Dog Lice Symptoms and Treatment

Many have only heard of parasites such as fleas, but there is another problem that often affects our pets - dog lice. They come in several forms: dog louse and dog lice. Outwardly, both species are very similar to each other, but differ in the type of harmful effect, they cause anxiety, scratching and exhaustion, and the hair-litter, in turn, causes hair loss, constant itching and dermatitis, a carrier of helminths.

Parasites are very easy to confuse, but, despite this, the methods of control are approximately the same, so this does not pose a particular danger. The most important thing is to identify the problem on time and tackle it before the insects cause more serious consequences.

Symptoms and ways of infection

Many people wonder if dogs have lice, knowing only about a problem like fleas. Detecting lice in dogs is quite simple, as they are a cause of concern for the pet:

• itching occurs, as a result of which the animal often itches;
• dermatitis and scratching are noted on the skin;
• the presence of a problem affects the psychological state of the dog, because the dog does not sleep during parasitism, is in a depressed state;
• the pet’s coat dims and gets tangled up.

Experiencing constant itching, the dog tries to scratch on surrounding objects. As a result, the skin is covered with abrasions, scratches and inflamed. With a large accumulation of parasitic individuals, other symptoms can also be noted: an allergic reaction, anemia and exhaustion. In puppies, such a reaction can be observed at the initial stage. As a result, dogs develop eczema, atopic dermatitis, or dermatitis.

Lice can be detected in dogs during examination, white grains are attached to the coat, that is, parasite eggs, and adults are also observed. Lice and dog whiskers in the area where the hair is tangled, as well as at the tips of the ears. Dogs can act as carriers, in which case the only symptom will be seborrhea.

Infection of an animal occurs as a result of contact with an already infected dog - this is the main way. Also, the household way is not excluded, that is, due to the contact of the pet with objects. Often lice eggs are brought into the house by the owner on shoes or clothes. If the mother is infected, then puppies acquire this problem immediately after their birth.

On a note!

Parasites most often appear in the cold season, although infection can occur in other periods. Among the provoking factors, poor pet nutrition, lack of hygiene, and the conditions in which the dog lives, are noted. Age animals are most susceptible to infection.

The appearance of parasites

Dog lice are quite small and have a yellow-gray color. Lice eaters and lice are the same size, so the chance of mistaking one for the other is significantly increased. You can distinguish them by the method of nutrition, lice feed on blood and lymph, but the louse-bearer prefers dog fluff, as well as skin scales. The louse has an elongated narrow body, the head is also elongated. In order to have a better idea of ​​these parasites, it is better to see photos of lice in dogs.

Lice are the reason why mats appear.This happens due to the fact that parasites secrete a sticky secret, due to which the wool sticks together. This symptom is usually observed with a large number of lice.

On a note!

It is much easier to see a louse on an animal whose hair is dark in color. Adult individuals and their eggs on a dark background, having a light color, stand out strongly.

Below are photos of infected pets.

Can dog lice go to humans

Many are interested in the question of whether lice from a dog can go to a person. Such insects are not transmitted to humans, despite the fact of infection of the pet. Dog lice parasitize only on dogs and do not pass to warm-blooded other species. Even with close contact of the dog with a person or a cat, lice do not run across.

In order to protect the pet from infection:

• it is necessary to protect him from contact with stray representatives of his species;
• the best option is to purchase a special dog flea collar;
• From time to time it is necessary to inspect your pet in order to identify the problem in time and take appropriate measures.

If signs of pediculosis are detected, bloodsuckers should be disposed of immediately.

How to remove parasites

Treating lice in dogs is a straightforward procedure if you know what to use for this. Since lice bears and dog lice, unlike fleas, do not live outside their feeding area, they do not escape during bullying and die immediately. Lice can be brought out at home with certain drugs that help fight insects.

Using a special drop

Antiparasitic drops are applied to the withers of the animal. Used for any age and breed of dog. After applying a drop to the withers near the back of the head, they should be rubbed well into the skin. Thus, the product is distributed throughout the body, accumulates in the upper layer of the epidermis and kills blood-sucking insects. But, despite the effectiveness and versatility, it can cause an allergic reaction.

Insecticidal spray

You can treat the animal with a special spray. Its use is rarely the cause of allergies. But the principle of use is somewhat complicated. This is due to the fact that the spray needs to process all the wool, after which the product must be aged for effectiveness for several hours. Then the drug needs to be washed off well.

Antiparasitic shampoos

The most convenient way to get rid of annoying insects is to use shampoos. They can also be used as a prophylactic method. For large dogs, the use of shampoos is not the most convenient means, so they are used for small or decorative breeds. Shampoos are the best method to get rid of lice in a puppy.

Collars from parasites

Special collars are a universal method of getting rid of not only lice, but also fleas. But, despite the convenience and effectiveness, protective accessories can cause an allergic reaction or damage to the skin. They are also excellent prevention.

In order to completely cure pediculosis in a dog, re-treatment is carried out after 7-10 days in order to destroy the young generation that has appeared from nits.