Do gnats gravitate towards your dog?

mlvue

Hi, All. I was just wondering if you have had any issues with gnats gravitating towards your dog in the outdoors?

Within the past two weeks I've noticed that everytime Tank is outside in a grassy area, gnats are all around his groin and butt area. We shoo them off, take him to a dry area and out of nowhere the nasty gnats show up again.

It doesn't seem to bother Tank that much but it's really annoying and gross to look at. After every pee and poo we wipe Tank off so it's not like he's dirty or anything.

If you've experienced this before, what have you done to stop it?

CreamyShibaMom

I'd be very interested in the replies to this...I didn't think of it, but that's probably what's happening to our pup as well! Lately (past two days) I noticed "bite marks" on her genitals this as well and she's always looking back toward her behind (esp after a pee)..I'll have to take a closer look and see if it's gnats!! Poor pups!

mlvue

I feel so bad for Tank because the gnats are literally swarming all over him.

I also started noticing that he chases his tail more often now after poo-ing. I wonder if the gnats have something to do with it.

Saya

Gnats would always swarm Bella would get disturbed by gnats they'd be on her lips, her belly, legs, and her butt too and now they bother saya too all around her eyes and butt.

When I would walk Bella I'd find flies or gnats on her butt full of blood the poor girl would drag her butt on the ground and the bugs would still be there so whenever I walk her I gotta check incase there's some sucking her blood they've also bitten her ears it's sad I can't enjoy playing ball or walking because they're everywhere in our yard. =\

CreamyShibaMom

I think we might have mosguitos more than gnats...i did get 3 bites yesterday morning b/c my pant legs were too loose on the bottom... and I'm always looking towards her head/back for bugs but never looked at her little behind area. I try to keep her at heel to avoid her getting an edge on goodies she'll pick up off the street..guess now I need 360 degree survelliance, lol.

I might go into Petco tonight to see if I can find a bug spray for pets..maybe that'll help? And a spray for me too actually..
wonder if that new clip on fan repellant works for dogs too...

tsukitsune

Have you (all) considered using a repellent?

http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/2007/05/29/lemos001/

mlvue

I'm looking into repellents now. As part of my research, I thought I'd try this forum to see if any other Shiba owners go through the same thing and what methods have been tried that are safe for my furry creature. As previously mentioned, I just started seeing gnats around Tank within the past two weeks.

Thanks for the link about the essentiol oils but since I'm still so new to this I'm not sure how comfy I am making my own bug repellents. Also just upon a quick glance at the list of oils I'm not even sure where I'd begin to find those items! LOL.

I found some recommendations on Ectopamine Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs which are also supposed repel gnats. I'm almost considering it but will need to do some more reading on it first.

KFontaine04

Making your own is EASY! If you have a whole foods or a natural food store near you, that is where you can get the oils. They work great too.

mlvue

Ok - I did some searching on the forum re repellents and found some other stuff that was also very helpful. The hub & I will head over to Whole Foods tonight and pick up the "ingredients" to make a natural bug repellant spray. I guess I'd rather try the natural products before using chemicals on Tank.

Thanks for the suggestions!