Reviewed by Rhiannon Koehler, DMV, MPH | Products are chosen at the discretion of the company and do not represent a direct endorsement by the veterinary reviewer.
Key Takeaways
- What are mango worms? – Parasitic larvae from tropical blowflies that burrow into a dog’s skin, causing irritation and boils.
- How do dogs get infected? – Through contact with contaminated soil (often containing feces/urine), where mango fly eggs hatch, and larvae enter the skin.
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Symptoms to watch for:
- Itching, redness, and boils on the skin
- Distressed behavior, scratching, or biting at skin
- Fever or difficulty sleeping
- Treatment: Requires a vet—the worm is physically removed. Oral or topical antibiotics may be needed for the skin lesions.
- Prevention: Avoid contaminated soil, keep your dog clean, and groom regularly. Mango flies are typically found in Western and Central Africa.
- Can humans get mango worms? Extremely rare, but possible if the person wears contaminated clothing or comes into contact with contaminated soil.
Mango worms require veterinary treatment, but everyday skin and coat support starts with good nutrition.
All dog owners know that their canine companions can end up with worms. Common types include roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. You may also know about heartworms, which live in a dog’s heart and nearby blood vessels.
But have you heard of mango worms? Unlike intestinal worms, mango worms live inside a dog’s skin. They are rarely life-threatening on their own, but they can cause serious problems if left untreated or if a secondary infection develops.
Mango worms remain rare in the United States because mango flies mainly live in tropical regions of Africa. However, international travel can expose dogs to areas where these parasites are more common.
About the Mango Worm Parasite in Dogs
Mango worms are the parasitic larvae of Cordylobia anthropophaga, a blowfly also known as the mango fly. These flies commonly live in tropical parts of Africa.
Mango flies lay their eggs in soil. When a dog comes into contact with contaminated soil, the larvae can burrow into the skin. Once inside, they feed on tissue as they grow, causing irritation and skin lesions.
Are There Mango Worms in the United States?
Mango worms are much rarer in the United States than in Africa, where mango flies commonly live in tropical regions. Dogs that live or travel in areas where mango flies are common face a higher risk of infestation.
If you travel to an area with mango flies, take extra care to prevent your dog from contacting contaminated soil.
How Do Mango Worms Infect Dogs?
Mango flies often deposit their eggs in soil, especially when it contains feces or urine. These eggs hatch into larvae that need to find a host to continue developing. These larvae need to find a host to continue developing.
If you're a dog owner, you know how much dogs adore playing in the dirt. In affected areas, playing in contaminated dirt can expose them to mango worm larvae. The larvae then burrow into the dog's skin, causing irritation and distress.
The larvae eat your dog's tissue to fuel their growth. A red boil forms at the site where a mango fly larva burrows into the skin. A larva lives inside this boil. Once the maggots grow to full size, it emerges through the opening in the skin.
Mango Worm Symptoms
Recognizing your dog has mango worms can be tricky, since symptoms often don't appear until the larva begins developing under the skin. Your dog may not even feel the larvae entering their skin at first.
Boils or pimples may appear on your dog's body if they have mango worms. Your dog may scratch frequently and try to bite at their skin. They will also seem generally distressed.
Mango worms commonly settle on your dog's back and paws, plus the skin around the face and eyes, since these areas make the most contact with soil during play and rest.
Let's take a look at some symptoms of a mango worm infestation in your dog:
- Itching
- Skin redness
- Blisters or boils
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever
- Unusual behavior
How Mango Worms Are Removed (and Why You Should Not Do It Yourself)
Bring the dog to a vet right away if you suspect they have mango worms. If you live outside an area where mango worms commonly occur, make sure to disclose your travel history to your veterinarian.
The veterinarian will decide the best way to proceed with treatment. You must not attempt any of these methods yourself, or your dog could end up with a serious infection.
Treatment aims to remove the burrowing larvae from your dog's skin. Vets choose from a few different removal techniques depending on how deep the worm sits and how many boils are present.
