Dog Lice
A Complete Guide to Dog Lice
Although dog lice is rare, it is still a very real condition in which lice are able to latch onto a canine and start a colony, not unlike the lice that can be found in people’s hair. So how do dogs get lice and how can it be treated once your canine has it?
There are two types of dog lice and both are specific to canines, meaning that humans and other animals will not contract the lice. The first type of lice is called Biting Mallophaga, or sometimes simplified and called “biting lice.” These lice stick to the fur of the dogs and like to feed off of the dead flakes of skin that your canine carries. This type of lice is usually easier to spot.
The Sucking Piliferus Setosus is the second type of lice that your dog might come in contact with. Sometimes, it is also called the “sucking lice.” It can be more irritating to the dog since it feeds off of the blood and attaches to the skin and not the fur.
Since dog lice are fairly rare, you generally do not have to be concerned with checking your canine on a daily basis. Still, there are some precautions that you can take to help ensure that your dog doesn’t get it.
Sharing grooming products such as combs and brushes is not recommended since lice can be spread this way. Also, if your dog spends some time playing with another dog that is a stranger to you, then checking your dog soon afterwards is a good way of making sure that your dog isn’t bringing something home with him. It’s also a good idea to check your dog out if you have left him at a friend’s home or at a kennel.
One of the biggest signs that your dog has gotten dog lice is if he suddenly starts scratching excessively. If your dog has a skin condition then you will probably notice flakes of skin or scaly patches, which look significantly different from lice. Using a fine tooth comb, you can go through your dog’s hair and look for eggs which can appear as small, white and sticky. The live bugs themselves might look like dirt since they are small and black.
There are several treatment options available to you should your dog become infected with lice. Most stores that sell pet supplies carry quite a few lice treatments that can be carried out at home. Only in rare cases in which you are unable to rid your dog of the lice is it necessary to make a trip to the vet. Most of the times, these are very effective if you follow the directions.
There are shampoos, gels, lotions, and sprays available as treatment options. If using a shampoo, it is suggested that you bathe the dog everyday for at least a week to ensure that all of the bugs and eggs have been removed.
Some people also use a lemon rinse to help kill the lice and eggs while other people apply mayonnaise to the dog’s fur in order to help loosen the eggs so that they can be easily combed out with a fine tooth comb.
Of course, you can always take your dog to a professional groomer to be treated there as well. You might feel more comfortable taking your dog to a professional if you feel uncertain in your abilities to remove all of the lice yourself.
After treating your dog, you should also treat your surroundings. Make sure that you wash any bedding that your dog might use and dry it on high heat. Washing the dog’s toys and dishes is also recommended.