Do Horsefly Bites Hurt Dogs? Understanding Risks & Care

Horseflies are large insects with powerful bites that are common in North America. Horseflies are dangerous for horses because they carry equine infectious anemia, but they are not very harmful to dogs. If a dog gets a horsefly bite, the resulting welt will need to be treated like a cut and cleaned.

Fortunately, it's unusual for horseflies to swarm, so there shouldn't be more than one bite. However, several bites can cause a lot of irritation on a dog or other animal, and each bite needs to be cleaned and disinfected before scabbing. Treat the bite like a small cut.

Can fly bites make a dog sick?

Horsefly bites hurt, and the sawlike fly mouth literally cuts skin so it bleeds noticeably. Animals feel a horsefly bite. However, other than throbbing for a few minutes and the need for immediate cleaning, they pose little danger to a dog. There's not much a dog can catch from a horsefly. Horsefly bites are more dangerous to horses than to dogs.

However, some dogs are allergic to horsefly bites and other insect bites. If the dog is allergic, the risk becomes more dangerous. Signs of allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, and vomiting. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Other problems are infections. Because the bite is fairly deep, cleaning and disinfecting the small wound is important. The wound might have to be cleaned several times until it heals.

Treating a horsefly bite

To treat a horsefly bite on a dog, first hold a cloth, cotton ball, or tissue over the horsefly bite on the dog to stop the bleeding. This should only take a minute or two. An ice cube or cold compress held on the bite for about 10 minutes will also help to take down swelling and reduce pain.

Second, cleanse the bite with water and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment (safe for dogs) or an antiseptic spray that reduces itching. Keeping a dog-friendly first-aid kit on hand is good practice.

Finally, reapply the ointment a few times. The horsefly bite should heal in a few days. However, the bite will be itchy. If the dog itches, watch for signs of infection, such as swelling or pus. The dog might need veterinary care and an antibiotic in that case.

Fly repellent for dogs

The best way to prevent a horsefly bite is to knock them off an animal before they bite. Horseflies are big, so this involves more than a swoosh; connect with the fly like a racket to a ball. Fly sprays or fly repellent for dogs does little to deter horseflies and nor does the wind. Winds must be strong because horseflies can withstand most breezes thanks to their size.