How do I stop flies from bothering my dog? Any natural tips?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Luckily the small flies and gnats do not harm or bother the dogs. You can try a repellent product like Advantix that is approved for dogs and to repel flies. I do not recommend spraying OFF on pets. Personally I think it they do not bother the dog to avoid excessive product usage. Have a good day!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Gracie. Yes they do look like black fly bites, but there is no treatment for them. To prevent them, you need to clean up your yard of anything that attracts flies such as dog poop. Pick up all the dog poop, and throw it away in a closed trash can. Keep the trash can closed and locked if possible to prevent flies from coming there. Use a fly spray to kill any flies in the home. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like Pickles has a superficial skin infection on his head. I’m not sure what caused the infection but it is likely the flies are attracted to the infection smell. I recommend taking him to a vet for treatment of the infection and to look for the cause. In the meantime, you can wash the area with mild soap and water and be sure to dry it well. I would keep him inside until it’s scabbed over so flies don’t keep coming back. Good luck and kisses to Pickles!

Fruit flies are attracted to organic matter. It could very well be that Mike is dirty. You can try bathing him to see if it makes a difference. You should also clean up any stool in the area as well as fruit or food scraps if present. To keep numbers of flies down, you can purchase or make your own fruit fly traps. A quick online search will yield easy, inexpensive plans for traps.

Poor doggie. Visit your local pet store, they sell over the counter fly repellent cream that will keep the flies away. And if there are sores on the ears apply a thin layer of Neosporin after cleaning them with a mild soap and warm water (i.e. Dove).

Hi there. Thank you for using PetCoach. So sorry you had this experience at your vet. The number one thing you need to do is make sure to limit her activity. No running around free in the yard. No playing with other dogs or running up/down stairs. No jumping up on beds or couches. She should only be leash walked only and kept as calm and quiet as possible for about 7-10 days. Also, make sure she cannot lick the incision - this is the number one problem we see post-operatively - dogs lick the incision and get it open. So be sure to use an E-collar (cone) for at least 10 days. If they did not give you one, you can buy one at any large pet store or online. You can apply this fly repellant ointment AROUND the incision but not on it. It is recommended that you not put anything on the incision directly. ( https://www.amazon.com/Farnam-Products-100532971-Repellent-Ointment/dp/B07D1M6LSB/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=farnam+flys-off+repellent&qid=1570893908&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1 ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again. Best wishes!

Hello. I usually recommend Farnam's Fly-Off Repellent Ointment for wounds & sores like this. It is over the counter & you should be able to find it at any Petco. Just use it on a regular basis to help heal & protect the ears. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.