How to Prevent Dog Lice

Easy
10 - 30 Minutes
2 Weeks

Introduction

Dealing with lice on your dog can be infuriating and also dangerous for your dog. An infestation of lice can cause your dog's skin to become dry and itchy and possibly even infected. Lice are tiny bugs that feed on your dog's blood and burrow deep into the skin for a safe haven and reproduction. A case of Lice is not as common on dogs as fleas and ticks, but lice can cause quite the destruction. If your dog has lice, he will be itching and scratching and have areas of dry, rough coat. You may even see bald spots or hair loss, and some dogs with serious infestations can potentially become anemic. Lice are highly contagious, moving from one infested dog to another and quickly multiplying. If your dog is infested, you can also bet your dog's bedding and toys and potentially even your carpets or furniture around your home are also infested.

Dog's Perspective

If your dog has lice, he's probably already quite uncomfortable. If you're noticing the signs of lice, it may be because it's grown so bad that it's affecting his skin condition or his coat. If he is itching and scratching more than normal, he's pretty miserable. Though he will appreciate a good grooming and preventing any future lice from attacking, your dog may be apprehensive about bathing or even brushing. His skin may be dry and sore. Take caution and be gentle and loving.

The Regular Grooming Method

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Shampoo
Pin Brush
Flea Comb
Comb
Towel
Step
1
Routine baths
All dogs need regular routine baths. For some dogs this maybe once a month, but for others it maybe once a week. Setting a good bath routine truly depends on how active your dog is outside, how much he is around other animals, and what his environment is like. If your dog is fluffy or has skin conditions, he may need more or even fewer baths.
Step
2
Brush and comb
Even if you're not giving your dog a bath on a weekly basis, you should be brushing his fur often. Using a fine-tooth comb on areas around your dog's face or thinner areas of fur will help you to see any issues with your dog's skin. Even if your dog has big fluffy fur, a fine-tooth comb can help get you to the skin so you can make a visual inspections on how your dog is doing.
Step
3
Keep away
The best way to keep lice off your dog is to stay away from any dogs who are infested, as well as any areas that may have infestation. This could mean if your Doggy Daycare has an infestation, your dog doesn’t visit until the entire facility is cleaned so it's not passed to your dog. It could also mean not socializing with your neighbors’ pets or staying away from areas which may have infestation.
Step
4
Flea combs
And good flea comb or a fine-tooth comb is a great tool to use to search your dog's skin and fur for lice. If you happen to find any on your dog's skin, they are also easily scooped up with a fine-tooth comb.
Step
5
Shampoos
If you suspect your dog is around other animals or in areas that may have a lice infestation, be sure you are using a high quality shampoo while grooming your dog. A good shampoo with a thick lather can keep a clean environment for your dog.
Step
6
Treatments
Though veterinarian-approved flea and tick control do not get rid of lice, they have been known to create an environment on your dog's skin that lice are not attracted to. You can also talk to your veterinarian about an insecticide shampoo for your dog should you suspect he has lice.

The Environment Method

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Spray
Shampoo
Pin Brush
Flea Comb
Towel
Step
1
Play places
Be sure your dog frequents clean places to play. Playing outside in an area that is obviously ridden with mice or rats, such as a dump, is a prime opportunity for your dog to end up with a lice infestation.
Step
2
Groomer
If your dog is professionally groomed, be sure your groomer is keeping the equipment clean and well-maintained. If your groomer happens to groom another dog who has lice and does not properly clean the equipment after that grooming session, the next dog after can potentially contract lice as well.
Step
3
Dog friends
Know who your dog plays with and keep him away from stray dogs or dogs who hang out in unhealthy or unsanitary environments.
Step
4
Bedding and toys
Keep your dog's bedding and toys well-maintained. If you suspect your dog has lice or you know about old lice, be sure to wash the bedding in a hot water cycle or replace it altogether. Stuffed toys can also provide a safe haven for lice temporarily until they find your dog.
Step
5
Grooming
If you suspect your dog has lice, be sure to have him groomed with an shampoo specifically made to kill lice. And leave the shampoo on for several minutes before rinsing. Brush your dog frequently with a brush and fine tooth comb to get close to his skin to search for lice.

Caution & Considerations

  • Lice that dogs get are different from lice people get. If your dog does end up with lice, they will not transfer to your skin.
  • Lice can live for short periods of time in fabrics. So if your dog has lice, be sure to wash all of his bedding thoroughly, along with any carpets or furniture in areas your dog may frequent.
  • A high-quality diet will help your dog maintain healthy skin and an increased immune system.
  • A flea comb or a fine-tooth comb is the best tool to use to find lice in your dog’s fur and comb them out.
  • Combing your dog will help get rid of adult lice. A fine tooth comb will not pull up nits or eggs.
  • Lice are not typically something healthy, well-groomed dogs get.
  • Keep your dog on a regular a grooming schedule and offer a healthy diet with high-quality foods to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and free of lice.

Conclusion

Keep your dog lice-free by creating a healthy environment for him. Usually, only dogs who lead a ruff life tend to find themselves with something as bad as lice. If you see dry bald patches on your dog's skin,  you might find yourself in the doghouse for not properly grooming your pup.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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