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.
Dog lice - When it is time to see the
vet
Chances are that you have noticed lately
that your dog's new favorite hobby is scratching himself
in at least three places at once. When you part his coat
to examine what is causing the itch and excessive scratching,
you notice tiny white dust-like particles that are attached
to the hair shafts. What are these tiny particles and why
are they causing your dog to itch?
Your dog is suffering from lice infestation.
Dog lice are six legged parasites that feed either on your
dog's flesh or their blood, triggering intense itchy reactions.
The tiny white particles that are attached to his hair are
lice eggs or nits. Although dogs rarely get lice and it is
actually more common for people to get human lice, dog lice
is still out there and our dogs are not immune to them.
One tiny louse cannot kill your dog, but
once that tiny louse decides to invite all his louse friends
to live off of your dog, then your pet could literally be eaten
alive. If your dog is suffering from a severe case of lice,
he could lose about one quarter of his blood volume within
months, causing severe anemia or shock. |
