Flies and Dogs
Biting flies make themselves at home on farms, stables and other environments where livestock and animals are present. These flies breed in manure or decaying grain feed and may also consume the blood of small animals such as dogs.
While most fly bites are relatively harmless to dogs, high populations may result in multiple bites that could severely irritate a dog's skin. The most common flies that bite dogs are known as horse flies. Some of the largest flies in the world, horseflies are common throughout North America and produce extremely painful bites. The horse fly's mouthparts account for their painful bite: while many small insects use a piercing proboscis to feed on the blood of other animals, the horse fly is equipped with a scissor-like pair of mandibles. However, the irritation caused by the bite of a horse fly is not lasting.
Female horse flies feed on blood, while males seek nectar and sugary liquids. Horse flies tend to be active in warmer temperatures and are especially active on the beach. Although constant breezes discourage biting flies, horse flies are relatively resilient against strong air currents due to their size.