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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 4
of 26
Dog lice: Dog lice
What is dog lice? Are they the same type of lice that affect humans?
What is the most effective way of getting rid of dog lice?
Sometimes even a clean, well-groomed dog can play a host to different
types of unwanted guests. One of these unwanted visitors is called
dog lice. Dog lice infestation is not common among dogs in this
country, especially those that live in a clean environment and get
proper care and attention.
However, you should still be aware of their symptoms and know how to
deal with the problem should it occur. Dog lice causes severe
irritation and illness to your dog. In addition, dog lice carries
disease and complications such as anemia.
Dog lice are flat, gray, wingless parasites that are about a twelfth
of an inch long. Dog lice are very slow movers. In fact, they hardly
move at all. Dog lice only affect the dogs in your home and are not
capable of surviving off of cats and humans.
There are two types of dog lice that exist: The first type of dog
lice concentrates on biting the skin and feeding on skin flakes; the
other type of dog lice feed on your dog's blood. Blood sucking lice
causes severe irritation because they penetrate the skin of your dog
in order to feed.
Signs that your dog is infected with dog lice are heavy, intense
scratching, and irritation that often results in bald patches. Dog
lice are usually found on the area around the ears, neck, shoulders,
and anus. Although dog lice are relatively large, you are more likely
to spot their eggs in your dog's hair. Lice eggs (nits) are easier
to see because they are attached to the dog's hair and look like white
tiny flakes of dust.
Treating dog lice is relatively simple and easy due to the fact that
they have not built up a resistance to insecticides. Your vet will
more likely recommend an insecticide spray or bath to kill them. He
may require you to cut off matted hair and wash your dog about once
every week with the insecticide.
This procedure is then repeated until the itching is gone and there
are no more visible lice eggs. If you have a puppy that is infected
with lice, consult your vet first before starting on any kind of
pesticide treatment or other type of medication.
To prevent further lice infestation and make sure that all the lice
eggs have been completely eliminated, it is a wise idea to throw away
all bedding that your dog has lain on during lice infestation and to
disinfect the area where he sleeps.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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