Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. There are 2 basic types of lice. Biting or chewing lice (order Mallophaga) infest both birds and mammals. They feed mostly on skin debris and the secretions of their hosts. Blood-sucking lice (order Anoplura) are skin parasites of mammals only. Typically, lice are species specific; that is, they do not readily transfer from one animal species to another.
Biting or chewing louse (order Mallophaga) and blood-sucking louse (order Anoplura)
Female lice glue their eggs, called nits, to the hairs of the host near the skin. Ordinary shampooing and washing will not dislodge the nits. Nits are pale, translucent, and almost oval in shape. Once the nits hatch, the lice undergo nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. The immature nymphs look very much like adult lice, only smaller. It takes about 3 to4 weeks for most lice to go from nit to reproductively capable adult, although this period varies with the species.
Dogs can be infested with 3 species of lice, Linognathus setosus (a bloodsucking louse), Trichodectes canis (a biting louse), and Heterodoxus spiniger (a biting louse that feeds on blood). Dogs in poor health can become heavily infested. Heterodoxus spiniger is rare in North America. Trichodectes canis can serve as an intermediate host for intestinal tapeworms.
The first signs that your dog may have lice include scratching, biting, and rubbing of infested areas. A dog with lice often has a rough, dry coat. Ifthe lice are abundant, the hair might also be matted. Sucking lice cause small wounds that can become infected. Usually, the diagnosis is made by seeing lice or eggs on the infested pet. Parting the hair often reveals the lice. Chewing lice are active and can be seen moving through the hair. Sucking lice usually move more slowly. They are often found with their mouth-parts embedded in the skin.
Using a fine-toothed comb to dislodge nits is a tedious process that will not kill lice that have hatched. Dogs, cats, and other pets are usually treated with spot-on products, shampoos, collars, sprays, or dusts that kill lice. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate control product for your pet and provide directions for its use.
Lice dropped or pulled from the host die in a few days, but eggs may continue to hatch over 2 to 3 weeks. Thus, lice control treatments should be repeated 7 to 10 days after the first treatment. Careful inspection of your pet’s coat should be continued daily for at least 2 weeks after you see the last louse. Be sure to carefully collect any lice (dead or alive) removed from your pet and dispose of them promptly in a sealed container (such as azip-closure plastic bag). Other dogs that have contact with an infested dog should be treated to prevent spread of the lice.
In severe louse infestations, the dog may damage its skin by scratching. Bacterial infections and scratch wounds are common. If these conditions are present, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic or other medication. Your veterinarian will also treat any other nutritional or health issues.
In addition to killing the lice on your pet, you will want to be sure that lice are not infesting your dog’s bedding, collar, grooming tools (including bushes or combs), and other similar objects in your dog’s environment. Bedding should be washed frequently in hot, soapy water or treated with an appropriate spray until the infestation is controlled. Careful cleaning and inspection of these objects can help provide your pet with continued relief from the irritation caused by lice.
The lice that infest dogs, cats, and other pets are not normally attracted to humans. Therefore, while care in dealing with the lice infecting your pet is recommended, owners should understand that people rarely get lice from their pets.
Also see professional content regarding lice.
FAQs
Selamectin, imidacloprid, and fipronil have all been used successfully to treat lice on dogs and cats. Other compounds, such as fluralaner and moxidectin, also have demonstrated efficacy against lice on dogs; however, they are not currently registered for this use in the US.
What is the best insecticide for lice in dogs? ›
Many insecticides, such as Fipronil, imidacloprid, and selamectin, are effective treatments for lice in dogs. Topical permethrin can also be used on dogs with good effect.
How to get rid of dog lice at home fast with vinegar? ›
Lice treatments at home for dogs' cats and other pets
Spray the mixture onto your dog's coat using an equal mixture of water and apple cider vinegar that has been mixed in a spray bottle. Lice and the eggs they leave behind can also be removed from your dog's fur by combing it with a flea comb.
Can a human get lice from a dog? ›
No, dogs can't get lice from humans, and humans cannot get lice from dogs, either. Lice are species-specific, meaning dog lice stay on dogs and human lice stay on humans.
Is there a home remedy for dog lice? ›
Wash bedding, your dog's collar, and grooming tools by immersing in water and vinegar. Inspect, monitor, and bathe any other pets present in the home who may also require treatment. Boil a lemon slice in water and allow to steep overnight. After bathing, rub the lemon water on your dog to repel lice.
What ointment is good for lice on dogs? ›
Pyrethrins can be used to treat dogs with lice; fipronil and selamectin are common spot-on treatments used for both dogs and cats. Courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Ketzis.
What kills lice in 10 minutes? ›
Spinosad (Natroba) is a newer prescription treatment for head lice. You can apply it to dry hair and the scalp for 10 minutes and then rinse with water. The treatment doesn't usually need to be repeated.
Is ivermectin good for lice on dogs? ›
Ivermectin can be used to treat head lice, scabies, river blindness, and other conditions. 3 It is only available with a prescription and is usually applied topically or taken orally. Keep in mind that no medication specifically labeled for animal use should be taken by humans.
What is the number one treatment for lice? ›
Malathion (Ovide).
This very strong lotion paralyzes and kills lice and some lice eggs. It's approved for use in kids aged 6 years and older. If you still see lice moving 7-9 days later, you'll need a second treatment.
Why do groomers spray dogs with vinegar? ›
Apple cider vinegar can help prevent body odor and relieve itchy skin. When used in water or even a spray bottle, apple cider vinegar can also help to repel fleas.
Lice are species-specific. They rely on certain body temperatures and conditions to survive. This means that dog lice only infest dogs.
What dog shampoo kills lice? ›
Most flea shampoos contain pyrethrins or organophosphates and do a good job of getting rid of louse infestations. Topical insecticides like imidacloprid (Advantage) applied topically every 2 weeks will also kill lice.
Can dog lice live in carpet? ›
Carpets, floors, rugs, furniture and outdoor surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly. Throw away or wash all pet bedding. Lice survive only 3-7 days off of the host, so unwashable items can be packed in sealed plastic bags for 4-6 weeks (allowing time for all eggs to hatch and die).
How long can lice live on bedding? ›
As with furniture and carpets, adult lice typically live for around 2 days on pillows and sheets without human contact. Nits will not hatch and will die within a week. People should machine wash any pillows or sheets someone with lice has used in hot water of more than 130°F (54.4°C) .
How long do dog lice last? ›
Lice dropped or pulled from the host die in a few days, but eggs may continue to hatch over 2 to 3 weeks. Thus, lice control treatments should be repeated 7 to 10 days after the first treatment. Careful inspection of your pet's coat should be continued daily for at least 2 weeks after you see the last louse.
How do you treat lice mites in dogs? ›
Home remedies for mites on dogs may not be safe or effective, so it is best to use a registered product. NexGard® for Dogs and NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogsare highly effective options to treat mites on dogs. They treat and control Sarcoptes mites, Demodex mites and ear mites.
How do you keep lice off a dog? ›
Thankfully, although you can't stop your dog being exposed to lice, you can prevent an infestation developing by:
- Regular anti-parasite treatments. These treatments usually come in the form of spot-ons, and may manage a range of parasites including sucking lice. ...
- Considering all pets. ...
- Monitoring. ...
- Grooming.
The tick removal process consists of 3 simple steps:
- Use tweezers to grasp the head of the tick as closely to the dog's skin as possible.
- Pull with a firm, steady, upward motion.
- Apply a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol or iodine to the wound to prevent infection.
