Get Rid of Lice on Dogs

Dogs are man's best friends. They love to play all the time and are the most loyal pets. Having a dog is not always easy. Feeding and taking good care of them is a must to make sure that they are clean and healthy.

But what would you do if you found out that your pooch had lice? It's tricky to deal with these scavengers and your dog will also have a difficult time. Scratching is the only way your dog has to cope, he's going to depend on you. First let's figure out what lice are and how our dogs get them.

Lice are wingless parasites that feed on skin and suck the blood. Lice can be found on both humans and animals. If you use a microscope to examine a louse, you'll see a tiny little bug or insect with large jaws and a very wide head. They lay eggs are called nits. Nits hatch every two to three weeks. A louse's color may vary from white to dark brown, but if it's feeding on blood, it becomes darker. Unlike fleas, lice don't jump.

The lice that lives on humans scalps, is different from Canine Lice. Dogs will not get lice from humans, and humans will not get lice from their dogs. Other animals in your house, such as cats, will not be susceptible to Canine Lice - it's lice that's just gone to the dogs. Any breed of dog can end up having lice, regardless of his age and cleanliness. Among all the parasites dogs can contract, Canine Lice is the easiest to treat. There are two types of Canine Lice:

1. 1
   Sucking (Linognathus Piliferus Setosus)

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   These lice feed on blood and are more itchy and irritating.

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2. 2
   Biting or Chewing (Mallophaga)

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   These lice feed on the skin flakes and skin.

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Are Canine Lice Harmful to Your Dogs?

Canine lice are irritating and annoying parasites. Lice bites are itchy and your pets react with vigorous licking, scratching and even biting. This can produce hair loss, skin thickening or skin inflammation. But they are less harmful than fleas, and much easier to treat.

Symptoms of Canine Lice

You'll know your dog has lice when you notice these signs:

1. 1
   Visible nits or eggs

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   Nits can be seen easily on your dogs. They are brown and sticky and tend to cling to the hair shaft.

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2. 2
   Little lumps on the skin

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   These are caused by the bites of the parasites.

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3. 3
   Visible lice

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   The lice are easiest to see on the neck, ears and shoulders.

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4. 4
   Scratching

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   You'll notice your dog scratching more than usual. IF it's not fleas, it might be a sign of lice.

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5. 5
   Licking

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   If you notice your dog licking himself more than usual, this too could be a sign of lice.

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Steps For Getting Rid of Canine Lice

1. 1
   Regularly bathe your dog

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2. 2
   Lice Shampoo

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   Use a specific shampoo formulated to kill canine lice, and to prevent lice from coming back.

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3. 3
   Visit a veterinarian

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   To know the status of your dog's health and grooming, visit your trusted vet.

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4. 4
   Use a pesticide treatment.

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5. 5
   Use a dog comb

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   This will remove the nits when the lice has been killed.

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6. 6
   Clean the bedding.

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7. 7
   Give you dog some vitamins.

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8. 8
   Remove some of the eggs left or attached to the hair follicles of your dog

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   This is the most difficult part. Be patient!

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Prevention of Dog Lice

Prevention is always better than cure. If possible, don't let your dogs experience these nasty irritating pests. Keep your dogs clean, healthy and well nourished. Lice are normally seen on weak and neglected animals. To prevent these parasites from coming back, make sure to always sanitize and clean your dog's area, such as beds, carpets, carriers, etc. If your dog is already infested with lice, it's recommended to clean his bed or nest. You should have the proper materials and equipment to be used for your pet care like a comb, brush, scissors, etc. You might try adding a drop or two of tea tree oil to your dog's shampoo. Lice don't like the smell.

How to get rid of dog lice? I'm allergic to lice bites.

I don't have a dog at home, but my aunt bought a table with dog lice hiding under the table. I'm allergic to dog lice bite. How do I get rid of lice? I have tried: Hot compress. I think it was caused by: Dog lice.

Lice can live from 24 hours to months without food. Therefore, do not wait until they die. Vacuum the area near and under the table. Wash the whole table and any textile or covers on it in hot water. Perform this operation daily. Anything that was near the table or came in touch with the table should be washed too. To get rid of the allergy symptoms, consult your doctor for the proper antihistamine. While it may be not always recommended, it is also possible to use a spray against lice on the table. Please read all of the instructions for the spray before using it.

How can you get lice off of dogs fast?

My dogs have had lice for a couple of months now, and we are trying to get rid of them. I have tried: Cleaning them and taking them to go shower at places. I think it was caused by: We keep them outside.

Try this. When you shampoo them in the shower, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo. Lice hate the smell.

My dog has lice and a pest which comes to my home as well.

My dog is a German Shepherd. It has a lot of lice and pests. I want a shampoo to get rid of this. I have tried: I tried powder and a soap, but they didn't get rid of it. I think it was caused by: It sleeps in mud - may be problem.

Try this. When you shampoo them in the shower, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo. Lice hate the smell.

How do I get rid of lice on 4 weeks old puppies (west highland)?

We have been to the vet and was advised to use Frontline spray but it doesn't seem to have solved the problem!

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