For some reason, flies are attracted to dogs' ears, especially dogs with upright ears, such as a Siberian Husky or German Shepherd. Dogs that live outside, even those that don't live on farms, tend to receive fly bites, which cause crusting and scabbing of the tips of the ear leather. When the dogs shake their heads and scratch at the sores, the sores bleed and can become infected, which draws more flies. The flies may also lay eggs in the ears, which then hatch into maggots, making the infection even worse.

Several products contain fly repellents and can be wiped on the ears daily to prevent the problem.

Author(s): Wilcox, Bonnie, D.V.M.
Publication: Dog Fancy
Issue Date: February 1993