What could be wrong with my dog's ears?

Question

I have a two year old German Shepherd mix. Because of his large size, and his instance that he is no bigger than a lap dog, he has become a primarily outside dog. During winter time, when it begins to rain and gets colder he is allowed in. I've recently noticed that flies are quite attracted to him. Thinking it might be because he was dirty, I gave him a bath. This didn't solve the problem. In particular, the flies flock to his ears. When I was able to get him to sit still so I could look at his ears, they seem matted. I attempted to wash them, but he doesn't really like me touching them. It appears to only be on the outside of his ears, where the fur is. Any ideas/suggestions...?

Answer 1

it sounds like you need to take hI'm to the vet i bet they'll proscribe him something...... im sure hes fine!

Answer 2

Sounds like your dog is getting bit by the flies (very common for outdoor dogs).


Fly Bites


Cause
The common stable fly is the most common cause, however, blackflies, deer flies, and houseflies can also bite.

General Information
Fly bites cause a common condition in outside dogs, often called "fly strike." It most frequently occurs in dogs that live near farms with livestock, and occurs when flies land on and bite the tips and top surface of the dog's ears. 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 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 stable fly knows how painful the bite is. If you see blood spots or flies congregating near your dog's ears then you can assume fly bites are occurring. The bite wounds attract flies which may lay their eggs in the damaged tissue. These will later hatch into maggots.

Cats are much less likely to acquire fly bites.

Toxic Dose
Not applicable

Signs
The ears, especially at the margins, will have painful bumps, sometimes with scabs or bleeding.

Immediate Action
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 first sign of fly bites on your pet. Gently cleanse the ear with warm water and a mild antiseptic soap. Then, apply a topical antibiotic ointment which will help to control any infection which may be present. If the fly bites are severe, or maggots are present, veterinary attention is needed.

The most important treatment for this problem is prevention, which consists of applying a topical insecticide to the dog's ears. Pyrethrin or permethrin sprays and ointments are very effective in repelling flies. Homemade solutions made by adding DEET or pyrethrin to petroleum jelly also work well. Moving the pet indoors during the heat of the day also will help. Spraying the dog's outside living quarters will also help keep fly numbers to a minimum. Remove any materials which may attract flies, e.g., fecal material, uneaten pet food, garbage, etc. Keep your pet clean and well-groomed, removing any urine-soaked or fecal-contaminated hair.

Veterinary Care
General treatment: If severe, the ear may be washed with a wound cleanser under sedation or anesthesia. The maggots, if any, will be removed, as will any dead or dying tissue.

Supportive treatment: None usually required, although a mild pain reliever may be prescribed. Rarely are systemic (oral or injectable) antibiotics necessary, unless the fly bites are severe.

Specific treatment: Unavailable

Prognosis
Good, unless maggot infestation is severe. The ear may be scarred and remain thickened.

Answer 3

hello, im a vet nurse.

ok well i think you should take him to the vet to get checked over. you must make sure he is kept clean, he could have an ear infection . also in the hot summer months animals esp rabbits and dogsn can get whats called fly strike when flies land on the dogs bum if its matted with faeces and lay eggs which hatch into maggott's not a nice experience believe me. take him to a vet they can have a look at him and give him some treatment if needed. if he doesn't like people touching his ears then the vets could get the nurses to help hold him or give him some light sedation, but yeah take him to the vet.

hope this helps

xxxx

Answer 4

Fleas bite your dogs ears then flies use the blood to lay eggs that fall off before hatching into maggots(thank God) When washing the dog start at head first and work back. also buy a bottle of zemadip at pet store to help clear up skin.Remember fleas head for the ears to escape the dip or bath water.

Answer 5

Please take your canine to the vet, he has to have medical attention, his poor little ears are probably infected, and the flies can lay their eggs in those sores. You are going to have to figure out a way your friend can stay inside primarily and go out once in a while. Dogs in this breed must have there ears cleaned anyway, I understand that you may not want an inside dog, but he will love you and show his appreciation in the long run.
Good Luck. Go to the vet now....please.

Answer 6

Get him checked by a vet.... After the vet sees him, if you continue to have problems, try a product called "flies away". It's a pink cream that you put on the tips of the ears to keep the flies away

Answer 7

My Dane thinks that he is a lap puppy, all 150 lbs of him! We consider it an honor that he loves us so!
If ithe matting is on the outside, it could be from him scratching. You might want to take him to the vet to make sure that he does not have an ear infection.

Answer 8

He could have rolled in something and it adhered to the feathers on his ears, which in turn is drawing flies. Why don't you just go ahead and clip the matted areas and they will grow back quickly. Just to be on the safe side, treat his ears with mite medication.

Answer 9

An old home remedy that always works is to dilute sulphur into his water 2 Tlb spoons to 5 litres of water. change water daily. You can also mix sulphur and olive oil together into a paste and put on his irritation thaat is the best thing to do. Make sure u use saline to clean the area first.

Sulphur will minimise the flies and stop further infections. Its great I swear by it.............................

Answer 10

Fleas tend to attached to the ears. You need to take him to the vet and get him dipped. That will take care of any ticks and fleas he has. You can also try the frontline medication. I'm sure the fleas are to blame for his ears to look like that. Good Luck

Answer 11

Try Caring for him the right way .
Take him to a Vet. he most likeky has an ear infection or Ear mites .
Why are you waiting ??