Do you have a dog constantly being pestered by gnats?
If so, you are not alone. Gnats can be a nuisance and cause skin irritations and other health issues, such as biting and scratching.
So, continue reading if you feel like it’s high time to kick them away from your pet but don’t know how to do that.
This blog will discuss various methods to keep gnats away from dogs, including prevention techniques, natural repellents, and commercial products.
Gnats are tinny insects that belong to the Diptera order and can cause skin irritations, biting, and scratching.
These are attracted to dogs due to their body heat, carbon dioxide emission, odor from sweat or breath, moist environment in which they live/play, and long hair or thick coats.
Various technical preventions, natural repellents, and commercial product use can help keep them away from your dog.
The next section of the article will discuss why gnats are attracted to dogs and how you can effectively keep them away from your dogs.
In the end, there will be a brief conclusion with frequently asked questions about gnats and dogs.
3 Reasons Why Gnats Are Attracted to Dogs
The gnats are attracted to dogs due to their body heat, carbon dioxide, odor, and long hair.
Below is a detailed discussion about each attraction.
Gnats may be small, but they sure can cause a lot of nuisance!
These little insects belong to the Diptera order and are usually smaller than other flying creatures like mosquitoes.
They have slender bodies and wings that make them agile flyers. You’ll mostly see them buzzing around during dusk or dawn.
1. Body Heat and Carbon Dioxide
Gnats are attracted to body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide; thus, dogs’ body heat and carbon dioxide attract gnats.
Gnats rely on these signals to find sources of food, so they flock to warm-blooded animals like dogs to feed.
2. Odor
In addition to body heat and carbon dioxide, gnats detect the unique odors from dogs, such as lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds in their sweat or breath.
The more active dog is, and the more it sweats, the stronger these scents become-resulting in an increased likelihood of attracting gnats.
3. Long Hairs
Dogs with long hairs are prime spots for Gnats to hide, breed, and feed on the oils and debris found in their fur.
These dogs are more likely to attract them than those with short hair or thinner coats due to the added protection and sustenance they provide.
3 Effective Strategies To Keep Gnats Away From Dogs
Gnats are very small flying insects that can be annoying for dogs.
They often swarm around their faces and ears, causing discomfort and distress.
Luckily, there are ways to keep gnats away from your pup so they can enjoy playing outside without being bothered by them.
Here are three strategies you can use to stop or eliminate them:
1. Technical Preventions
Keeping Gnats away from your pup is important for their comfort and health.
Fortunately, several technical prevention methods can help with that.
Some are given below!
Keeping Your Dog Away From Damp Soil
Gnats are drawn to places with high moisture and humidity levels, like standing water or damp soil.
Dogs often come into contact with these environments when they drink or play, increasing the likelihood of attracting gnats.
Additionally, these insects tend to lay eggs in damp soil, making it an attractive place to breed.
Avoiding Standing Water
To reduce the risk of gnats in your yard, wipe out any standing water that may appear and regularly clean and refill any outdoor water sources, such as bird baths or fountains, so that you can keep them away from your home and protect your dog.
Keeping Screens on Windows and Doors
To protect your home from gnats, ensure all the windows and doors have properly functioning screens with no holes or tears that would let them in.
Doing that can help prevent their entry, eventually reducing their population inside your home.
Using Air Purifier
Air purifiers can be an excellent solution for removing gnats in your home.
A HEPA filter can be beneficial, as it’s designed to trap small particles, such as gnats, and help keep them out of the air.
They can give your dog and family much-needed relief from pesky and irritating insects.
Using Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier can be a great solution.
Dehumidifiers help dry out the environment, making it less attractive to gnats can help reduce their numbers.
That’s an easy and effective way to keep them away from your dogs.
2. Natural Repellents
Natural repellents can be an excellent option for keeping gnats away from your pets.
Made from natural ingredients, these repellents are safe and effective.
They are less likely to cause unwanted side effects that can be found with many commercial anti-gnat products.
Some of them are given below. Let’s take a look!
Essential Oils
Get rid of the gnats from your dogs using essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.
These oils can be used in various ways to create a repellent barrier around your pet.
Mix the oils with a carrier oil and rub them on the coat or diffuse them in the air for full coverage.
Make sure to use high-quality, pure essential oils and follow the instructions safely and effectively.
Citrus Fruits
Make an excellent natural repellent for gnats. Take citrus fruits, slice them around the home to deter the pesky bugs, or create a spray using peels containing citronella and limonene.
This will help keep away gnats while protecting your dog from harmful products.
Herbs
Use rosemary, basil, and mint to keep your home and pet gnat-free.
Plant them around the house or tie bunches on your dog’s collar for a natural repellent.
This emits a strong fragrance to keep gnats away.
3. Commercial Products
Commercial products such as sprays, lotions, collars, and electronic devices offer a convenient way to repel gnats.
While these products are effective, read on to get more information about them to find out if they suit you.
Using Insect Repellent Sprays or Lotion on the Dog’s Coat
If you’re looking to protect your pup from gnats, insect-repellent sprays or lotions can provide a barrier of protection.
Products such as pyrethrins, permethrin, and DEET are known to be more effective in repelling gnats.
It’s essential to read the instructions carefully before using these products and be aware of any potential side effects on your dog’s health.
Collars
Collars containing insect-repelling ingredients are a great way to eliminate gnats.
They gradually release repellents for lasting protection.
Remember to read and follow the instructions carefully and watch out for any skin irritation or allergies that may occur as side effects.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices emit ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves that can help protect dogs from gnats.
Plug them in or use a battery-powered option, and the device will emit sounds or vibration frequencies to repel gnats.
While their effectiveness is yet to be determined, it’s essential to research the safety of these devices before using them for your dog.
Conclusion
Dog owners should be aware of the dangers that gnats pose and take necessary steps to protect them.
Prevention techniques such as using insect repellent, avoiding standing water, keeping screen windows and doors, and maintaining dry indoor environments with dehumidifiers are effective methods for keeping gnats away from dogs.
In the end, suppose you detect any skin irritation or allergies on your pet’s body; it’s best to consult a vet immediately to keep your furry friend safe from gnat-related illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Keep Gnats Away From My Dog When We Are Outside?
Give your dog some relief from pesky gnats outdoors with a bug spray, safe for animal use.
For additional protection, consider using a citronella collar or applying a small amount of citronella oil to its fur.
If the Dog Is Constantly Scratching and Biting at Gnats, How To Help Them?
If your dog is scratching and biting at gnats, it could indicate an allergic reaction.
Try the preventions above to protect your pup from these pesky insects.
If scratching and biting persist or your dog shows signs of infections, consult your vet immediately.
Can I Use a Fan To Keep Gnats Away From My Dog?
Yes, running a dry fan can help keep gnats away from your pet, but ensure it’s not blowing directly on them.
This can create an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation if your pup becomes overheated.
