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
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Top
Botflies (Maggots) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Red heeler
Rozzie
5 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bot Fly
My dog is staying on my parents property with I am traveling for work, we have found two bot flies already and I need to know what I can do to prevent them. I've already read everything, we will not keep her locked up. Is there a spray or medication we can give her?
Aug. 16, 2018
2 Recommendations
It is more of a case of using repellants intended for use in dogs and ensuring that other general controls are made; there is no magic medication which will prevent them, just normal use of repellents. Use of medications like ivermectin should be carefully discussed with your Veterinarian before use due to the breed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-prevent-your-dog-from-getting-warbles
Aug. 17, 2018
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Poodle
Riley
10 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
My dog developed an infection on his face and eye. The vet found a botfly and removed it. He gave him a shot of antibiotic. He is a 10 year old 5 lb poodle. He will not eat or drink and I a worried about dehydration. It has been about 24 hours since we went to the vet. Can he die from a botfly?
June 24, 2018
1 Recommendations
Typically a dog will not die from a botfly, however any secondary infection or other underlying issue would need to be treated and depending on the severity, death may occur. If Riley is getting dehydrated you should try to feed slowly (drop by drop) with a syringe some smooth wet food mixed with water to boost water intake; if Riley still doesn’t drink you should return to your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 25, 2018
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Pit bull
Blue
8 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump
Warbles
Maggots
Hi~
My family and I are vacationing in Mexico. On Tuesday we noticed all three dogs were infested (& I mean INFESTED) with botfly larva day. I bathed them all with medicinal shampoo until they could be seen by a vet. Well, the next day my husband and I were also both infested. Last night, the ER doctor prescribed us Ivermectin & today all 3 dogs will be getting Ivermectin injections (they are also already taking doxycycline). My question is this: what now? Do I need to bug bomb our house? Our yard? Rewash all of our clothing, bedding, dishes...? Does our furniture need to be doused in Lysol? I’m very concerned with 1) bringing this infestation home with us & 2) subjecting anyone else to this incredibly disturbing experience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
May 18, 2018
2 Recommendations
Generally the female fly lays eggs on the host (human or animal - but may lay eggs anywhere in the environment), when the conditions are right the larvae emerge and start to burrow into the skin of the host; there may be eggs in the environment but general cleaning and good hygiene is generally enough to keep this at bay. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 19, 2018
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Cocker Spaniel
Marley
5 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
So my dog was infested with maggots near his eye my vet treated a day with medicine in it which forced dead maggots to fall out and the next day they cleaned it and asked to apply an ointment.. when I came home I noticed my dog is still at discomfort and trying to itch his eye with his paw. I understand this procedure was done few hours ago but what if there's a maggot still in there? Nobody can actually see inside should I just tell my vet that I don't see it but my dog is still itching it or is it because of infection? Because the whole has now started to heal with in few hours. I'm worried that any dead maggot isn't there somewhere or even a live one.
Oct. 20, 2017
0 Recommendations
Eyes are very sensitive, if you ever had a hair in your eye you’ll know that it feels like the hair is still there even after it has been removed; some discomfort and pawing can be expected after this. However, if the pawing is to the point of self mutilation, you notice discharge or a foul smell; you should consult with your Veterinarian again to make sure that healing is going to plan, but for now follow any instructions given by your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 21, 2017
I am positive I found larvae in my kitchen. Should I be concerned for my pets? Is There a way to prevent them actually knowing they wont have parasite?
Nov. 21, 2017
Emily E.
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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.
