Flies Attacking Your Dog? 4 Steps To Care For The Wounds
Posted on: 26 July 2016
Summer is here. If your dog spends time outdoors, chances are good that it's going to get bit by flies at least once. This is particularly true if your dog has upright ears – such as Dobermans or German Shepherds. Flies like to climb inside ears to seek shelter from the heat. While inside your dog's ears, the flies will feast on the tender flesh around the tips and inner ear canal. If you see flies around your dog's ears, do a quick inspection to look for bites. If you see any, you should clean them out to prevent infection. Here are four steps you can take to care for your dog's fly bites.
Soften the Scabs
Before you can properly care for the wound, you'll need to remove the scabs. You'll need to do this so that you can remove any infection that might be forming. Soak a washcloth in warm water. Place the wet cloth on the scab and hold it in place for several minutes. After a few minutes, remove the cloth to see if the scab has softened. If it hasn't, get the cloth warm again and repeat for another minute or two. Once the scab is softened, you'll be ready to wash the wound.
Wash the Wound
Fill your wash basin with fresh, warm water. Place a few drops of antiseptic soap in the water. Dip a soft cloth in the water. Gently wash the wound to remove dirt and gunk that might be present. Be sure to wash the entire area. Once you've washed the wound, rinse it well with clear water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
Apply Ointment
Once the fly bites have been cleaned, you'll need to apply antibiotic ointment to the affected skin. Fly bites can cause redness, itching and inflammation. The antibiotic ointment will relieve the symptoms and prevent infections. Reapply the ointment several times a day until the bites are completely healed.
See the Vet
If your dog scratches a lot, the wounds can become infected. While the bites are healing, you should inspect the area at least twice a day. If you see signs of infection, you should contact your veterinarian at a local emergency vet clinic. Some of the signs you should look for include the following:
- Yellowish discharge from the affected area
- Foul odors
- Bleeding
If your dog is going to be spending time outside this summer, pay close attention to flies. If your dog does get bit, use the methods described above to keep the area clean and promote healing of the affected area.
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