Fly Bites

During the summer months, a common problem for dogs with erect ears (prick-ears) is fly-bite derrmatitis. The common stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, causes damage to the edges and tips of the ears as it feeds. The flies'bites results in severe irritation of the skin, producing bloody crusts and scabs. Common clinical signs include head shaking and scratching at the ears. Once the damage occurs, treatment consists of application of medicated ointments and eliminating the ongoing irritation by the flies.

They may also bite the bridge of the nose. They are biting the dog to obtain a blood meal and the bite is often painful. Because of the thin skin and the hair on the ears and the inability of the dog to defend his ears, flies will seek out this location. Some of these dogs will endure hundreds of bites a day for weeks at a time. Anyone that has ever been bitten by a staple flie knows how painful the bite is.If you see blood spots or flies congregating near your dog you can assume bites are occuring. The bite wounds attract flies wich may later lay theire eggs in the damaged tissue. These will later hatch into maggots.

Whether you live in the city or country, do not underestimate the pain that these flies can inflict and be sure to initiate treatment at the firt ign of fly bites on your pet. Gently cleanse the the ear with warm water and mild antiseptic soap. Then apply a topical antibiotic ointment wich will help control any infection wich may be present. If the fly bites are severe, or maggots are present, veterinary attention is needed.

One method of preventing this problem is to keep your dog inside during the day. As an alternative, fly repellent ointment may be applied to the ear tips. When properly applied at appropriate intervals, these products can control the flies that cause the irritation and damage. Fly repellent ointments can allow your canine friend to enjoy the day outside without the annoying fly bites.

Fly Types

Stable flies ( Stomoxys calcitrans) has rasping teeth with blades to attack the skin of animals. They feed off the blood and exudate from wounds on the animal. Crusted ukcerated wounds are often created from the flies' bite. The lesions may be itchy and certanly the flies worry the animal.

House flies cause minor nuisance feeding on eye and nose secretions and wound exudate.

Horse flies ( Tabanids) bite pieces of skin out to feed on exudate and blood. The bite is painful.

Deer fly ( Chrysops) and mosquitoes also cause annoying bites. All insect bites can cause allergies greatly increasing irritation and itch.

Fly maggots can infest old animals that become wet from urine scald and can not move.

Buffalo flies (Haematobia irritans) are a severe problem in tropical Australia during the late summer.


Home made Fly Repellents

Dilute 1ml of Permoxin in 40ml of Vaseline or baby oil and mix well. If a consistency less than thick Vaseline or more baby oil is desired these two ingredients can be mixed in the desired proportion to give the desired consitency after the Permoxin is added.

Add the baby oil/Permoxin mixture to the Vaseline/Permoxin a little bit at a time until the desired ointment consitency is reached. This will keep for the summer month, then discard.

This ointment can be applied on wounds to help healing and prevent flies from further irritating the wound.

1 oz citronella oil, 1 cup Cider Vinegar, 1 cup Water, 1 basil leaf, 1 bay leaf
Some dogs ( and people) may be allergic to citronella oil. Before using the citronella in your fly repellent, test it on a small part of your dog's skin. If your dog has a reaction to the citronella you should use two tablespoons of lemon scented dish detergent instead.​