Maggot infestation, also known as Myiasis, is a rare, yet dangerous, infestation of the skin caused by fly larvae.
Often seen in animals, it can occur in humans as well.
While it is usually found in tropical and subtropical climates, certain types of myiasis have been known to spread even further.
Most commonly, this condition occurs due to flies laying their eggs on wounds or other areas with dead tissue.
Once the egg hatches, the larvae will feed on living tissue and cause an infection that may lead to severe health complications if left untreated.
Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of this condition such as topical medications and surgical removal.
While seeking the help of a vet is always recommended, you can still manage the maggot infestation with some easy home remedies that actually work.
The following are some good remedies for myiasis that you can try on your doggie.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide Flushing/Cleaning
Hydrogen peroxide is a common wound-cleaning treatment for both pets and humans.
Studies have shown that it can be used to not only clean maggot wounds but also kill them while at it.
To do this, simply apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the affected area and flush it out using a clean cloth or cotton pad.
Repeat this process several times until you see the maggots start to loosen and fall off.
There are a couple of precautions you should take when using hydrogen peroxide on your furry friend.
For starters, make sure to only use a 3% solution, as anything stronger may be too harsh and irritate the skin.
Additionally, ensure that you don’t apply hydrogen peroxide for more than 15 minutes at a time, as prolonged contact can cause burns or other damage.
2. Chloroform
Chloroform is another popular home remedy for dealing with maggots on dogs.
Like hydrogen peroxide, chloroform is known for its ability to kill and flush out maggots from wounds.
In fact, there is a good chance your vet uses chloroform to remove maggots from their patients.
To use this method, simply apply a small amount of chloroform directly onto the affected area and allow it to sit for several minutes.
You can then easily pick the maggots by hand.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to repeat this process several times.
Like hydrogen peroxide, it is important to be cautious when using chloroform on your dog, as prolonged or excessive use can cause skin irritation and other negative side effects.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is hated by most insects and pests and this makes it an excellent home remedy for maggot infestation in dogs.
ACV is known for its ability to disrupt an insect’s internal pH balance, making it difficult for them to survive and thrive.
And since ACV is made from natural ingredients, it is safe for use on pets.
To use this method, simply mix a small amount of ACV with some water and apply the solution to the affected area.
Let it sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to fully get rid of the maggots and prevent future infestations.
4. Dried Coconut
Dried coconut is a very effective vermifuge in dogs because it contains healthy fats that can help to eliminate parasites from the dog’s body.
To use this method, simply mix a small amount of coconut granules with some water and apply it to the affected areas.
For best results, use natural unsweetened coconut.
Let it sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off.
You will likely need to repeat this process several times to fully get rid of the maggots.
You can also substitute dried coconut with coconut oil for a similar effect.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is another popular home remedy for treating maggot infestations and other work-related issues in dogs.
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is known for its powerful anti-parasitic properties that can help to eliminate maggots from the body.
To use this method, simply mix a small amount of turmeric with some water and apply it directly to the affected areas.
For best results, make sure to only use pure, organic turmeric powder with no extra additives.
Let it sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off.
However, do not be too liberal with it as excessive use can cause some unwanted side effects.
6. Neem oil
Neem oil is a popular home remedy for maggot infestations in dogs because of its potent anti-parasitic properties and natural healing abilities.
According to PetMD, Neem Oil is rich in Vitamin E, Nimbin, azadirachtin, and essential fatty acids which not only make it an insect repellant but also a skin soother.
These qualities, therefore, make it a great remedy for myiasis in dogs.
To use this method, simply apply a small amount of pure Neem oil to the affected areas and allow it to sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off.
Neem oil may or may not work in dealing with maggots, so it is advisable to try another method if it doesn’t work.
7. Castor oil
Castor oil is a very common home remedy for myiasis in animals and it is therefore a good choice for dealing with maggots in dogs.
The active ingredient in castor oil, ricinoleic acid, is known for its powerful anti-parasitic properties that can help to kill maggots and prevent future infestations.
And since it is made from natural ingredients, it is safe for use on pets.
To use this method, simply apply some castor oil directly to the affected areas and allow it to sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off with a towel or cotton ball.
You will likely need to repeat this process several times to fully get rid of the maggots and prevent future infestations.
8. Liquid Parrafin
Liquid paraffin or mineral oil is a great remedy for myiasis in dogs because of its ability to prevent the formation of maggots due to its natural anti-parasitic properties.
In the event of a maggot infestation, it can also be used to kill and remove them from your dog’s skin.
Liquid paraffin can also be used as an effective treatment for other skin problems like mange and ticks.
Simply apply some liquid paraffin to the affected areas and allow it to sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a very popular home remedy for myiasis in dogs because of its natural anti-parasitic properties that are known to kill and prevent the formation of maggots on your dog’s skin.
Garlic can also be used as an effective treatment for other skin problems like mange and ticks.
Since garlic is natural, you do not have to worry about any side effects especially if the dog accidentally licks it.
That said, consuming excessive garlic can lead to stomach upsets, so you may want to take precautionary measures to prevent your dog from ingesting it.
To use garlic for maggot control, simply crush a small clove of garlic and apply it directly to the affected areas 2-3 times per day.
This should kill the maggots and allow you to pick them by hand.
10. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular natural home remedies for myiasis in dogs because of its potent anti-parasitic properties that can help to kill and remove maggots from your dog’s skin.
However, this method of treating maggots in dogs is not recommended for dogs that are sensitive to allergens since tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
But if your dog doesn’t have any allergies, you should be good to go.
To use tea tree oil for maggot control, simply apply a small amount of it directly to the affected areas and allow it to sit for several minutes before gently rubbing it off.
11. Nutrition
One of the first things that you should do if your dog has an infestation is to make sure that he’s getting plenty of nutrients in his diet.
This will help him to better heal and recover from any wounds caused by the maggots, as well as boost his immune system so that he can fight off any future infestations.
You may want to feed your dog foods that can help fight maggots like carrots, apples, or other types of fruits and vegetables that are high in natural antioxidants.
In addition to a healthy diet, it is also important to keep your dog well-hydrated at all times.
This will help prevent dehydration while making it easier for the other remedies of flushing the maggots.
Closing Thoughts
Whether your dog has a mild or severe myiasis infection, you can get it sorted out at home by trying out some simple home remedies.
As we have established, there are plenty of home remedies for myiasis in dogs that you can use to help kill and remove the maggots from your dog’s skin.
Some of these include Apple cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide, Chloroform, Castor oil, turmeric, Neem oil, dried coconut, etc.
A healthy diet and hydration will also go a long way in remedying the problem.
But if the problem persists, take your furry baby to the vet clinic for professional help.
Related: Can Dettol Kill Maggots In Dogs?
Sources
https://www.affinity-petcare.com/vetsandclinics/en/myiasis-in-dogs-a-parasitic-disease
https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/myiasis-maggots-pets
https://wagwalking.com/condition/myiasis-maggots
https://vosd.in/treating-maggot-wounds-in-dogs/
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs/4241
https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/managing-maggots-bots-dogs-cats
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