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Ticks aren鈥檛 the only external parasites that feed on our canine companions. Black flies also suck dogs鈥� blood, leaving behind a bullseye-like rash on the feed site. Don鈥檛 worry, there鈥檚 good news: black flies are nothing more than a common nuisance, and they don鈥檛 spread life-threatening diseases like ticks do.
Most of the time, black fly bites resolve on their own within a few days, causing nothing more than minor skin irritation and itching. Still, some circumstances may call for a veterinarian鈥檚 insight. If the lesion seems infected (or is located near the dog鈥檚 eyes or mouth), consult your dog鈥檚 healthcare team.
Black Fly Bites Are Usually Not Cause for Concern
Dr. Jerry Klein, the American Kennel Club鈥檚 Chief Veterinarian, shares that while black fly bites are inconvenient, they鈥檙e usually not an immediate threat to dogs鈥� health.
鈥淏lack flies (or buffalo gnats) cause bite wounds on dogs that are large, red, or bruised, [and] more easily seen on lightly coated areas, such as their underside,鈥� Dr. Klein explains. 鈥淪ome of the wounds may have a pale center giving the impression of a 鈥榖ullseye鈥� appearance similar when humans get bitten by a tick having Lyme disease.鈥�
When a dog develops Lyme disease, symptoms may include joint swelling, generalized stiffness, and lameness. They will not develop a target-like rash, which is a human-specific symptom. It鈥檚 recommended to get your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease and other transmissible illnesses.
Recognizing Black Fly Bites on Dogs
Black flies are common throughout the United States, but they鈥檙e especially prevalent near bodies of water in the late spring and early summer. As bloodsucking parasites, they may feed on your dog鈥檚 blood during a swim, playing a game of fetch, or tending to nature鈥檚 call. The bites themselves don鈥檛 hurt, but they can itch. So, your dog may lick or bite the wound.
Over time, this could lead to open sores, infection, and other complications that require veterinary care. As we鈥檒l discuss later, you can prevent the over-licking of black fly sores using a collar or topical creams.
Black Fly Bites vs. Tick Bites: What to Know
There are key differences between black fly and tick bites.
- Ticks don鈥檛 feed in swarms, but black flies do. You may notice multiple fly bites on your dog, as opposed to one tick bite.
- Black flies can land and feed on a dog within seconds. A tick must attach itself to the dog to draw blood, and this can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
- Once a tick has latched on to your dog, you must remove it using tweezers. A black fly will leave on its own.
Black Fly Bites vs. Ringworm on Dogs
Despite the name, ringworm isn鈥檛 an internal parasite like tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Rather, it鈥檚 a fungus that grows on the skin鈥檚 outermost layer and in a dog鈥檚 hair follicles. Dogs generally get the condition through contact with an infected surface, such as a communal food bowl.
The main difference between a black fly bite and ringworm is the texture of the wound鈥檚 outermost circle. A black fly bite is flat and will only become inflamed if infected. Standard ringworm feels slightly elevated to the touch, and it may also be scaly.
Another difference is the number of wounds. Ringworm presents as a solitary, inflamed red ring, usually on the face, tail, ear tips, or feet. Black fly bites occur in clusters in nearly hairless areas, like on a dog鈥檚 underbelly.
How to Treat Black Fly Bites on Dogs
As noted, most black fly bites heal within a matter of days. Still, you may wonder how you can encourage the healing process.
Dr. Klein suggests, 鈥淜eep the area clean by washing the area with cool, mild soapy water, application of , [and] administration of antihistamines (if directed by your veterinarian). Creams containing antihistamine and or can be helpful when lightly applied, providing one closely monitors your dog, so it does not lick the ointment off for at least 15 minutes.鈥�
If your dog insists on biting or licking the affected area, your veterinarian may suggest getting a protective collar to limit their range of motion. How long your dog must wear the collar depends on the fly bite鈥檚 location, size, and whether it鈥檚 infected.
How to Prevent Black Fly Bites on Dogs
While black flies are found throughout the country, they鈥檙e particularly dense in humid, subtropical regions, such as the American South. They lay eggs in rivers, ponds, and streams, and will remain close to the shore throughout their three-to-four-week lifespan. Avoiding these areas can prevent black fly bites on your dog.
Other preventative measures include:
- Planning outings during certain parts of the day. Black fly swarms are the greatest a few hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. There鈥檚 a 鈥渟weet spot鈥� when it comes to enjoying the outdoors with your dog while avoiding black fly swarms.
- Utilizing protective clothing. Black flies may target dogs with thin fur and exposed underbellies, such as Italian Greyhounds. A may cover up these areas and deter flies from feeding.
- Using over-the-counter sprays. Never use a product on your pet that isn鈥檛 intended for them. Check with your veterinarian for product recommendations. According to the ASPCA, both dogs and cats are sensitive to DEET. Using it could cause neurological problems, such as tremors, seizures, or even death. Never use medication formulated for dogs on cats.
You may also opt to limit your dog鈥檚 outdoor playtime if you want to avoid black fly bites. Indoors, you can offer much-needed stimulation through and other . You may also feed them using a or for extra entertainment.
Consult a Veterinarian if You Notice These Signs
鈥淭he lesions of bites from the black fly will typically resolve on their own in a week or so, and no treatment or extra worrying is necessary,鈥� Dr. Klein says.
However, he also shares that there are some unique circumstances that may call for a veterinarian鈥檚 insight. For instance, some dogs are hypersensitive to black fly bites, especially if they鈥檝e been bitten by the insect before. You should consult your dog鈥檚 veterinarian if you notice hives or facial swelling.
In the same vein, some dogs are also allergic to black fly bites. Dr. Klein advises, 鈥淚n rare cases of rare, severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, (vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, collapse), one must seek immediate emergency treatment for your dog.鈥�
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.