07/27/2026
Chained dogs don’t just miss out on companionship…they face dangers that many people never see.
One of those dangers is flystrike.
Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs in open wounds, irritated skin or even damp, dirty fur. Those eggs hatch into maggots that begin feeding on living tissue. It’s incredibly painful, can lead to severe infections and if left untreated can become life-threatening.
This week we met Cha Cha, a Chow Chow who has spent much of life on a chain. Like so many dogs living outdoors full-time, Cha Cha had painful flystrike around the tips of the ears. It’s a condition we see far too often in chained dogs because they have little ability to escape the flies, seek relief or receive the routine care they deserve.
The good news? Flystrike is preventable.
Routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, clean living conditions, protection from the elements and bringing dogs indoors when possible all go a long way toward preventing needless suffering.
Cha Cha is now getting the care needed to heal, and we’re grateful we had the opportunity to step in before things became even worse.
If you know of a dog living on a chain, don’t start with judgment. Start with a conversation. Sometimes education, resources and compassion can change a dog’s life far more effectively than criticism ever will.
Every dog deserves more than survival. They deserve comfort, safety and a life where they’re loved.
