There are many conditions that we believe are exclusive to humans but that can actually occur in our pets, such as lice in dogsAlthough obviously we are not talking about the same type of parasites, since the species of lice that can affect us are not the same as those that can infest our dog.
Although initially it may not seem like a serious situation, the truth is that if it is not treated it can get complicated and end up causing various illnesses, hence we must once again mention how important it is to spend time with our animals and pay attention to any possible parasites. In this article on our site we talk about the symptoms and treatment of lice in dogs.
Types of lice in dogs (with photos)
Lice are external parasites on dogs relatively common, though not as common as fleas or ticks. They usually affect mostly immunosuppressed or sick animals and feed on their blood. In certain situations, they can act as vectors of multiple diseases For example, the louse Trichodectes canis can act as an intermediate host for the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum, which can even affect people, even though it is not a parasite that normally affects humans.
We are talking about squashed, wingless insects that measure between 2 and 4 mm in length, although they can sometimes reach up to 8mm They cling strongly to the animal's mantle and, depending on whether they are suckers or chewers, cause more or less pain when they draw blood from their victims.
The lice life cycle occurs on the dog's own coat, so it is possible to find nits and eggs more or less developed, depending on the nymphal stage in which they are found. After about three or four weeks a new generation of lice will appear which will continue to feed on our can.
When a generalized infestation occurs, other associated he alth problems may appear, so prompt detection and application of effective treatment is essential to eliminate us and prevent recurrence. However, What types of lice are there in dogs? Here are the most common:
- Heterodoxus spiniger: measures approximately 2.5 cm. long and although it does not usually occur in Europe, it is a louse that can transmit other parasites such as Dipylidum caninum or Dipetalonema reconditum.
- Linognathus setosus: feeds on dog's blood, measures approximately 1.5 to 2.5 mm. of length. It mainly affects the head, neck and chest area.
- Trichodectes canis: this louse measures 1.5 to 2 mm. long but can also transmit Dipylidum caninum, it mainly infests the head, neck, ears and torso.
Symptoms of head lice in dogs
We usually observe infestations in puppies, elderly, sick dogs and those individuals with long hair, however, any dog is susceptible to contracting lice. They are usually located in the neck and tail, although we can also find them in openings and wounds. We will observe that the dog rubs, bites and scratches the affected area, likewise, it can show tremendously rough and dull fur.
We are likely to be unaware of its presence initially, but we will soon observe severe irritation, as well as the appearance of various dermatological diseases and a Constant anxiety and restlessness. Later, areas without hair, wounds and, therefore, the risk of a bacterial disease occurring at the topical level, which could also be transmitted to other parts of the body, will be observed.
In the most serious cases, when the presence of individuals is excessive, we will observe the appearance of anemia in the dog, caused mainly by progressive blood loss. And, as mentioned above, they can transmit viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, so serious secondary illnesses can easily occur.
Briefly, the symptoms of lice in dogs are:
- Continuous scratching
- Bites and scratches
- Coat rough and dull
- Severe irritation
- Wounds
- Alopecia
- Skin diseases
- Stress and anxiety
- Weakness
- Discomfort
- Inactivity
- Etc.
Diagnosis of head lice in dogs
If we suspect that our dog has a parasitic infestation, we should go to the vet The professional will base the diagnosis on the presence of lice in the dog's mantle He will part the hair and make a direct observation with lightHe will check the face, neck, ears, upper line, dewlap, base of the tail and armpits. It is also likely that he will decide to perform a complete physical exam to rule out other possible parasites in more remote areas, such as inside the ears.
Active lice will be observed moving slowly through the fur and where there is difficulty determining which species they belong to, this will generally be used a magnifying device, such as the otoscope itself. Depending on the species, the professional will prescribe one treatment or another, something we will talk about in the next section.
Dog Lice Treatment
You've probably come this far wondering how to get rid of lice in dogs, right? You should know that in hospitals and veterinary clinics we find a wide variety of products for the elimination and control of external parasites. We can find them in different formulations, such as tablets, pipettes, aerosols or powders
How to get rid of lice in dogs?
We can facilitate the treatment by cutting the dog's hair in dogs with long coats or when it is very matted. In any case, we will follow the veterinary advice, which generally includes the following step by step to definitively eliminate and prevent a lice infestation in dogs:
- Application of an antiparasitic shampoo: the first thing will be to offer a bath with a repellent product that will help us eliminate most of the parasites and poison them.
- Complete drying of the coat: we will dry our dog with the help of towels or a dryer, as long as it is not alarmed by the noise and very carefully not to burn him.
- Brushing with an antiparasitic comb: after bathing, we will comb our dog with the help of a flea comb (although we can also use a lice comb). It is important to kill all the parasites that we are removing.
- Application of collar, pipette or spray: once our dog is practically dewormed we will apply one of these elements to combat the lice that still stay in your mantle and avoid new infections. They are usually long lasting.
It is essential to acquire these products in veterinary clinics and following the guidelines of a professional, since the administration will depend directly on the size and dog's he alth status. It's also worth noting that puppies are especially sensitive and not all deworming products are suitable for them. In any case, we will avoid dewormers that do not have studies that support their effectiveness, so in no case will we buy them in large shopping centers or the like.
To finish, we must remember the importance of washing the bedding, the mattress or any other cloth accessory of our dog. regularly, using hot soapy water or a local insecticide until the infestation is completely controlled.
Home remedies for lice in dogs
More and more people want to apply natural therapies to prevent and treat possible external parasites in dogs, however, we must know that in most cases, home remedies help us prevent, not to cure, so does not replace veterinary treatment in any case.
Vinegar for dog lice
Baths with apple cider vinegar are especially useful for keeping the coat he althy and shiny, and also help prevent an infestation by lice and other parasites. We can apply a small amount directly to the dog's body during the bath or mix 1/3 part apple cider vinegar with 2/3 parts specific shampoo for dogs. This remedy can help when there is a very limited presence of lice, however, it is advisable to always complement it with a veterinary prescription antiparasitic product.
More home remedies
If you are left wanting more, don't miss our article on home remedies for lice in dogs, where you will find more formulations than they can help you.
Prevention of head lice in dogs
Although there is no preventive measure that is 100% infallible, the truth is that to avoid future infections it will be convenient to follow a deworming scheduleregular. In addition, maintaining proper hygiene of our pet, through regular brushing and bathing. Likewise, adequate nutrition strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of contracting these parasites.
It will also be very important to keep the dog's environment in optimal hygienic conditions, as well as all its accessories, from the feeder to the hairbrush. With the widespread use of monthly preventives against fleas and ticks, which also act on lice, the transmission of these parasites in dogs has become less and less frequent. It is rather common in weakened, wild, stray or shelter animals.
Do dog lice spread to humans?
Today's studies on the transmission of flea diseases to humans focus mainly on the agents that are transmitted through the species of lice that infect humans They are known to infect a wide variety of pathogens, such as typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii), trench fever (Bartonella recurrentis) or relapsing louse fever (Borrelia recurrentis).
However, the lice that infest dogs, cats, and other pets are not attracted to humans. For this reason, although precautions should always be taken and effective treatment recommended, in most cases they will not be infected, since the species involved are different. This occurs temporarily when infestations are very serious and generalized, also in the home.
