How to Treat Dog Lice
Dog lice are different from human lice. Dog lice are not transferable to people or other animals, and they are generally much easier to treat than other types of lice. Infestation with dog lice is rare in the United States, but it does occur. Malnourished dogs and those who live in unclean environments are most likely to develop an infestation, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Because dog lice can cause severe skin irritation and illness, it is important to treat dog lice promptly.
Instructions
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Bathe your dog with a pyrethrin shampoo every seven days to treat a dog lice infestation. Use a pyrethrin powder or spray once your dog has fully dried from bathing.
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2
Ask your veterinarian for a preventative medication to treat dog lice. Treatments, such as Advantage, Frontline and Revolution, prevent new infestations from occurring and treat existing infestations.
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Use caution when treating pregnant dogs, puppies younger than six weeks of age, and immuno-compromised dogs. Consult your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter or chemical products on these groups.
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Wash your dog's bedding and toys in hot, soapy water, and dry fabrics on high heat. When possible, discard any bedding that your dog has used during an infestation to prevent the dog lice from returning. A bleach solution can be used to clean hard toys.
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Sterilize all grooming tools, such as combs and brushes, by boiling them for several minutes. Items that cannot tolerate boiling should be thrown away.
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Treat every dog in your home, as well as those dogs your pet may have come into contact with during the infestation. Lice spread easily from dog to dog, and leaving one animal untreated will result in rapid spreading of the infestation.
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Tips & Warnings
Antihistamine medication can be given to your dog to relieve the itching caused by dog lice.
