Insecticide For Dog Lice

Lice on dogs is a major pest to the dog population. Lice on dogs can be detrimental to the health of your canine companion. They can cause infections, distress, and inflammation to the skin. In this article you’ll discover why topical application insecticide for dog lice is an option, as well as learn about the proper procedure for application that will ensure positive results for your dog.

Insecticide For Dog Lice

Lice have limited mobility; they can crawl, but are unable to jump, hop, or fly. Also, adult lice die in a few days if they fall off the host. Transmission is usually through direct contact with another infested animal, although they can also be passed on from contaminated bedding, dog collars, or grooming tools. Lice may be a threat wherever dogs congregate, such as dog daycare centers, dog shows, boarding kennels, and parks.

There are three stages to the louse life cycle:

• egg
• nymph
• adult

The cycle starts when the female lays tiny yellow or white eggs at the base of the hair shaft. These eggs are glued to the hair and won’t fall off when the dog is shampooed.

It takes about one week for the eggs to hatch, releasing the immature lice, known as nymphs, which are no larger than the head of a pin. After about one week, they enter the adult phase, starting the cycle all over again. The Merck Veterinary Manual says it takes about 3-to-4 weeks for most lice to go from nit to reproductively capable adult.

How Do You Get Rid Of Dog Lice?

Monthly flea and tick preventives have made lice infestations rare among well-cared for pet dogs. Today, lice are found mostly on animals that are old, sick, stray, or feral.

To start, treatment in severe infestations involves clipping matted hair off the dog because lice and eggs will likely be attached to that hair and hard to dislodge. You can also use flea combs to remove live and dead lice on the rest of the coat. (After you use it, be sure to immerse the comb for at least 10 minutes in water mixed with a flea shampoo or other insecticide.) However, a flea comb won’t kill the eggs that are on the dog or prevent them from hatching.

Many insecticides are effective treatments for lice in dogs. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), Fipronil, imidacloprid, and selamectin are all effective. Topical permethrin can be used on dogs with good effect.

Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer, warns that it is important to be careful about using some of these products if you own cats as well as dogs, because they are toxic to cats. “And always ask your veterinarian about what products are safe to use on your dog based on his health, breed, and age,” he says.

Insecticide treatments given topically or in shampoos will kill nymphs and adults, but will not eradicate the eggs, so any treatment will have to be repeated at regular intervals for one month or more. All dogs in the household should be treated. Be sure to keep an infested dog and his bedding away from other animals for at least four weeks after treatment.

Make sure you wash all bedding, dog sweaters, leashes, and collars in hot water and thoroughly clean all areas where the dogs spend time to prevent a reinfestation. Some veterinarians recommend replacing your grooming tools because it can be difficult to remove the sticky eggs from combs and brushes.

Lice generally attack dogs who are in poor health or who live in unsanitary areas. Improving the dog’s condition through better nutrition, grooming, and housing, will go a long way toward preventing future louse infestations.

Insecticide For Dog Lice

Dog lice are a common problem in dogs. They are a different species of insect than human lice, but they can still be transferred between people and dogs. The most common way to contract dog lice is by direct contact with an infested animal or by sharing items that have come into contact with one.

Lice are not typically harmful to dogs, but they can cause skin irritation and discomfort. They are also contagious to other animals and humans, so it’s important to treat them as soon as possible if you notice any signs of infestation on your pet.

List Of Insecticide For Dog Lice