Lice

Lice can either be sucking lice or biting lice.  Either one have powerful claws that allow them to cling strongly to the hair shaft of your pet.  They are a light brown color and round with 6 legs.  They move straight from dog to dog with direct contact.  Lice cannot jump like fleas and they are more species specific.

 

Unlike fleas, lice live out their entire life cycle on the animal.  The adult lice lay eggs (the eggs are white in color), gluing them tightly to the hair shafts.  The eggs then hatch and the nymphs grow into adults and start the cycle all over again.  This entire process takes 2-4 weeks.

Lice causes the animal discomfort and the animal will bite and scratch causing red, sore skin.  Dog lice generally do not infest humans.

Lice control 

1. Talk to your vet about the best treatment.  Spot treatments like Revolution or Advantage work and repeated monthly treatments are required to kill them as they hatch.
2. Hot water wash everything the dog comes in contact with.  Always follow through with all the treatments your vet suggests and keep the animal away from others.
3. After everything is clean you can premise spray using a product from your vet or pet store.  Take caution to follow all instructions on the bottle because it may not be safe around cats or children.  Contacting your vet is a must to make sure it is safe to use these products in your household.
4. You can choose to use lice shampoos and bath your dog in them approximately every week for at least three weeks but you need to take care that everything gets cleaned and sprayed every time as well.  This shampoo can be very harsh on your dog’s skin so speaking with your vet will ensure that it is safe for your dog.
5. If your dog is in heavy contact with other dogs such as daycare, off-leash parks or kennels, ask your vet if the monthly spot treatments would help to prevent lice.