How to Keep Deer Flies Away from Dog Ears

Deer flies and other biting flies are not only a nuisance for your dog, but the bites also can become infected or even infested with maggots. If this occurs, you must take your dog to a veterinarian. Preventing this from happening in the first place is a much better option. You can easily provide relief for your dog from these flies. It just takes a visit to your local pet supply store (or veterinary offices) and a few minutes of your time at home.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable rubber gloves
• Fly repellent ointment (or spray) for dogs

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of disposable rubber gloves.

2. Open the jar of fly repellent ointment (unless you are using a spray--if this is the case, just turn the nozzle to the on position). Use your gloved finger to get a quarter-sized dollop of ointment out of the jar.

3. Apply the ointment to the dog’s ears--especially the tips of the ears where flies tend to bite the most.
   If you are using spray instead of ointment, place one hand over the dog’s eye on the side of the ear you are treating. Spray the product until the entire outer ear (avoid getting it into the ear canal) Is covered.

4. Reapply the product as often as the label indicates--this may be as often as daily. If you bathe your dog and wash its ears, you will need to apply more product after.

5. Check the dog’s ears at least daily for any sign of sensitivity to the fly repellent. Look for redness or swelling. If this develops, wash the ointment or spray off the dog’s ears (use soap and water) and talk to a veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Peteducation.com suggests also spraying the dog’s outdoor kennels or runs to keep fly numbers down.

References

• Peteducation.com: Fly Bites on Dog Ears
• Vetvax.com: Examples of Fly Control Products