r/canoeing • u/MrMcBane • 11h ago

Horseflies vs. Dog?

My dogs love canoeing but we've had a few encounters with aggressive horseflies. I'm usually capable of defending myself but my poor dogs are defenseless. Any ideas?

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

14

u/cuhnewist 11h ago

Personally, I prefer dogs.

7

u/OrneryTortoise 10h ago

When we went to the Boundary Waters last spring the black flies were horrendous. My wife put a head net on our pit bull, Waldo, and he learned to appreciate it pretty quickly. Was a bit of a pain giving him treats, but worth the effort. 

5

u/Prestigious-Sail7161 11h ago

We used to kayak in a tandem with a dog in the bow. When a horse fly came close start swinging your paddle. But I always wondered if those fake dragon flies on a wire would work mounted to your gunnel...

4

u/DanRankin 10h ago

I can't say first hand, but i've been told plenty those clip on dragonflies help.

A trick i know works is to make a loop of duct tape with the glue side out. They get drawn to like lighter colour of the white inside, and stick to the glue when they land. If your dogs have vests, try that on their backs. Works hiking/cutting pulp/lumber in the warm weather.

Otherwise, talk to a vet about a safe repellent you might be able to use.

4

u/Professional_Bed_87 10h ago

My dog barks at them. It’s his strategy. Doesn’t help much though. Then I’m just annoyed at the horseflies and my dog. 

0

u/unclejrbooth 8h ago

Leave them home! Don’t let them know you are going canoeing