Does My Dog Have Lice?

One of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and happy is to keep them well groomed. Delousing is an important part of this process, but it’s also important that you do it the right way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could cause a dangerous infection or worse: death! Luckily, the process is quick and easy! Read on as the vet talks about how to delouse your dog.

What Are Lice?

Dog lice are small parasites that live on the skin and feed on the blood of dogs. The most common louse found on dogs is Ornithonyssus bursa, also known as dog or kennel lice.

They are closely related to lice in humans, and like human lice, they can be found on any type of dog. Dog lice are also known as blood-sucking lice because they attach to the hair shafts with their sharp mouths and feed on the blood of their hosts. The rashes and bumps that appear around the places where the lice attach themselves are called millet dermatitis (meaning “small crushed areas”).

Signs Your Dog Has Lice

• Scratching or scratching skin and hair
• Red, irritated skin, especially around the ears and face
• Dry, rough and flaky skin
• Lots of dandruff and flaky skin

In addition, lice can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or by sharing bedding or clothing with infected animals. Delouse your dog to avoid infecting your family.

How to Delouse Your Dog

• Here’s how to safely get rid of dog lice at home:
• First, you’ll need to gather supplies:
• Shampoo (preferably one for head lice)
• A fine-tooth comb or brush
• Towel or hand dryer (optional)

Now that you have all your supplies, it’s time to get started. Follow these simple steps:

1. Wet your dog’s coat with warm water. This will help loosen the lice and make them easier to remove.

2. Apply the shampoo all over the dog’s body and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will kill any live lice on your dog’s coat.

3. Using a comb or brush with fine teeth, gently brush the dog’s coat until all dead lice are removed from the coat. Make sure you don’t pull too hard or tug at tangles in the fur; instead, gently thread the brush through each knot until they loosen (and if necessary, use a towel or hand dryer to help loosen the knots).

And don’t hesitate to call us, your local vet in San Jose, Jacksonville, FL, if you have any questions or concerns!