Lice do bite the dog and suck blood, so heavy infestations can also cause anemia.
Dogs can be infected by one of two kinds of lice, the common biting louse (Trichodectes canis) or the sucking louse (Linognathus setosus), which is less common. Treatment for both types is the same.
These parasites are slow moving, so examination with a nit comb of the dog’s coat will usually show up either the lice themselves or nits glued to the hair shafts, if your dog is actually infected.
Lice and nit combs are best used as an aid to getting rid of lice, rather than a solo strategy. You need to be 100% certain you have combed the entire dog and gotten into all the nooks and crannies. It’s very important to focus a lot of your attention on the armpits, groin, and ears. Lice also cling onto hair pretty tightly, so it’s possible to comb the entire dog and not remove all the lice. Repeated daily combing is necessary for several weeks (around 4 - 6 weeks) in order to catch and remove nymphs as they hatch out from eggs. Kill the lice you have removed by immersing them in boiling water for a few minutes.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. This is especially important with regard to how long the product needs to stay in contact with the skin before being thoroughly rinsed off. Not sticking to the recommended contact time can lead to lack of effectiveness. [3] X Research source
However, be aware that while most of these products have directions for monthly application when treating lice application every two weeks is advisable. This is because there is a drop-off in effectiveness after 2 weeks. Since no product can penetrate the tough louse egg, it is essential to keep the persistent level of active drug high enough to kill off the hatching nymph. [5] X Research source
Take special care to disinfect grooming utensils. These provide the perfect way for lice to spread between pets. Disinfect brushes and combs after use on one dog, by immersing them in boiling water and leaving for 10 minutes. [8] X Research source
Alternatively, use an insecticidal environmental spray product such as Nuvan Staykill, Acclaim, or RIP Fleas, which are designed to kill fleas, larvae, and eggs. The advantage of these sprays is that they have a persistent action of several months, so the hatching eggs are killed with just one treatment. The disadvantage is that they are strong chemical products and not suitable for use in rooms where there are birds, reptiles, or fish, as they are toxic to these species and will cause death. [12] X Research source Field Study on the insecticidal efficacy of Advantage against natural infestations of dogs with lice. Hanssen. Parasitol. Res. 85 (4)
Prevent future outbreaks by keeping a clean, sanitary home. Make sure the dog is kept in clean living conditions and is not overcrowded with other dogs. Lice thrive in dirty conditions with lots of dogs all kept in close confines, as they can then transfer between hosts easily. [13] X Research source Field Study on the insecticidal efficacy of Advantage against natural infestations of dogs with lice. Hanssen. Parasitol. Res. 85 (4)
