Pet First Aid: Fly Bitesby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM In some parts of the world, fly bites are a common problem for pets. Dogs -- especially dogs with upright ears -- are more susceptible to fly bites than cats are, but any pet may fall prey to a biting fly. Horses are often preyed on by stable flies (also known as biting houseflies). Fly bites generally aren't life threatening -- some first aid action on a human's part is usually all the injury needs. Signs of fly bites can include:
The first thing you want to do is soften the scab over the bite. Soak a washcloth in warm water and hold it against the edges of the ear where the bites are. Be patient -- it may take several minutes for the scabs and crust to soften enough for you to be able to wipe them away. Once you've cleared away the scab and crusty bits, you can wash the bitten areas with an antiseptic or antibacterial liquid soap. Be sure to rinse away all the soap -- otherwise, dried soap can cause more irritation to the area. For smaller dogs and cats, you may want to forego the soap and just clean the area with a gauze pad and warm water. For big dogs and horses, soap (and a careful rinsing) is a good idea. One last thing -- apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection and soothe the bitten areas of the ears. You can do this several times per day to help fly bites heal. While the bites heal, you'll want to keep an eye out for new scabs and leaking serum. Try to keep the area clean by wiping away crusty bits daily. You can also use a fly-repellant to help prevent future bites. Check your local pet store or ask your veterinarian to recommend a product that is right for your pet. Learn more about Aimee Amodio  Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover... Relevantpets tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags biting flies, flies, fly bites, houseflies Discuss this article
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