Deer Fly Protection for Dogs: Keep Your Pup Safe from Summer Pests

The Threat of Deer Flies

Deer flies are a pesky summer nuisance that can be dangerous to dogs. Their bites deliver painful and itchy welts and can spread diseases, including tularemia and canine heartworm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deer flies are responsible for transmitting an average of 3,000 cases of tularemia in humans each year.

Homemade Deer Fly Protection

While there are many commercial deer fly repellents available, you can also make your own at home using natural ingredients. Here are five effective recipes:

Recipe 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel (optional)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray directly onto the dog's coat, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Recipe 2: Essential Oil Blend

• 10 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 10 drops of peppermint oil
• 10 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 cup of water

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto a cloth or cotton ball and apply it to the dog's coat.

Recipe 3: Garlic Spray

• 1/2 cup crushed garlic
• 2 cups of water
• 1/4 cup witch hazel (optional)

Boil garlic and water together for 10 minutes. Let cool and strain. Add witch hazel if desired. Spray directly onto the dog's coat.

Recipe 4: Baking Soda Paste

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup water

Make a paste and apply it to the dog's skin. Rinse off after 15 minutes.

Recipe 5: Neem Oil Spray

• 1 ounce neem oil
• 16 ounces of water

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto the dog's coat and allow it to dry.

Tips and Tricks

• Apply deer fly protection to your dog before going outside, especially during peak activity hours (dawn and dusk).
• Reapply protection every few hours, especially after swimming or playing in water.
• Keep your dog's hair trimmed short to make it harder for deer flies to land.
• Avoid areas where deer flies are known to be present, such as meadows, fields, and forests.
• Remove any ticks or deer flies that attach to your dog as soon as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much deer fly protection: Overuse can irritate your dog's skin.
• Applying protection to the eyes or mouth: This can cause irritation or even poisoning.
• Using essential oils that are toxic to dogs: Some essential oils, like pennyroyal oil and clove oil, are poisonous to dogs and should never be used.
• Ignoring deer fly bites: If your dog has been bitten, treat the bite promptly to prevent infection.

Pros and Cons of Homemade Deer Fly Protection

Pros:

• More affordable than commercial repellents
• Uses natural ingredients that are less harmful to your dog
• Easy to make and apply

Cons:

• May not be as effective as commercial repellents
• May have a strong odor
• Requires frequent reapplication

Call to Action

Deer fly protection is a must for any dog owner during the summer months. By following these tips, you can help keep your dog safe from these pesky pests. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult your veterinarian.