I have had my dog for a month now and noticed that when we are outside the flies go right to his ear tips. Why are they doing that? Can it get infected? He did have his ears clipped (Which I'm against totally) b4 I got him.
2007-06-06 07:13:31 · 9 answers · asked by GLAMOROUS 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The flies are not going into the ear just on the tip of the ears.
2007-06-06 07:20:18 · update #1
The ear is one spot where the skin is quite thin and there is quite a lot of blood flow. This is one way dogs keep cool - because they have no sweat glands, their ears (as well as panting of course) help with regulating body temp.
The flies head right for that spot because they can bite the dog and easily get a blood meal. If you've been bitten by a fly - it can sting - and then itch.
Yes, this is bad. Yes, it can get infected and leave scars etc. especially if Doggie is primarily an outside dog.
I suggest you use a commercial fly repellent such as Wipe - by Farnam (it's for horses, but I've used it successfully on adult dogs - and on me!) or see your veterinarian for a good product.
BTW - not all dogs with clipped ears are pit-bulls - doberman pincers, great danes, some terriers and boxers also can have clipped ears. I agree. I prefer dogs to keep their ears - and their tails. But I'm glad you rescued your sweetie-pie.
2007-06-06 07:33:49 · answer #1 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means that his skin or inside his ears are secreting something that the flies like the smell of... it isn't a great sign because it could be a sign of infection. Dog soap will help clean, but it won't stop the build up. See whats wrong cuz it could lead to ear mites and vein damage if it starts to scratch it. The clipping of his ears (which may have been done by an amatuer - which makes me believe the dog may have been raised initially by dog fighters... is it a pit bull?) anyway his ears may have been clipped by someone other than a professional in a sterile setting. The flies are attracted possibly an open sore.
2007-06-06 14:28:57 · answer #2 · answered by gregthedesigner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a problem with flies biting my dog's ears a few years ago. He had dried blood on the corners and tips of his ears. Someone suggested Advantix flea and tick preventative to me. I tried it and the flies stopped coming around and biting him and his ears healed. It's great for keeping mosquitos away from the dog, too.
2007-06-06 15:08:07 · answer #3 · answered by Brice B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are the wounds healed? If not that is what is attracting flies. Cover his ears before you take him out.
2007-06-06 14:20:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog probably has a infection.
2007-06-06 14:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kinda gross, but they are getting blood from your dog's ears, so they can lay their eggs later.
2007-06-06 14:21:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mike N 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't use soap its not good for them. have your vet suggest how to clean them. but if they have flies hanging around NOT A GOOD SIGN!!!!
go see your vet
2007-06-06 14:17:48 · answer #7 · answered by lilmermaid223 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try cleaning them better. lots of soap
2007-06-06 14:16:10 · answer #8 · answered by free5fall 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WHY NOT
2007-06-06 14:18:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