. Not only will they smell nice, but they will naturally discourage pests without the need for chemicals.
There are also many commercial bug sprays and foggers made from natural ingredients that can provide safe pest control for your yard. Be sure to read labels and follow instructions carefully.
With some smart prevention and natural remedies, you can enjoy your outdoor living space without being bothered by bothersome flying insects.
Bug-Proofing Your Home
The easiest way to keep bugs out of your house is to prevent them from getting in. Here are some steps you can take to bug-proof your home:
Install tight window screens. Use tightly-woven mesh in your window and door screens. Make sure the screens fit snugly in the frames to prevent gaps that bugs can squeeze through.
Caulk cracks and crevices. Fill in any small gaps and holes around windows, doors, pipes, vents and foundations around your home to eliminate entry points for bugs. Use silicon or acrylic latex caulk and seal hole larger than 1/16 of an inch.
Use fans to keep air moving. Position fans near open doors and windows. The airflow will prevent flying insects from getting inside and establishing themselves in your home.
Other effective strategies include sealing food, removing garbage frequently, and keeping yards and gardens tidy. Prioritizing prevention will help deter bugs and create an unwelcoming environment so they look elsewhere to nest.
When to See a Vet
In most cases, mild bug bites can be treated at home. However, you may need to take your dog to the vet if the bites are severe or become infected.
Signs that warrant a veterinary visit include:
- Open sores or signs of infection like pus, redness, or swelling. Infections require antibiotics and wound care (Veterinary Emergency Group).
- Severe scratching or biting at the site, which can cause further damage.
- Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms that may indicate a systemic reaction.
Your vet can provide medication to reduce itching and inflammation. For very severe reactions, your dog may need steroids, IV fluids, or other supportive care.
It’s important to promptly treat any infected bug bites before the infection spreads. Call your vet whenever you notice signs of a worsening bug bite.
Bug Zappers and Repellants
Bug zappers can provide some relief from flying insects, but you need to use them carefully around pets. The zapping electrical charge can deliver a painful shock if a curious dog gets too close. It’s best to place bug zappers up high or behind a barrier where dogs can’t access them directly.
Citronella and natural oil repellants made from ingredients like lemongrass, peppermint, and cedar can help deter bugs from your dog’s skin and coat. Look for sprays and wipes designed specifically for dogs rather than human products which may contain harsh chemicals. Always test a small area first to watch for any skin irritation before using a new product.
According to one source, “How To Pets Blog states that bug zappers are generally safe for cats when used properly, but contact can still give pets a painful shock.” (source)
Enjoying the Outdoors
Even though bugs can be a nuisance, you can still enjoy being outside with your dog. Here are some tips:
Pick times and areas with fewer bugs. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so try walking your dog midday when the sun is high. Stay away from still bodies of water and damp or shady areas where mosquitoes breed.
Bring a fan or cooling vest. The wind from a fan can help keep bugs away during walks. Cooling vests help regulate your dog’s temperature so you don’t need to stop for water breaks as often.
Check for ticks after being outside. Carefully look through your dog’s coat and skin, especially in warm and humid areas that ticks prefer. Remove any ticks promptly with tweezers. Keeping your lawn mowed can help deter ticks.
With some planning, you and your dog can still enjoy being outdoors together without being bothered too much by pesky insects.