How to deal with lice on dogs

During the process of raising a dog, if you find that the dog scratches and bites its body frequently, and after parting the fur, you see black or white dots the size of sesame seeds that move quickly, it is very likely that lice are causing the trouble. As a common external parasite, lice not only make the dog feel uncomfortable but may also spread diseases and affect the dog's health. When you find that there are lice on the dog, timely and scientific treatment is crucial. This can not only help the dog get rid of the trouble of parasites but also effectively prevent the spread of parasites in the home environment.

To effectively deal with the lice on the dog, it is first necessary to understand the living habits of lice. Lice spend their entire lives on the surface of the dog's body. They feed on the dog's blood, and the female lice will lay eggs rapidly after sucking blood. The eggs adhere firmly to the roots of the dog's hair, and generally, the larvae will hatch after 5 - 10 days. Lice reproduce extremely quickly. A female louse can lay 4 - 8 eggs per day. If not dealt with in a timely manner, a large number of lice will appear on the dog in a short time, resulting in a severe parasitic infection. Moreover, the bites of lice will cause the dog's skin to itch and become red and swollen. The dog may break the skin due to scratching, which may lead to a bacterial infection, causing symptoms such as hair loss and increased dandruff. In severe cases, it may even lead to anemia, affecting the dog's growth, development, and physical health.

After confirming that there are lice on the dog, the first step is to use an insect repellent. There are a wide variety of insect repellents on the market, mainly divided into two categories: topical drops and oral medications. Topical drops are a commonly used method of expelling parasites. For example, drops containing imidacloprid and fipronil components. When using them, part the hair on the dog's neck and back, and directly drop the medicine on the skin. This is because these areas are difficult for the dog to lick, ensuring the effectiveness of the medicine. The medicine will be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. When the lice suck the dog's blood, they will ingest the medicine, thus achieving the effect of killing the lice. Generally speaking, the efficacy of topical drops can last for about 30 days, effectively preventing the lice from parasitizing again. Oral medications are suitable for more severe cases of lice infection. Oral anti-parasitic medications containing components such as milbemycin oxime and moxidectin can paralyze and kill the lice by inhibiting their nervous system. However, oral medications may have certain side effects. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian before use and determine the appropriate dosage according to the dog's weight, age, and health condition.

In addition to using insect repellents, bathing the dog is also an important part of dealing with lice. Choose a pet-specific shampoo containing pyrethrin, which can paralyze the nerves of the lice and make them fall off the dog. When bathing, first wet the dog's entire body hair with warm water, then apply the shampoo to the dog's body and rub it gently. Especially in areas where lice are likely to gather, such as the neck, ears, and abdomen, massage thoroughly for 5 - 10 minutes to let the shampoo work. Then rinse it thoroughly with a large amount of clean water to ensure that there is no residue of the shampoo. It should be noted that the frequency of bathing should not be too high. Frequent bathing will disrupt the oil balance of the dog's skin, which is not conducive to skin health. Generally, 2 - 3 times a month is sufficient. After bathing, dry the dog with a clean towel to prevent the dog from catching a cold. You can also use a hair dryer to dry the hair, but pay attention to the appropriate temperature to prevent scalding the dog.

In addition to dealing with the dog itself, the cleaning of the living environment should not be ignored. The eggs and larvae of lice may fall into various corners of the home, such as the dog's kennel, carpet, and sofa. First, thoroughly clean the dog's kennel. Soak items such as the dog's kennel mat and bedding in hot water at a high temperature, as high temperature can effectively kill the lice and their eggs. For dog kennels that cannot be washed with water, expose them to the sun for 2 - 3 days. Ultraviolet rays also have a good insecticidal effect. Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean furniture such as carpets and sofas at home, focusing on cleaning areas such as gaps and corners where lice are likely to hide. In addition, you can use an environmental insecticide containing permethrin and spray the indoor environment according to the instructions. However, note that after spraying, let the dog leave the environment temporarily and let the dog enter again after the medicine has fully evaporated to prevent the dog from being poisoned by contact with the medicine.

During the process of dealing with the problem of lice on the dog, also pay attention to observing the dog's physical condition. If the dog shows symptoms such as red and swollen skin, increased itching, severe hair loss, or conditions such as loss of appetite and listlessness, it may be that the bites of the lice have caused a skin infection or other complications. In this case, take the dog to the pet hospital for treatment in a timely manner. The veterinarian will diagnose and treat the dog according to its specific situation. Some antibiotic ointments or oral medications may be prescribed to help the dog relieve the symptoms and promote the recovery of the skin.

Preventing the dog from being infected with lice is equally important. Regularly conduct external deworming for the dog. Even if the dog does not show symptoms of lice infection, use a topical insect repellent once a month, especially in the summer and autumn when lice are active. Avoid letting the dog come into contact with stray animals, as stray animals carry a large number of parasites and are an important source of lice transmission. At the same time, maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the dog's living environment. Regularly wash items such as the dog's kennel and toys, and often clean and disinfect the indoor environment to reduce the chance of lice breeding.

When you find that there are lice on the dog, by scientifically using insect repellents, bathing the dog correctly, thoroughly cleaning the living environment, and taking preventive measures, you can effectively solve the problem of lice, help the dog get rid of the trouble of parasites, and keep it healthy and energetic. In this process, the owner's carefulness and patience are the key. Only by continuous attention and care can the dog be kept away from the harm of lice.