Insectophobic Dog (... or how the Insects have Defeated Maggie-Fatpants)

[Blue_Frog]

I've searched through the Forums here for any information on dogs with Insect-phobia, but wasn't able to find anything - so I'm creating a new post looking for advice.

My moms dog - Maggie-Fatpants - is absolutely terrified of insects (flies in particular) to such an extent that she doesn't go outside in the day time anymore, unless its so hot or cold that there are no flies out.

She was previously bitten on the face by a wasp, and since that time has gotten worse and worse with the bugs -- which doesn't work out too well for my mom or for maggie since she lives on an Alpaca farm in the country with a generally large population of bitey-flies of various sizes.

The other 3 dogs in the house come and go without any problems, and its becoming a challenge for my mom to get her outside even for 5 mins during the day to do her doggy-business -- and seeing as how shes a boarder collie/lab mix and loves to run, it seriously cutting into her fun time.

So really the question is -- how can we help Maggie to get over her fear of the Insect Horde, and get back to her general duties of running amok and causing trouble? Any advice is greatly appreaciated! :)

<a picture is included of Maggie-Fatpants making a face for anyone interested) :)

[IRescue452]

Wow, this is a tough one. Maybe you could modify a fly mask from horse to dog, but that would take creative talent to try. Do you use any fly spray on her? I don't know if there are any kinds that would be ok for on a dog, but you could try or maybe wash if off after she's done with a good romp so she doesn't lick it. Do you have a screen tent she can use when she's just out to do her business?

[Blue_Frog]

Well, its not even so much the biting that bugs her, its the buzzing around her head (those darn bitey-horse fly things) - she starts snapping at the air and dancing around. She then runs and hides under the deck until the back door is opened and *zoom* inside like a lightning bolt.

I'm not too sure what might be dog-safe tho ... I wasn't sure about spraying her with Deep-Woods-Off (or variants of the bug-defense) - is something natural like Citronella oil ok to use as a deterrent?

Strangely enough, shes always been a slightly neurotic pup ... her favourite trick when i went to visit my mom used to be dancing around smiling at me with all teeth and then promptly widdling herself.

<added>
Oh... the dining-tent (screen tent) is a good idea ... i think there might be one in the basement being unused that we can try -- thanks for the idea! Im not so shure about the horse mask since I've never seen one before, but I wonder if a fly-deterrent human hat thing could be adjusted? Now, that REALLY would make a picture :eek:

[IloveMyDogs900]

Ok My dog went threw the same thing! But he got stung by a Bee! Ever since he is scared of bugs all you have to do is teach him not to be afaird and that will do it! OKay!!! GOOD LUCK P.s it worked for me :D

[Bronx'sBower]

I wonder if the citronella would work if you lit candles around her potty area. The screen tent is a good idea too. It's funny my pup snips at anything that flies and does a little dance but thats because he's trying to eat whatever it is :) As long as it isn't a bee I don't mind but he makes a great venus fly trap :) Good luck and I hope you find the answers soon, poor maggie.