Black fly bites can be very uncomfortable for your dog. When these flies bite, they can cause a lot of itching, pain, and discomfort. They may even trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive breeds. As temperatures rise, and these bugs become more common, it’s important to know certain things as a responsible dog owner.
Read on to learn five facts that will help you to identify, treat, and avoid black fly bites.
1. Black Flies Are Also Called “Buffalo Gnats”
Black flies are small, winged insects that have a yellowish-brown, black, or gray body. They are active in spring and summer months in most areas, but in sub-tropical areas, they are active year-round. They are sometimes called “buffalo gnats” because these blood-sucking insects appear humpbacked, resembling the bulky shoulders of a buffalo.
These black flies swarm, sometimes biting both people and animals. Both males and females generally feed on nectar, but to produce eggs, the females must feed on blood. They use scissor-like mouthparts to cut into your dog’s skin and take a sip. This can cause painful bites that bleed, itch, and cause other types of skin irritation.
Once they’ve fed on blood, females lay hundreds of eggs in clean, fast running water. Worm-like larvae hatch, and the cycle continues.
2. Black Fly Bites Make a Target Rash
Black flies target your dog’s most sensitive areas, typically on the underside of the abdomen, inside the hind legs, or inside the ears. These areas have less fur and are easier for the black fly to access.
A black fly bite may look like a rash because black flies swarm. Yet, the rash is actually several individual bites together. A black fly bite will have a ring with a puncture wound in the middle. It will look like a target.
You may worry that your dog has Lyme disease from a tick because that tell-tale target rash is a symptom of the disease in humans. However, dogs do not have the target rash when they are infected with Lyme disease. Instead, the target-shaped rash is a sure sign your dog has been bitten by a black fly.
Black fly bites are generally harmless. Lyme disease is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
3. Dogs Can Be Allergic to Black Flies
In some rare instances, dogs can experience allergic reactions to black fly bites. Symptoms can include hives, facial swelling, and trouble breathing. Some dogs may vomit.
If your dog has any of these symptoms after a suspected black fly bite, be sure to take them to an emergency veterinarian clinic right away. Allergic reactions can be deadly if not treated immediately. Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or keep your dog overnight for observation.
4. Hot Water Can Make Your Dog Itchier
Black fly bites on dogs cause a lot of itchiness and discomfort. Many well-meaning owners may try to relieve some of the itching with a warm compress, but hot water can actually increase histamine release.
Histamine is released by skin cells in response to allergens. This induces itching by stimulating nerve endings. Hot water also can strip your dog’s skins of natural oils and cause further irritation.
Instead, if your dog is bitten, try applying a cold compress to the black fly bite. You can also treat the itching with hydrocortisone cream or an oatmeal bath using warm water. If your pet is extremely uncomfortable, your vet can prescribe some antihistamines to help to reduce the reaction.
If your dog tirelessly bites or scratches the irritated area, you may purchase an E-collar. This would limit their movement and prevent them from creating open sores that can lead to infection.
5. Black Flies Are Attracting to Running Water
You want to do everything possible to protect your dog from black fly bites. But to accomplish this, you must understand what attracts black flies in the first place. As noted, they lay their eggs in running streams, rivers, and creeks. So, females will be especially eager to feed if you are in a location with running water.
Like disease-carrying mosquitos, black flies also prefer woodlands and farms. Swarms typically occur during the morning and late afternoon. They also prefer humid, hot weather. So, during the warmer times of the year, avoid bringing your dog near bodies of water where black flies gather.
If you and your dog have a high-activity lifestyle, you may want to protect your dog’s sensitive areas by having them wear light clothes or sweaters that cover their underbelly and thighs. There are some pet-friendly bugs fly repellants that you can put on your dog’s ears to deter black flies from biting, as well.
Be sure to read labels on fly repellants carefully. Avoid using any bug sprays containing DEET. Not only are these chemicals toxic to pets, but pesticides also decimate local insect populations.
Black Fly Bites Are Harmless and Preventable
Black flies can swarm and bite your dog causing a target-like rash. The rash can cause itching, pain, and discomfort. You can treat black fly bites with antihistamines, ice packs, and soothing anti-itch creams and baths. However, the best way to deal with black fly bites is to avoid going to places where black fly swarms are prevalent.
If your dog has any severe symptoms, or you have trouble relieving them of the itchiness and discomfort, take them to the vet. A vet can accurately identify and treat black fly bites.
