Dog owners need to worry about a lot of things that can have a serious health impact on their pet. One of those examples is how dogs get mango worms and what you should do.
As the owner, you need to worry about the pet and make sure he is healthy and happy. Today we will cover mango worms and how they can affect your dog.
What Are Mango Worms?
The main question here is how do dogs get mango worms. But, before we provide you with the answer, you need to know all about mango worms in general. They are a type of parasite that lives in Central and East Africa.
They are extremely rare in the United States, Canada, and Europe. However, your pet can still find them and get infected.
A female will lay many eggs in the soil, on the surface. Your dog will walk over or roll over that soil, and the larvae will get on the skin of the dog. They will penetrate the skin and start feeding for 2 or 3 weeks on the tissue of a dog. After that, they will leave the skin and continue life on the ground.
The larvae can be found in soil that is contaminated with faeces and urine. Mango worms like this environment and can be present in high numbers, which makes the risk of your dog getting infected very high. Once again, it is rare to see these parasites in North America and Europe, but they are present.
Mango Worms Can Affect All Body Parts Of Your Dog
First and foremost, mango worms will generally infect the paws of your pet. Because of the obvious reason, this is the most commonly affected area of a pet.A dog will walk across the infected soil and collect the larvae.
Sadly, the larvae can reach other parts of the dog as well. They can be seen on the stomach, legs, head, nose, and ears. These are more problematic locations. For instance, if the larvae can move freely, they can reach the brain and cause severe damage to a dog.
On the other side, they are relatively harmless if the point of infection is the paw or leg. Regardless of where the worms are located, they will create large red blisters and feed on the tissue of your dog. This looks awful and will cause many problems for your pet.
Common Symptoms and Removal of Mango Worms
There is just one way to say this: During the first couple of days when your pet is infected with mango worms, there won’t be any traces. The larvae are able to penetrate the skin without causing any pain or discomfort. As such, you won’t notice anything. Your dog won’t notice anything either. This is common for almost all parasites.
After a few days, you will start noticing some symptoms.
Although there are a few of them, here are the most common.
- Biting or scratching the affected area all the time
- Red blisters
- Your pet’s unusual behaviour
Most dogs will have all of these symptoms, while some will display just one or two. If you notice these, the first thing to do is to inspect the skin of the dog. Take your time and look for small, red blisters. They start small, but as the larvae inside grow, so will the blisters.
This is the easiest way you can detect mango worms. The only issue is that you need to wait until the larvae get bigger!
The best way to detect the issue is to go to a vet. They can perform more delicate and complicated tests and locate mango worms. Of course, they will remove them as well, which is extremely important.
The removal process is simple and something you can do all by yourself, but you shouldn’t. First of all, experience and training are needed to make this process safe and sound. Secondly, it is gross and not something you will ever want to do.
A vet will inspect the skin of your dog and find all the blisters there are. He will then squeeze them and pop up the larvae. You will see a couple of them inside each blister. It is essential to check out the blisters and make sure there are no other larvae or worms inside. This is crucial.
After the procedure, your dog will get antibiotics to prevent any infections or other issues that may be caused by the worms. It is another reason why it is always better to get professional help from a vet than try to do this at home.
Prevention Techniques You Can Use
There are a few methods you can use to make sure the risk of mango worm presence is completely gone or at least significantly decreased. Below, we will cover the most important ones.
- Avoid areas that are covered with faeces and urine. As we have mentioned, these areas are most likely to contain mango worms.
- Use fly repellent spray. These can make it impossible for the larvae to reach the skin and will make flies go away, thereby decreasing the risk of larvae in general.
- Bathe your pet as often as you can. You can decrease the risk of mange worms, and you can also inspect the skin more closely while bathing the pet.
- Remove rooting fruit from the backyard as well. This is another method you can use to make sure mango worms are not present in the soil.
Professional Help: When to Consult a Vet
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when your dog ends up with a mango worm infestation. If this happens, it’s important not to panic and instead, consult your vet immediately.
