However, even clean, nourished and well-groomed dogs can sometimes acquire these unwanted guests by wandering in filthy environments or through exposure to other infested dogs.
Dog lice belong to the same animal group as crabs and butterflies, but unlike these edible and beautiful creatures, they bring discomfort to our precious pets. Contradictory to common beliefs, dog lice cannot transfer to human host, as they are host specific and will not thrive in non-canine hosts.
They are wingless, flat, slow movers who can appear motionless on dog skin. There are two types, which are equally distressful to our pets. They are the biting lice, which feed on dead skin materials on the surface of the body, and the sucking lice that can be more irritating to dogs because of the continuous sucking of blood.
Symptoms of Dog Lice Infestation
Preventive measure should be made at the first sign of lice infestation. Removing them earlier prevents further discomfort. Excessive scratching is a telltale sign that dogs have acquired these parasites and the skin and hair on the area should be checked immediately.
Areas usually around the cheek, shoulders and ears are most vulnerable as they are softer skin. The hair should be checked for lice eggs cemented with an adhesive substance.
Bald spots and even open wounds can sometimes develop due to irritation and excessive scratching. These symptoms should be considered seriously, as they may lead to infections or more complications.
Getting Rid Of Dog Lice
A visit to the veterinarian should be helpful in choosing the best treatment for lice infestation. There are a lot of home remedies that can be applied however; they may not work in certain conditions.
There are a lot of insecticides in the market today, which are especially designed for dog lice. They come in the form of shampoo or soap that you can use to lather on your dogs. This should be used until all the lice are gone.
Depending on the formula, anti lice products should be applied with caution because just like other insecticides, they can be hazardous when improperly used. Bedding should also be replaced. Making sure that your dog is healthy and living in a clean environment is crucial to avoid future infestation.
No matter how pet owners care for their canine companions, parasites are always there ready to attack unfortunate hosts. As responsible owners, there is always this responsibility to maintain the health of pets.
Grooming and nutrition should always be considered seriously. Even the slightest infestation of lice in your dogs could ruin its well-being and can make them weak and inactive. While these lice are not transferred to humans, they can rob you of the rewarding experience of having a canine companion.
The simple task of keeping your pets healthy and well groomed, and making sure that the environment is clean can minimize the chances of contracting parasites.