As humans, we know how painful and itchy fly bites can be, so you have to assume that your dog would feel the same way. Dogs who suffer from fly bites may be down right miserable when they are suffering from bites, luckily there are some things that you can do to treat the bites and prevent them from happening again in the future.
The stable fly is the type of fly that is most likely to bite your dog and cause them discomfort. These flies are found in many areas, but if they are not in your area, your dog can also be bitten by deer flies, black flies, and house flies. All of them will cause pain for your dog, so what type of fly you are dealing with it is not as important as how you deal with the pain your dog may be feeling.
Symptoms
The bites of flies usually appear on the tips of the dogs ears. Usually there will be small painful bumps on the margins of the ears, some that have scabs, some that are red, and even some that are bleeding. These bites take place when flies bite into the dog, looking for a blood meal. The bite may hurt when it happens and then for days at a time when the bite is healing. Other flies may come along while the bite is open, laying their eggs in the wounds, causing future bites and irritation.
Prevention
Luckily, there are preventative treatments out there to help dogs avoid having problems with flies in the first place. There are many different products but permethrin sprays and ointments are usually very effective in repealing flies. Many pet owners make their own topical solutions with DEET and other products, but you should be sure that you are not putting too much of the product on your pet. You should also make sure that the dogs outside area stays clear of feces and trash, which often attract flies and create the problem.
Treatment
Usually an animal just needs to be cleaned really well, often under sedation. If there are any maggots they will be carefully removed along with any dead or decaying tissue on the ear. A mild pain reliever as well as a medication for itching may be given for the dog while its ears heal. The prognosis for a dog who suffers from fly bites is good, though results may not be as good if there is severe maggot infestation. If there is severe maggot infestation, the ear tissue may actually be scarred and remain thickened for life.