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Botfly in Dogs
Written By Alex Olsson
Published: 03/31/2016Updated: 01/22/2025
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What are botflies?
Have you ever noticed a strange lump on your dog’s skin and wondered what on earth could be causing it? It could be something you’ve never thought of: botflies.
These sneaky pests, scientifically called Cuterebra, use animals, including our beloved pups, as unwitting hosts for their larvae. Gross, right?
This parasitic condition can definitely be a dangerous one if left untreated. But don’t worry. While it sounds unsettling, a botfly infestation is manageable with the right care.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about botflies in dogs – from spotting the symptoms to getting rid of them and ensuring your dog recovers fully.
Whether you’re just curious or dealing with a potential infestation in your furry friend, we’re here to help.
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Symptoms of botflies in dogs
When it comes to spotting a botfly in dogs, one of the most obvious signs is a lump under the skin, often with a small hole. That hole? It’s the larva’s breathing tube. Yep, you read that right.
Other signs your dog might be dealing with a botfly include:
- A swelling or lump that seems out of place
- Your dog obsessively licking or scratching at a specific area
- Redness or irritation around the lump
- Skin abscess
- Signs of pain when you touch the spot
- Fever, fatigue, or a lack of appetite in more serious cases
Rare neurological symptoms
In rare cases, botfly larvae (also called “warbles”) may migrate to areas like the brain, causing severe neurological symptoms.
If your dog displays unusual behaviors such as seizures, head tilting, or confusion, seek immediate veterinary attention. These cases are uncommon, but can be life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Causes of Botfly in Dogs
How do dogs get botflies?
So, how do dogs get botflies in the first place? It’s all part of the botfly’s sneaky lifecycle.
These pests lay their eggs near rabbits or rodent burrows, or even on plants. When a curious dog sniffs around or brushes against these spots, the eggs transfer onto their fur. Once they hatch, the larvae burrow under the skin to grow.
Dogs that love to explore the outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, are at higher risk. Botflies are most active during the warmer months, so summer adventures can sometimes come with unwanted hitchhikers.
Lifecycle of botflies: from egg to larva
Understanding the botfly lifecycle can help pet owners recognize risks. The lifecycle goes like this:
- Adult botflies lay eggs near rodent burrows or on plants.
- Eggs hatch into larvae upon contact with a warm host, like a dog.
- The larvae burrow into the host’s skin, forming a cyst where they develop.
- Once fully grown, the larva exits the skin and continues its lifecycle in the soil.
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Diagnosis of botflies in dogs
Diagnosing a botfly in dogs is pretty straightforward for a vet. They’ll check the lump and look for that telltale breathing hole. Depending on the situation, the vet might also recommend:
- X-rays or CT scans to rule out deeper infestations or complications.
- Lab tests to ensure it’s not another type of infection.
The faster you get a diagnosis, the better, since early treatment helps avoid more serious issues.
Treatment of Botfly in Dogs
When it comes to treating a botfly on a dog, it’s absolutely crucial to let a vet handle it. Why? Because trying to remove the larva yourself can be risky. If it bursts, it could lead to a serious infection.
Here’s how vets typically handle the process:
- Sedation or local anesthesia: To keep your dog calm and comfortable.
- Careful larva extraction: The vet will widen the breathing hole slightly and gently remove the larva using special tools.
- Wound cleaning: To prevent infection and promote healing.
- Medications: Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed to ensure the wound stays clean and infection-free.
In rare cases, if the infestation is internal, surgery may be needed to remove the larvae.
Complications to watch out for
While most dogs recover quickly, it’s important to keep an eye out for complications like infections, abscesses, or scarring. If the wound becomes red, swollen, or starts oozing, it’s time to call your vet.
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Recovery of Botfly in Dogs
Once the larva is out, your dog’s recovery is usually smooth sailing! Here’s how to help them heal:
- Clean the wound as directed by your vet.
- Keep your dog from licking or scratching at the area (a cone/e-collar might be your best friend here).
- Give any prescribed meds on schedule, even if your dog seems back to normal.
Preventing future infestations
Prevention is definitely better than treatment when it comes to botfly maggots in dogs. Here’s how to keep your pup safe:
- Avoid letting your dog roam near rabbit and rodent burrows or wooded areas, especially during peak botfly season.
- Check your dog’s fur and skin regularly, especially after outdoor adventures.
- Use vet-approved insect repellents to ward off pests.
- Limit outdoor time in areas known for botflies during warmer months.
Botflies (Maggots) Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $250 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Botflies (Maggots) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
Six Months
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Irritation
Skin irritation
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
16 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Skin irritation in puppies is most frequently caused by parasites, fleas or Demodex. It can also be due to a bacterial or fungal infections. Since there are many reasons for this possible cause, it would be best to have your puppy seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine your puppy and see what might be causing this. I hope that all goes well.
Oct. 1, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Five Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
By dog is not experiencing symptoms but he killed and ate a botfly and im worried he’ll grow maggots, what do I do?!?
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
our concern is unlikely to happen. The botfly will be digested in his stomach. If they are having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
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Botflies (Maggots) Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $250 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
