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Worms, all dog owners know them and dislike them. They cause our dog pain discomfort and potential health issues. However, did you know that there are many different types of dog-infected worms including Mango Worms? Now, what are exactly mango worms we will dive into that right now.
What Are Exactly Mango Worms?
Mango worms which are less known worm species are the larvae of a mango or tumbu fly ( a species of blowfly native to Central and East Africa ). You might have heard the name mango flies ( tumbu flies ) mango worms are the larvae before they turn into the flies.
How Do Dogs Get Mango Worms?
As we all know dogs love to run, jump and dig. With that in mind, mango worms hide in the soil, especially when it contains feces or urine. Dogs become infested with mango worms by digging, lying on, or walking on soil containing these mango worm larvae.
Mango worms typically enter a dog through a dog's feet, as it's the closest point of contact between the contaminated soil and your dog. However, the larvae have their ways and also can enter through other openings, such as ears or nose, which can be extremely dangerous as they are closer to the brain tissue.
They Want To Live In Your Dog
Mango worms want to live your dog, Why?
Because they can eat the material inside your dog and grow off of it. Dogs and rodents are the most common host for these worms and that's because they like what's inside. They burrow inside the host and feed on their tissues.
Symptoms of Mango Worms in Dogs
Once the worm enters your dog there are no initial symptoms. Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible at this stage to detect them. Which is what makes mango worms so tricky. Once the worm starts to mature it starts erupting this occurs. By this stage two-three weeks after the worm enters your dog you will see red boils on your dog's skin from the worms. These red boils contain maggot worms that burst through your dog's skin.
Some common symptoms and signs to look out for:
- Scratching, biting, and itching
- Redness on the outside of your dog's skin
- Red boils sort of like pimples on the skin and sensitivity around that area
- Difficulty sleeping and unusual behavior toward everything
Getting Rid of Mango Worms in Your Dog
As mentioned above mango worms are tricky to detect and even trickier to remove. If you detect signs or symptoms of mango worms in your dog you should take your dog to the vet right away. From there your vet will decide on the best treatments. ( Do not attempt any removals anything on your own improper removal can lead to infection and further complications. ).
Mango worms are typically removed by popping those red boils that form on the skin of your dog. Just like a human pimple, this will eject the maggot living inside right out of your dog's skin. There are other types of removal processes as well which include.
Special Injections
Your veterinarian may administer injections of epinephrine and lidocaine to help eliminate the mango worm larvae. These medications can effectively reduce the worms' ability to feed and grow, ultimately leading to their expulsion from your dog's body.
Suffocating the Larvae
In some cases, veterinarians may choose to suffocate the larvae by removing the scab over each boil and applying a sterile wax or jelly substance. This method is specifically aimed at cutting off their air supply, forcing the worms to emerge from the skin.
Prevention of Mango Worms in Dogs
It's very difficult to truly prevent mango worms as there are no current preventions available. So when it comes down to prevention it is primarily a matter of good hygiene and keeping an eye on where your dog plays.
- Observing your dog: Keep a close eye on your dog when they are outdoors, especially in areas where there may be a high amount of feces and urine.
- Avoiding contaminated areas: Keep your dog away from areas with heavy fecal contamination and promptly clean up after your dog when they defecate.
- Using a fly repellent: Apply a safe and effective fly repellent spray on your dog to help deter mango flies from laying their eggs in the surrounding soil.
- Washing bedding in hot water: Regularly wash your dog's bedding in hot water and iron it to kill any mango worm eggs or larvae that may be present.
- Removing rotting fruit: If your yard contains fruit trees, promptly remove any fallen or rotting fruit to discourage flies from breeding in the area.
- Bathing your dog regularly: Regular baths can help to keep your dog clean and give you an opportunity to inspect its skin for any signs of infestation.
The Bottom Line
Mango worms can pose a significant threat to dogs, causing pain, discomfort, and potential complications if left untreated. Although rare it is essential to be aware of the risks and symptoms of mango worm infestation, particularly if you live in or travel to areas where these parasites are common.
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