How to Get Maggots Out of Ears

Maggots, a general term for many different types of insect larvae, are small, pale and worm like creatures that vary between a quarter of an inch long and an inch long. These creatures feed on dead, sick or necrotic flesh, and if you find them on your dog's body anywhere it means there is an underlying problem that is providing food for the maggots. Even if you think you've gotten rid of all of them, visit a vet to make sure the maggots are gone and to investigate any ear conditions that may have drawn and supported them.

Things You'll Need

  • Muzzle
  • Water
  • Latex gloves
  • Blunt scissors
  • Plastic bag
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Flashlight
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Instructions

    • 1

      Muzzle your dog. The process of removing maggots isn't pleasant and even well behaved dogs might try to bite or run. Getting a second person to hold the dog still and keep it calm, is also a good idea.

    • 2

      Put on latex gloves and shine your flashlight into your dog's ear. Maggots will stay near fleshy areas, so they're usually not very deep in the ear. Gently remove all of the maggots that you can, and trim the hair around the ear with blunt scissors to make sure that you can see as much as you can. Place the maggots in a plastic bag, so that you don't touch them.

    • 3

      Gently wash out the dog's ears. Bottles with gentle, blunt tips can deliver a gentle wash into the dog's ear. Tilt the head, so that the water washes out, and use cotton balls or swabs to help urge the maggots out of the ear. The water will also help wash out unhatched maggot eggs, cleaning out as much of the ear as possible.