Understanding Botfly (Warble) Infestation in Dogs

 

Botfly infestations in dogs are uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, so it’s important to be careful. I need to stress up front: there is no safe complete home solution for removing a botfly larva from your dog. Trying to squeeze it out or use household remedies can rupture the larva, leaving parts inside the skin and causing severe infection.

That said, here’s what you should know and what you can do at home before and after veterinary care:

---

Understanding Botfly (Warble) Infestation in Dogs

• Botflies lay eggs on grass or around burrows. When a dog brushes past, the larvae enter the skin and form a swelling with a breathing hole.

• You may notice a lump with a small hole in the center, sometimes moving slightly.

• Symptoms can include licking the area, swelling, pus, and discomfort.

---

What You Should Do at Home

1. Do Not Squeeze or Dig at It

   • This can rupture the larva and cause a dangerous infection.

2. Keep the Area Clean

   • Gently clean around the lesion with warm water and mild antiseptic (like diluted betadine).

   • Prevent your dog from scratching or biting the area by using an Elizabethan collar (cone).

3. Watch for Signs of Infection

   • Redness, swelling, pus, foul odor, or if your dog seems lethargic, are warning signs.

4. Reduce Irritation

   • Keep your dog calm and avoid letting them roll on the ground or lick the area.

---

Safe Removal

• Removal requires a veterinarian. They usually apply pressure in a controlled way or use forceps to extract the larva intact, then disinfect the wound.

• Sometimes sedation and antibiotics are necessary, depending on severity.

---

Supportive Home Care After Vet Treatment

If your vet has already removed the botfly, you can help healing at home by:

• Cleaning the wound as directed (usually with a vet-approved antiseptic).

• Applying prescribed ointment or giving antibiotics exactly as instructed.

• Keeping the wound dry and monitoring for any new swelling or discharge.

• Using a cone collar to prevent licking or biting until healed.

---

Prevention Tips

• Keep your dog away from rodent burrows or tall grassy areas where botflies are common.

• Regularly check your dog’s skin after walks, especially in rural or wooded areas.

• Maintain flea/tick preventatives — while not directly targeting botflies, they help reduce risks of other parasites.

Bottom line:
You cannot safely remove a botfly from your dog at home without risking infection. The best “home solution” is supportive care — keeping the area clean, preventing your dog from interfering, and seeing a vet as soon as possible for safe removal.