Canine lice are distinctive insects whose lives are limited to just one animal species. This means that they don’t move from one organism to another. A human cannot, for instance, get lice from a dog. Canine lice differ greatly from fleas which mostly affect canines living in unsanitary conditions. If you have a canine pet at home, you should know what canine lice are and how to identify them for the health and safety of your dog. Read on to find out how to correctly identify canine lice and other helpful information you might need.
How is Canine Lice Transmitted?
Lice have very limited mobility. They can not run, hop, fly, or jump; they can only crawl. Adult lice tend to die off if they fall off their host. The only way canines get lice is through contact with an infected animal. They can also be passed on through contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or collars. Whenever canines assemble, there is always a threat of transmission.
How to Identify Lice
Three species of lice can infect dogs, including:
Linognathus setosus: a bloodsucking louseTrichodectes canis: a chewing or biting louseHeterodoxus spiniger: a biting louse that also feeds on blood
All three species have a similar appearance; the major difference between them is their mouthparts. If you part the hair of your canine pet and examine the hair shaft, you may see adult lice. They’re tiny, about 0.078-0.15 inch (2-4 mm) long. They’re typically yellow, tan, or brown. Sometimes lice are often mistaken for dandruff. Shake the hair that has been combed out to investigate. If you find just white flakes, then it’s probably just dandruff. However, if there’s anything clinging stubbornly to the hair, then it may be lice. Also, if your pet has a matted coat and has severe unexplainable itching that results in skin redness, then it might be suffering from a lice infestation.
Symptoms of a Lice Infestation in Canines
Dogs that have lice often exhibit restless behavior. You may also notice small wounds or bacterial infections caused by chewing lice on the body. If your pet is losing a lot of hair, specifically around the ears, neck, groin, shoulders, and rectal region, it just might be time for a veterinary visit. In extreme cases, or if the infestation has lingered for too long without treatment, anemia and blood loss could set in. Canine lice do not transmit any major blood disease. However, one species of chewing dog lice chewing, the Trichodectes canis, can potentially transmit tapeworms. Lethargy, weight loss, and poor development are common signs of canines undergoing severe infections. Usually, a veterinarian would check out the canine to determine whether it is a lice infestation or something else. The vet may scrape the fur or skin of your pet animals for proper diagnosis. They can easily identify nits or adult lice by closely examining them with a microscope. Chewing lice are identified by their large mouthparts, which they use for chewing or grasping fur. Sucking lice don’t have large mouth parts, but they have slightly developed claws.
How Long Does Canine Lice Live?
Lice can live out their entire life cycle on a single animal. Adult female lice lay eggs throughout their life, and nymphs hatch from those eggs continuously. The nymphs keep molting until they become adults. The whole cycle usually takes up to 2 to 4 weeks. Adults live for roughly 30 days. During this period, your canine pet goes through severe discomfort and possible blood loss. The lice multiply quickly and may spread to other dogs in the house if you have more than one.
How are Canine Lice Treated?
A variety of treatment options are available for treating canine lice infestations. One easy DIY process is to shampoo the canine consistently for six weeks. Each time, you should back up the bath with a nit comb. Most flea shampoos are formulated with pyrethroids or organophosphates, which can help eliminate lice. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter so it can be fully effective. People also use insecticides to treat lice infestations. However, since they often can’t penetrate through to the interior of the louse egg to kill the larva, they’re not always effective. Topical insecticide treatments that are applied monthly and prescribed by the veterinary doctor are some of the easiest and most effective solutions. If the fur is badly matted, shaving it all off might be necessary. You might also want to wash off all beddings and clean thoroughly all the places the pet spends all of its time. Disinfect and steam clean all grooming tools and anything else the canine must have come in contact with, like furniture, flooring, rugs, and carpeting. A 4-week quarantine during treatment is also necessary. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed and possibly replaced. Canines definitely recover when treatments are consistent. If you have more than one canine pet at home, it is recommended to treat all of them at once, even if only one seems infected, due to the highly transmittable nature of lice.
Final Thoughts
A lice infestation can get extremely irritating, causing the host dog to become agitated and itchy. As a dog owner, understanding how to identify lice is just one of the many things you need to know in a bid to take care of them and ensure that they enjoy a happy and optimal life living with you in your home.
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