The short version
Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. There are 2 basic types of lice. Biting or chewing lice (order Mallophaga) infest both birds and mammals. They feed mostly on skin debris and the secretions of their hosts. Blood-sucking lice (order Anoplura) are skin parasites of mammals only. Typically, lice are species specific; that is, they do not readily transfer from one animal species to another.
Biting or chewing louse (order Mallophaga) and blood-sucking louse (order Anoplura)
Female lice glue their eggs, called nits, to the hairs of the host near the skin. Ordinary shampooing and washing will not dislodge the nits. Nits are pale, translucent, and almost oval in shape. Once the nits hatch, the lice undergo nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. The immature nymphs look very much like adult lice, only smaller. It takes about 3 to 4 weeks for most lice to go from nit to reproductively capable adult, although this period varies with the species.
Dogs can be infested with 3 species of lice, Linognathus setosus (a bloodsucking louse), Trichodectes canis (a biting louse), and Heterodoxus spiniger (a biting louse that feeds on blood). Dogs in poor health can become heavily infested. Heterodoxus spiniger is rare in North America. Trichodectes canis can serve as an intermediate host for intestinal tapeworms.
The first signs that your dog may have lice include scratching, biting, and rubbing of infested areas. A dog with lice often has a rough, dry coat. If the lice are abundant, the hair might also be matted. Sucking lice cause small wounds that can become infected. Usually, the diagnosis is made by seeing lice or eggs on the infested pet. Parting the hair often reveals the lice. Chewing lice are active and can be seen moving through the hair. Sucking lice usually move more slowly. They are often found with their mouth-parts embedded in the skin.
Frequently asked questions
Lice dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. There are 2 basic types of lice. Biting or chewing lice (… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Lice dog treatment?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. There are 2 basic types of lice. Biting or chewing lice (… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Lice dog shampoo?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. There are 2 basic types of lice. Biting or chewing lice (… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.