Write an article based on this "Apply petroleum jelly to your dog's ears. Make a fly repellent from vinegar, mineral oil, and scented essential oils. Hang up fly traps or buy fly-trapping plants. Light a few citronella candles in your home. Buy a pet-safe chemical fly repellent. Ask your veterinarian about prescribed balms or dog-safe cleaners. Avoid fly repellents that are not specifically dog-safe."
If your dog's ears are often bitten by flies, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the area. Squirt a small amount of petroleum jelly into your hand and rub it into both sides of your dog's ears. This will prevent flies from landing there again and give your dog's wounds time to heal. Open bite wounds can attract more flies, so applying petroleum jelly to your dog's ears is important to prevent more irritation. If you want to avoid spraying your dog with chemical repellents, mix 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup (240 ml) of mineral oil with 1⁄2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)  of the following essential oils: citronella, lemongrass, bitter orange, eucalyptus, and clove. Finish the mixture with 2 cups (470 ml) of dish soap, then mix 1 part of the natural fly repellent with 5 parts water. Spray your dog with the fly repellent, targeting areas that flies often land on.  Keep in mind that this repellent isn't proven to be safe or effective. Hangable fly traps stay out of a dog's reach while catching any flies that may be in the house. If, for whatever reason, you are against fly traps, purchase a Venus flytrap or other carnivorous plant to naturally lower your fly infestation.  Venus flytraps can be grown outdoors or by a windowsill. They require routine care and maintenance to keep healthy. Citronella is a scent that's safe for dogs and that insects find repellant. If you would prefer not to kill flies, purchase several citronella candles and use them in the rooms your dog most often frequents.  Other citronella-based fragrances, like essential oils or cleaning sprays, can also repel insects but flies find smoke most repulsive. Never leave your candle unattended or low enough that your pet could knock it over. Not all fly repellents are pet-safe, so read the instructions carefully before purchasing one for your pet. Avoid buying fly repellents that are not explicitly made for dogs. Apply the fly repellent to your dog or its belongings daily or as instructed by the fly repellent to keep flies far from your dog.  Fly repellents made from pyrethrum are usually non-toxic and safe for dogs.  Pet-safe fly repellants are available online or at most pet stores. If your dog is frequently targeted by flies, bring them to a local vet for an antibiotic cream. Let your veterinarian know about any fly repellents you're currently using, and ask them for recommendations on natural or chemical fly repellents that are safe for your dog. Even if a cleaner is safe for humans, it still may be harmful or even deadly to dogs. If a cleaner is not specifically marked "dog-safe" or has not been recommended by your veterinarian, do not apply it to your dog.