What Happens if a Dog Eats Maggots? What Should I Do?

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Can dogs eat maggots? What happens if a dog eats a maggot? Are maggots bad for dogs?

We are here, to answer all your questions.

Dog Eats Maggots

Done some footwork and collected information, which will help you to get better knowledge. Also, jotted down prevention tips, to help you out. As you keep on reading, you will not only get to know what will happen if a dog eats maggots. But, also you will also learn about the symptoms.

Let’s dig in to get in-depth knowledge.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Maggots?

If your dog ate only maggots, then you don’t have to worry, much. As it won’t be able to survive in your dog’s stomach. The acid present in your dog’s digestive tract will kill the maggots.

However, it depends upon which type of maggot he has ingested, and the quantity. Because that could lead to gastrointestinal distress and other severe health issues.

Dogs Ate Maggots
NooperV22 – Shutterstock

The risk factor mainly depends upon how the maggot has come in contact with your furry pal, i.e.

  • Your dog ate dead animals or rotten food.
  • Whether he has ingested his own poop or other animals’ poop.
  • He has eaten food from the trash bin.
  • Maggots are present on their fur, skin, or wounds.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Maggots?

Well, it’s easy to find out the that your dog has eaten maggots. As their body will start showing symptoms such as:

Dog Vomits After Having Maggots
Cunaplus_M.Faba – iStock
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Discomfort
  • Edema
  • Excess panting
  • Fluctuation in heartbeat
  • Stomach ache
  • Fever
  • Intense itching
  • Lack of appetite
  • Depression
  • Gastrointestinal distress

Note:- If you notice maggots on your dog’s fur or skin, take him to the vet. Plus, if your dog is wounded, and you observe a small white larva or fly present on the wound. In such a case, immediately consult the vet because maggots-infested wounds could be dangerous to your furry pal’s life.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Ate Maggots?

Wondering what to do if your dog ate maggots? Well, don’t have to worry much. As Stated by wsdindia “maggot-infested wounds are not pretty under any circumstances, but they are an unfortunate reality our dogs have to face.” Here, are a few things to keep in mind, it will help you to handle the situation wisely.

  • If you find out that your dog has eaten maggots, you have to be extra careful. Remove the rotten food, and poop from your dog’s eyesight because that’s one of the ways maggots come into their contact.
  • The next thing you can do is observe him closely, your dog will show the symptoms like stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, etc. It will last for a max of days, and then he will be fine.
  • If your dog is not curing on its own, and still suffering from frequent panting, fluctuation in heartbeat, and frequent vomiting issues. Then immediately take him to the vet. It’s possible that their body might be needing antibiotics for recovery.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Maggots?

It’s a tricky job, but not an impossible one. If your dog loves to explore places and things and has a habit of eating anything from the floor. Then there are a few steps that can help you to prevent your dog from eating maggots, or any such thing, which is not good for his health.

Inspect the Yard

Maggots appear on dead tissues, rotten things, dead animals, etc. If you have a yard/lawn, and your dog spends most of his time on the lawn. It’s important to keep the yard clean and remove the dead squirrels, and birds, that might have fallen down. It is advisable to clean the yard and avoid maggots from spreading in the yard. In this way, you can prevent your dog from eating maggots.

Clean Your Dog’s Poop

Dogs like eating their own feces, to prevent them from ingesting poop. All you need to do is clean your pooch’s poop, as soon as he finishes doing his toiletry stuff. Look for the corner and yard where your pooch spends most time of the day, and keep that area clean. When you take him for a walk, don’t open the harness, as he will try to eat garbage or feces from the floor.

Cleaning Dogs Poop
Kerkez – iStock

Store Food Properly

Keep your dog’s food in an airtight container. In other words, store their kibbles, and dry food in high-quality plastic or glass storage tubs. It will help to keep his food fresh and prevent flies from getting inside the tub and laying their eggs.

Petra Richli – iStock

Secure the Garbage Bin

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from eating maggots is to try to keep your trash bin locked. After dumping the garbage, make sure the bin is closed properly and secure with a lid. It will prevent flies from getting in and laying their eggs. Plus, your pooch won’t be able to open the bin and eat the garbage.

Ripio – Shutterstock

FAQs

Can maggots live in a dog’s intestines?

Well, no, maggots cannot live in a dog’s intestine. They live on dead tissue, so it’s not possible they will live inside the dog. However, roundworms and tapeworms, which are similar to maggots, can live in a dog’s intestine for a long period of time.

What kills maggots instantly on a dog?

All you need to do is pour some hydrogen peroxide directly, this will help you to remove the maggots. According to thehealthyjournal “Pour boiling water on the maggots Boiling water is a simple way to get rid of maggots. Just pour the hot water on the creatures and they will die instantly.” After learning about the visible maggots, now cover the wound with cotton. This will help in suffocating the remaining maggots, which are inside the body, and it will eventually die.

Are maggots harmful to dogs?

It’s a fact, that maggots release toxins, which can make your pooch sick. It can lead to weakness, fever, and symptoms, so it’s better to take him to the vet. They will do a complete body examination and clear the maggots from his stomach. So, that there are fewer chances of facing severe health issues in the future.

Can dogs get worms from maggots?

Dogs getting intestine worms such as roundworms, and tapeworms are very common, they are kind of maggots only. It has also been observed that in dog poop, the maggots you see are because these creatures are attracted to feces. So after your pooch is done with the toiletry thing, there is a high chance that these worms come and sit on the feces to eat it.

Well, It’s a Wrap!

True, maggots are not harmful to dogs. But, if not treated on time, they could lead to severe health issues, or skin allergy issues. If you notice any severe symptoms, consult the vet.

Be extra careful with your dog’s eating habits. We have jotted down prevention tips, which will surely help you in the future, and you can save your dog from being affected by maggots.

References:

  1. Eriksson, K., & Coultas, J. C. (2014). Corpses, maggots, poodles and rats: Emotional selection operating in three phases of cultural transmission of urban legends. Journal of Cognition and Culture, 14(1-2), 1-26.
  2. Hong, Y., Zhou, J., Yuan, M. M., Dong, H., Cheng, G. Q., Wang, Y. J., … & Zhang, L. (2020). Dietary supplementation with housefly (Musca domestica) maggot meal in growing beagles: hematology, serum biochemistry, immune responses and oxidative damage. Annals of Animal Science, 20(4).