What if a fly bites my dogs ears? A Step-by-Step Guide

Symptoms of Fly Strike Dermatitis in Dogs

If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian. When you first notice signs of fly strike dermatitis, be sure to bring your dog inside where there are no flies to aggravate the wounds. You may notice small, white larva on the broken skin, sometimes the larva may be moving. A foul smell may also be present coming from the open sores.

  • Visible maggots
  • Visible larvae
  • Foul smell
  • Lethargic
  • Unwilling to eat or drink
  • Shaking their head
  • Painful, bloody ears or open wounds
  • Symptoms of Fly Bites in Dogs

    If you see flies on or near your pet it is quite likely that fly bites are occurring. To diagnose after the event, on the ears especially, the edges will have small red bumps that are dark and crusty and sometimes bleed.

  • Itching
  • Redness on skin
  • Bumps on the skin
  • Bites that may bleed or crust over
  • Bite wounds
  • Presence of flies in the fur
  • Types

  • Stable fly
  • Horse fly
  • Black fly
  • Mosquitoes
  • Sand flies
  • Biting midges (no-see-ums)
  • Treatment of Fly Strike Dermatitis in Dogs

    Treating fly strike dermatitis can be a long process depending on your dog’s overall health. Initial treatments may require your dog to be anesthetized since it can be painful to eradicate maggots, larvae and remove dead or dying skin tissue.

    The affected area will be clipped or shaved so your veterinarian can clearly see the wounds and any larvae that are present. The open wounds will be flushed and cleaned with an antibiotic solution. Any skin tissue that is dead or dying will need to be removed. This is done by debriding the wound. Oral and topical antibiotics will be given to promote healing and prevent further infection. In some cases, a corticosteroid will be prescribed to prevent more inflammation from occurring.

    You will need to follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan and give any medications as prescribed. When your dog goes home, you will need to keep them indoors to avoid a re-infestation.

    Worried about the cost of Fly Strike Dermatitis treatment?

    Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

    Summer’s Killer Flies Are Eating Dogs Alive

    Biting flies can quickly make your dog itchy and miserable during the hot summer months. Flies tend to attack the most vulnerable areas of your pets body, preferring to bite the places with the thinnest skin such as the ears and nose. Fly bites can turn into infections or even lead to maggots being deposited under your pets skin. Take preventative measures to protect your dog from being excessively bitten by flies and ensure that he stays comfortable and healthy.

    Bring your dog inside. Biting flies rarely thrive inside your home and most humans will go out of their way to ensure any biting flies that do get into the home are disposed of very quickly. If you want to protect your dog from biting flies, keep him inside your home where the biting fly population is low to non-existent.

    Protect your home and yard from biting flies. Biting flies breed in standing water and swampy areas; eliminating breeding areas, such as stagnant ponds or water filled containers, can help cut the biting fly population around your home. Make sure all your windows have screens over them and put up pet safe, commercially available fly traps around your property to help further reduce fly numbers.

    Use fly-repellents to protect your dog from biting flies. A wide variety of pet-safe fly repellents are readily available for purchase from any retailer that sells pet items. To specifically protect your dogs ears, spray or rub the repellent on the outer sections of the ear. Do not spray repellent directly into the inner ear.

    Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has served as a newspaper reporter and her freelance articles have appeared in magazines such as “Horses Incorporated,” “The Paisley Pony” and “Alabama Living.” Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in journalism from Berry College in Rome, Ga.