Special Injections
Your veterinarian will probably say that your canine companion needs special injections to deal with his mango worms. That may include epinephrine and lidocaine injections. These fluids can help flush the larvae out. In some cases, the vet may still need to physically remove the larvae. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can help make this less uncomfortable for your pet.
Suffocating the Larvae
When veterinarians decide to use this method, they need to remove each boil's scab. They will then apply a substance like sterile wax or jelly directly over the black dot to suffocate the larvae. The larvae may then try to crawl out, and the vet can remove them.
Popping the Boils
With this method, your veterinarian will squeeze the boils. The vet must do this in a sterile way to avoid infection. The vet will take out each larva.
That sterile technique matters because mango worms already put your dog at risk of skin infections. The worms cause severe irritation, and if bacteria get in, your pet could end up needing antibiotics.
Mango Worm Prevention for Dogs
Use this checklist to lower your dog's risk:
- Keep your dog away from soil that could contain feces or urine.
- Avoid letting your dog dig, roll, or lie in unfamiliar or untended dirt.
- Groom your dog regularly to keep their coat and skin clean.
- Bathe your dog on a consistent schedule, especially after time spent outdoors.
- Check your dog's skin during grooming sessions for early signs (boils or bumps).
Can Mango Worms Infect Humans?
Humans can also become infected when mango fly larvae penetrate the skin. The infection does not spread directly from dogs to people.
Contaminated clothing is another possible source of infection. Mango flies can lay eggs in laundry left outdoors, so clothes drying in an affected area can pick up the eggs.
Doctors have documented human cases in endemic regions and among travelers returning from affected areas. Watch for small red bumps that grow into boils with a visible breathing hole at the center.
FAQs About Mango Worms
What are mango worms in dogs?
Mango worms are the parasitic larvae of Cordylobia anthropophaga, also called the mango fly. The larvae burrow into a dog’s skin and develop inside boil-like lesions. They commonly affect dogs in tropical parts of Africa and can cause swelling, irritation, and discomfort as they grow.
Can mango worms kill a dog?
Mango worms are not usually fatal when treated, but untreated infestations can cause serious tissue damage and secondary infections. Prompt veterinary treatment can safely remove the larvae and reduce the risk of complications.
How do dogs get mango worms?
Dogs get mango worms when larvae from contaminated soil burrow into their skin. Mango flies lay eggs in soil contaminated with feces or urine, and the larvae emerge and seek a host. Dogs can pick up the larvae when they dig, roll, lie, or play in affected soil.
What are the signs of mango worms in dogs?
The main signs of mango worms include boil-like skin swellings with a small central opening. Dogs may also develop itching, irritation, swelling, fever, or discomfort. Check your dog’s skin for unusual bumps, especially after travel to areas where mango flies are common.
How do vets remove mango worms from dogs?
Vets remove mango worms from the skin using techniques that safely extract the larvae. Depending on the lesion, they may use an occlusive substance to block the breathing opening and encourage the larva to emerge, then remove it carefully. Vets may also use lidocaine to ease extraction.
Can I remove a mango worm from my dog at home?
You should not try to remove a mango worm from your dog at home. Improper extraction can damage the lesion or leave part of the larva behind. Contact your veterinarian instead. A vet can remove the larva safely, assess the skin, and treat any secondary infection.
Can humans get mango worms from dogs?
Humans can develop mango fly infections, but the parasite does not spread directly from dogs to people. People usually acquire Cordylobia anthropophaga larvae from contaminated soil or clothing.
Final Thoughts: Mango Worms in Dogs
Mango worms are rare in the U.S. but can affect dogs in tropical areas where mango flies live. Keep your dog away from contaminated soil, groom regularly, and check their skin for unusual bumps or boils.
If you suspect mango worms, contact your vet right away. A vet can safely remove the larvae and help prevent skin infections while your dog recovers.