Black Fly Bite on Dogs

Flies are quite annoying insects, both for us and our dogs. However, black flies in particular can pose more problems for our canine companions.

Black fly bites on dogs can cause extreme itching, pain, and sometimes severe allergic reactions, so it’s important to know what these insects are and what signs to look for.

What are black fly bites in dogs?

The black fly is a small winged insect with a black, gray or yellowish-brown body. Black flies, also called buffalo mosquitoes, are especially active in the humid spring and summer months. In subtropics, black flies can be active all year round.

Female black flies bite aggressively. Unlike mosquitoes, these flies do not cut a blood vessel when they bite. Instead, they cut the skin and drink the small pool of blood that forms. Male black flies do not bite.

During black fly season, swarms of black flies surround and bite dogs, causing small, itchy blood spots on the body (especially the lower and inner thighs), ears, and face. These swarms usually occur during the day when the air is calm.

What do black fly bites look like in dogs?

Black fly bites in dogs are usually found in areas with less hair, such as the lower abdomen, the inside of the hind legs or the ears.

These bites can be very itchy. Sometimes the bites cause scabs and open sores or dark red bumps.

Dogs with black fly bites often develop a very specific rash on their bottom and inner thighs, which is actually a collection of black fly bites. Individual bites have a punctate puncture, surrounded by a paler area of ​​swelling and then a red outer border. Each bite forms a target or target structure.

Because of the unique appearance of the bites, your veterinarian usually knows that your pet has been invaded by black flies after seeing the rash.

In rare cases, dogs can also have allergic reactions to black fly bites. If your dog has hives on other parts of the body, facial swelling, or sudden vomiting, visit a veterinarian immediately. Sudden allergic reactions or anaphylaxis can be fatal if left untreated.

Difference Between Black Fly Bite and Tick Bite in a Dog

When you hear “target lesion,” you may think of the characteristic rash caused by a tick that transmits Lyme disease in humans. Because of this, pet owners often think that a black fly bite is a tick bite. However, tick bites on dogs do not cause the target injury.

Keep in mind that black flies usually attack in swarms, so you will usually see several bites in one area of ​​the body. Tick ​​bites tend to be more solitary.

Black flies also do not attach to dogs. They bite, feed and fly away. Ticks, on the other hand, attach to the pet while it is feeding, so you will often find them still attached to the dog’s skin.

Both black fly and tick bites can be itchy. Ticks also transmit diseases to dogs such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis, while black flies do not transmit diseases that affect dogs.

Infected black fly bite in a dog

Any insect bite can become infected if the dog scratches or chews on the bite, including black fly bites.

The key sign to watch for is drainage or pus. Clear fluid may be normal, especially if the bite formed a sore. However, if the fluid is white, yellow, green, or brown, the bite is probably infected.

Infected bites may be more swollen than others, painful to the touch, and take longer to heal.

If you think a bite may be infected, it is best to talk to your veterinarian. Some infected bites may need antibiotics.

Examples of antibiotics that your veterinarian may recommend giving orally include cephalexin or cefpodoxime. Examples of topical antibiotics include Animax® ointment or antibiotic shampoos. Do not use triple antibiotics intended for human use. Your veterinarian will decide which antibiotics are best for your pet’s case.

Treatment of black fly bites in dogs

Treatment of black fly bites focuses on relieving itching and discomfort, promoting healing, and preventing infection.

If your pet is not experiencing excessive itching or pain, these bites usually heal without the need for veterinary care. Be sure to prevent your pet from biting or scratching. You can do this by placing a recovery cone over your pet and asking them to wear protective clothing over the bites.

Steps you can take at home to help relieve discomfort and itching include:

• Apply a cold compress such as an ice pack to the bites. Be sure to place a cloth between the ice pack and your skin.
• Place hydrocortisone cream directly on the bites.

You may be tempted to give your pet a relaxing oatmeal bath. While you can bathe your dog, there are several things you should keep in mind:

• Warm or hot water can increase the release of histamine, causing your pet to be itchier.
• Moisture can lead to infection and encourage your pet to lick the area. Be sure to gently dry your dog after bathing him.

If your pet is itchy and uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or cetirizine (Zyrtec®) may be recommended. Follow your veterinarian’s dosage recommendations, as they may be different from the instructions on the bottle.

If the bites are infected, antibiotics may be recommended. If this is the case, follow your veterinarian’s instructions to administer antibiotics correctly.

In rare cases of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, you should seek emergency treatment for your pet. Do not use an EpiPen prescribed for humans on your pet.

How to Protect Your Dog from Black Fly Bites

Preventive measures to protect your dog from black fly bites include:

• Avoid flowing bodies of water such as rivers, streams and creeks during black fly season. Black flies breed in running water.

• Avoid forests and farms during black fly season.

• Avoid leaving your dog outside several hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset. Swarms occur during the day, usually in the morning or late afternoon/evening.

• Consider wearing protective clothing. Light clothing that protects the dog’s belly and thighs can prevent swarms from reaching the body parts they like best.

• You can put SWAT® fly repellent on your dog’s ears. It is especially useful for preventing ear bites.

Currently, the FDA has not approved any insect repellents containing DEET for use on dogs. You can try commercially available over-the-counter insect repellents intended for dogs, but they are not as effective as avoiding the swarms altogether.

Frequently asked questions about black fly bites in dogs