Black Fly Repellents / Bite treatments???

[andersonjk4]

I seem to be having a worse issue with black fly bites on two of my dogs this spring.  My two females (Vizsla and GSP) have gotten several bites all over their bellies the last couple days.  My male GSP seems to have thick enough fur on his belly that he doesn't get bit.  The bites don't seem to really bother them but I've been bitten by the dang things and they were pretty painful at first and then itched like crazy for a good week.  So I imagine the dogs feel something.  Anyone have any good tricks to repel black flies?  How about treating the bites... put something on them, or just let them run their course? 

[dallygirl]

To help prevent bites, Animal Legends Flick Horse and Pet Spray has worked well for us.  I use it on my dogs and horses.  (It comes in a concentrate you need to dilute - instead of using water, I use vinegar).  A light layer of petroleum jelly on the belly or sensitive skin areas helps repel nasty bugs too.   Or just try some plain old apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle - I have had good luck with that on some in the past. 

[andersonjk4]

Thanks for the info.  I will check out that spray.