Mango worms in dogs are an issue that vets in tropical and subtropical areas deal with regularly. Even if you reside in a different region, vets are trained to handle such cases, and their professional advice should be sought at once. The earlier the infestation is treated, the less discomfort and risk there is for your dog.
Some of the signs that you need to consult a vet immediately include:
- Multiple bumps: If you notice multiple bumps on your dog’s skin that are growing or not healing, it’s time to visit the vet. This could indicate a severe infestation that needs professional care.
- Unusual behavior: If your dog is constantly scratching, seems restless, or has changes in eating and sleeping habits, it’s time to consult your vet. These could be signs of discomfort caused by mango worms.
- Secondary infections: Mango worm infestations can sometimes lead to secondary bacterial infections. If you notice pus, excessive redness, or swelling around the bumps, your vet needs to intervene.
- Worm extraction: If a worm has emerged, and you’re unsure how to handle it, seek your vet’s assistance. They have the experience and tools to safely remove the worm and treat the wound to prevent secondary infections.
Remember, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling the situation, it’s always best to reach out to a vet. They can guide you through the process of dealing with mango worms and ensure your dog gets back to their healthy, happy self soon.
With a proper understanding of how dogs get mango worms and knowledge about prevention measures, you can ensure that your furry friend stays safe from this parasitic menace. Always remember, prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of our pets.
FAQs How Dogs Get Mango Worms
What other animals can get mango worms?
Apart from dogs, mango worms can infest a variety of other mammals. This includes rodents such as rats and mice, livestock animals such as cows and goats, and even humans. Any warm-blooded mammal is a potential host for these parasites, making them a concern for a variety of animal species.
What specific areas are known to be affected by mango worms?
Mango worms are primarily found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This includes countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, among others. However, it’s important to note that there can be occasional cases in other regions too, particularly if animals or people travel from an infested area.
What does a mango worm look like when it emerges from the skin?
When a mango worm emerges from the skin, it is in its larvae stage and appears as a small, white worm. They can reach up to 1 inch in length, which can be a rather shocking sight due to their size and stark color against the skin.
Are there any long-term effects of mango worm infestation in dogs?
While most dogs recover well once the mango worms have been removed, severe infestations can lead to skin damage and scarring. In some cases, secondary bacterial infections may occur as a result of the skin lesions, which may require additional treatment.
How long does it take for mango worm larvae to develop?
The life cycle of the mango worm is somewhat specific. It generally takes about 8-12 days for mango worm larvae to develop under the skin before they emerge. This period may vary slightly depending on environmental conditions and the health of the host.
Are there any specific breeds of dogs more prone to mango worm infestations?
Mango worms do not show breed preference, however, dogs with shorter coats may be more at risk as the larvae find it easier to penetrate their skin. Breeds with thick or long fur may have some level of protection, but no breed is entirely immune.
Can mango worm infestations be fatal to dogs?
While the infestations themselves are not typically fatal, complications can arise which pose serious risks. This can include secondary infections from the open wounds left by the worms or severe infestations which cause overall health decline. Immediate and proper treatment is crucial.
Are mango worms visible to the naked eye?
Yes, mango worm larvae are quite visible to the naked eye, particularly when they are ready to emerge from the skin. They can be seen as raised bumps in the skin, which break open as the worm emerges.
Can I use regular insect repellent to protect my dog from mango worms?
Regular insect repellent may not be effective against mango worms. These parasites are not deterred by most common insect repellents. Instead, it’s best to speak to your vet about specific products that can help prevent your dog from getting mango worms.
Are there any vaccinations available to protect against mango worm infestations?
Currently, there are no vaccinations available for mango worm infestations. Prevention primarily involves environmental management and appropriate pet care. This includes regular grooming and avoiding areas known for mango worm infestations, as well as potentially using prescribed preventive treatments from your vet.
Conclusion
What Causes Mange Worms in Dogs?If you want to know what mango worms are, start at the beginning. The answer to the question “How do dogs get mango worms?” is something that all dog owners, regardless of where they live, should be aware of.These worms are not extremely dangerous, but they can cause severe issues.
In both cases, they are gross and look like nothing else that may affect your pet.
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