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My dog has an open wound with maggots. What medicine can I apply?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | 7 years old | 105 lbs

very ferocious Rotweiler dog having wound. Its having maggots. Cant give sedative. Is there is any medicine to kill maggots for applying ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on February 15th, 2020

Capstar will kill maggots, but the maggots will continue to come back since they are caused by flies laying eggs in a necrotic wound. The maggots are not the issue here, the wound is the problem, and it should be addressed first with a vet.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 16th, 2019

    Hello Augustine. So sorry your puppies are having this issue. It it best to consult with a vet in your area as I am not sure what products you have available in your country. I will try to help but if you can't get these products then I am not sure what to recommend. You should first clean all the wounds with an antiseptic like Betadine, Dettol or Chlorhexidine. You should be able to find these at any pharmacy. Make sure you get solution and not scrub (soap). All of these products should be made into a dilution before you use them: 1 part medication to 10 parts water. Then apply Lorex­ene, or Maggocide, which are ointments specifically meant to kill maggots. Then, if possible, make the wounds airtight with cotton gauze stuffed into the hole and covered with a bandage. The wound has to be airtight or the maggot will continue to breathe oxygen and not suffocate to death. The swab of gauze and dressing has to be changed daily. Remove all the maggots each time you change the bandages. Please be sure you don't bandage the wounds too tightly or you will cause more issues. I would also be a good idea for the puppies to be on an oral antibiotic like amoxi-clav. Keep the area where the puppies are kept free of flies as maggots are fly larvae. Hope this helps. If you need more assistance please feel free to post again.

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