Dog Botfly Infection in the Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

If you’ve ever seen your dog suddenly licking, limping, or obsessing over one of their paws, you probably thought it was a bug bite, a thorn, or maybe an allergic reaction. But sometimes, the cause can be something far more unusual — a botfly infection. Yes, these tiny parasites can burrow into a dog’s skin and even infect the feet or paws, causing painful swelling and sores.

In this article, we’ll explain what a botfly infection is, how dogs get them in their feet, what signs to look for, and how veterinarians treat the problem. We’ll also cover how to prevent botfly infections from happening again.

What Is a Botfly?

A botfly, also known as Cuterebra, is a large fly that lays its eggs near places where small animals like rabbits, mice, or squirrels live. When a dog passes by, the warmth of their body causes the eggs to hatch. The tiny larvae then attach to the dog’s fur and burrow under the skin, creating a small hole to breathe through.

While botflies are most common in rural or wooded areas, dogs can pick them up anywhere wildlife is present — even in backyards or parks.

Botfly larvae usually settle under the skin of the head, neck, or shoulders, but in some cases, they can end up in a dog’s feet or paw pads, especially if the dog lies down or walks through areas where botfly eggs are present.

How Dogs Get Botfly Infections in Their Feet

Dogs love to sniff, dig, and roll in the dirt, which makes them perfect hosts for botfly larvae. A botfly infection in the foot usually happens when:

A dog steps on botfly eggs while walking through grass or soil contaminated with them.
Larvae crawl onto the paw and enter through a small wound or between the toes.
The dog lies down on the ground, and larvae find their way to the softer skin on the feet or legs.

Once the larva is under the skin, it starts growing and causes irritation, swelling, and pain — what looks like a boil or abscess.

Symptoms of Botfly Infection in the Feet

A botfly infection can look alarming but is often mistaken for other skin issues. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

Swelling or a lump on the paw or between the toes.
A small hole in the center of the lump — this is where the larva breathes.
Clear or bloody discharge from the hole.
Limping or favoring one paw.
Constant licking or chewing at the area.
Pain or tenderness when you touch the foot.
Fever or lethargy if the infection worsens.

You might even see the larva moving beneath the skin — which can be unsettling but is a key clue for diagnosis.

Diagnosis by a Veterinarian

If you suspect your dog has a botfly infection in its foot, don’t try to remove it yourself. This is very important. Squeezing or poking at the lump can break the larva apart, causing a severe reaction or secondary infection.

A veterinarian will carefully examine the lump and confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes they’ll use a magnifying tool to spot the breathing hole or perform a small ultrasound to locate the larva.

Treatment: How Vets Remove a Botfly Larva

Once diagnosed, the vet will remove the larva under sterile conditions. The process typically includes:

Sedation or local anesthesia to keep the dog calm and comfortable.
Careful extraction of the larva using forceps or suction — making sure it comes out in one piece.
Cleaning and flushing the wound to remove any debris or bacteria.
Antibiotic medication to prevent infection.
Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine to help the dog heal comfortably.

In most cases, dogs recover quickly after removal. The wound heals within a week or two, and the swelling goes down.

Home Care After Treatment

Your vet will likely recommend:

Keeping the wound clean and dry.
Preventing your dog from licking or chewing it — use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if needed.
Administering prescribed antibiotics or ointments.
Watching for signs of reinfection or swelling.

Most dogs bounce back quickly and resume normal activity within days.

Can Botfly Infections Spread to Humans or Other Pets?

Botflies are host-specific, meaning Cuterebra larvae that infect dogs won’t survive in humans. However, you should still practice good hygiene — wash your hands after handling your pet’s wound or bedding, and keep other animals away until your dog has fully healed.

Prevention Tips: How to Protect Your Dog

Preventing a botfly infection mostly comes down to keeping your dog away from likely breeding spots. Here’s what you can do:

Avoid letting your dog roam near rodent burrows or wildlife nests.
Keep your yard clean and trimmed, removing brush piles where rodents live.
Use flea and tick preventatives — they don’t kill botflies but help protect against other parasites.
Check your dog’s paws, ears, and skin after outdoor walks, especially in summer and early fall.
If you notice any swellings or holes in the skin, see your vet immediately.

Final Thoughts

A botfly infection in a dog’s foot may sound like something out of a horror story, but it’s a treatable condition when caught early. The key is to recognize the signs — a lump with a small hole, swelling, and constant paw licking — and get professional help right away.

With quick treatment and good preventive care, your furry friend will be back to running, jumping, and playing in no time — botfly-free and happy.

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Dog Botfly Infection in the Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It