Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Dog-fly

DOG-FLY, or Cynomia, L. a genus of insects common in woods, and among bushes: they are particularly troublesome to dogs, and usually seize upon their ears; it is believed, that they can be prevented only by being killed.

These vermin sting very severely, and always raise a blister in the part they touch. They have no trunk, but are provided with two teeth similar to those of wasps, and on the whole, resemble the large fat black fly, which peculiarly molests cattle. Although we possess no evidence of experience, yet it may be rationally supposed, that anointing the neck and ears of animals, especially those of dogs, in very hot seasons, either with the juices or decoctions of bitter and resinous plants, would afford a good preventive. For this purpose, we would recommend the tops of the fir-tree, the leaves of the walnut and chesnut trees, those of the various species of dock, &c.