Shepard/Lab had scabs on outside of ear?

Question

I have a 6 year old shepard/lab who just recently got scabs on the outside of her ears. There were a lot of flies where she was staying at temporarily and when I went to get her, I notice the scabs. The only problem she's had with her ears is fur and ear-wax build up which I have medicine for. One of the scabs just started oozing a little bit. I've been putting hydrogen-peroxide on them and one is getting better - other one is the one that's oozing. What should I do?

Answer 1

Sounds like a condition called fly strike...and you are doing all the right things!:-) How ever if there seems to be signs of infection a quick trip to the vet for some medicated ointment would be in order

Answer 2

It sounds like fly bites which are common.  There is an antibacterial ointment used for horses (I think it is called Swat, but I am not sure)  It is pink.  You can get it at the feed store.  It help to heal and also repels the flies.  And it doesn't sting the open sores like some of the fly repellents do.  The fly repellents are great if there is no sores.  

Answer 3

The flies may be biting and she may be itching and has opened up some small sores that are scabbing over.  I would stop with the peroxide for the time being.....though it is a good thing to use at first to clean out sores and cuts, it can start to have the reverse effect and cause further damage to the skin.  Neosporin on the sores would probably be better.  Keep cleaning out the ears as you have been.  

Answer 4

my lab had the same problem, it is fly bites, there is some stuff called flies off its a cream and u have to put it on every day until it is healed..its a pain but so is summer

Answer 5

it is fly bits so u need to get spray that takes care of flys and rob it on her ear tell it is gone.

Answer 6

It does sound like fly bites, they can be vicious little things.  Try rubbing some neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment on the sores and use some fly spray if she is going back to where she was staying.

Answer 7

Continue washing the ears as you have been.  Regular inside ear cleaning should be done as well.

If she is going to be out with flies in the future, try getting Ultra Shield fly spray.  It is for horses, but it is safe for use on other animals too.  Humans can also use it and it works VERY well.

ADDITION:  DO NOT use neosporin on your dog.  It has recently been found that many people are actually allergic to it, and it causes wounds to appear infected.  It is meant for humans, and by NO MEANS should be used on a dog.