All of the answers.
Maggot infestation is also called "fly blown" or "myiasis".
Maggots are the larvae of flies. Flies are common in the warmer months, and love dead, stinky, and rotting material! They lay eggs, and the eggs develop into larvae that need to eat. They larvae eat dead and rotting tissue, and look like small, white grub worms. They appear quite fast (8-12 hours), and will eat away tissue on your pet if the conditions are present - vomit, diarrhea, skin infection (blood, pus), poor skin/matted hair attract these pests. This condition can occur in all animals, including humans. Maggots are also used medicinally to clean up (debride) wounds, but only under very controlled conditions.

The larvae only eat dead tissue, but they can be extremely painful and irritating to the pet. Additionally, this condition can be fatal if left untreated. Please contact your veterinarian immediately, rather than wait. These conditions can appear and get worse within hours. It is important to find the cause of the initial maggot attraction (is your pet vomiting, have diarrhea, a wound, etc.) and to prevent further maggot infestation. Very old, young, or compromised animals will be more at risk.

Talking About... Maggots
RIKKITIKKIKU asks: "Dog eaten alive by maggots?"

Weather-related links

Additional Information about Maggots
"Fly-Strike" -- A Disgusting And Unpleasant Topic
(warning - photos present - view at your discretion)

Fly-stike (Blow Fly Myiasis) - Valley Vets (UK)

Featured Creatures - Hairy Maggot Blow Fly (photo of fly included)
University of Florida: Department of Entomology and Nematology

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