Lice in Dogs: How to Detect, Eliminate, and Prevent Them

Lice in dogs are uncommon but very bothersome external parasites. Although they are often associated with neglected or stray animals, the truth is that any dog, even the best cared for, can become infested if the conditions are favorable. Understanding how these parasites act, what symptoms they cause, and how to eliminate them properly is key to protecting our pet's health and well-being.

In this article, we explain how to identify a lice infestation in your dog, which treatments are most effective, and what hygiene and prevention measures you should follow. Additionally, we recommend professional products from the Artero line that can help you keep your pet's coat clean, healthy, and free of parasites.

What are lice in dogs and how do they affect their health?

Canine lice are small, wingless insects that live on the dog's skin and feed on skin flakes, secretions, or blood, depending on their type. There are two main families:

  • Chewing lice (Trichodectes canis): feed on dead cells and skin secretions. They are the most common.
  • Sucking lice (Linognathus setosus): rarer, they feed on the animal's blood and can cause anemia in severe cases.

They do not transmit to humans, but they can spread between dogs through direct contact or through contaminated objects like combs, beds, or blankets.

A prolonged infestation not only causes discomfort to the animal but can also affect its immune system, damage the skin, and worsen other dermatological issues.

Common Symptoms of Lice in Dogs

Detecting lice early is crucial to avoid complications. These are the main warning signs:

  • Constant and intense scratching
  • Restlessness or changes in behavior
  • Localized hair loss, especially around the neck, ears, and base of the tail
  • Crusts, wounds, or areas with inflamed skin
  • Appearance of small white specks (nits) stuck to the hair, difficult to remove
  • Visible presence of adult lice, especially when parting the hair in areas with low density

A fine-toothed comb like the Artero Ginger mini can be very useful for examining the coat and detecting parasites manually.

Effective Treatments for Canine Lice

Baths with Anti-parasitic Shampoos

One of the most effective methods to eliminate lice is bathing with specific shampoos formulated with antiseptic or anti-parasitic ingredients. In this regard, the use of:

Artero Bye Bye : an antiseptic, antifungal, and antiparasitic shampoo, ideal for treating irritated skin, eczema, or parasite infestations. Formulated with tea tree oil, it deeply cleanses and soothes affected skin.

Usage Instructions: Apply to a wet coat, massage thoroughly to lather, leave on for 3 to 5 minutes, and rinse with plenty of water.

Brushing and Manual Removal of Nits

After the bath, it's essential to dry the coat thoroughly and brush with precision tools, such as:

These tools allow access to the hair root and gently remove the nits, avoiding breakage.

Repeating this process for several days in a row helps break the lice lifecycle.

Topical Products and Veterinary Consultation

Depending on the case, the veterinarian may recommend the use of:

  • Anti-parasitic pipettes (with fipronil or selamectin)
  • Insecticidal collars
  • Sprays with residual effect

Never combine treatments without professional advice, as you could cause irritations or adverse reactions.

Prevention of Lice in Dogs: Practical Tips

Prevention is always better than cure. Some simple measures to avoid future infestations include:

  • Regular hygiene: Bathe every 3-4 weeks, or more often if the dog has long hair or frequent contact with other animals.
  • Frequent brushing: Helps detect parasites before they multiply. Recommended tools: Juliet cardas or Nova butter brushes.
  • Maintenance between baths: If a bath is not possible, use a dry shampoo like Artero Speed, which eliminates dirt and odors without the need for water.
  • Avoid contact with infested dogs: Especially in parks or dog boarding facilities.
  • Wash their bed, blanket, and toys: With hot water and detergent every 1-2 weeks.

How to Differentiate Lice from Other Infestations

It is common to confuse lice with other parasites such as fleas or mites. Some key differences are:

Parasite Size Feeding Movement Identification
Lice 1-2 mm Skin or blood Slow / immobile Visible nits
Flea 2-3 mm Blood Quick jumps Difficult to catch
Mite Microscopic  Skin fluid Not visible to the naked eye  Veterinary diagnosis

 

If in doubt, it is best to consult your veterinarian, who can perform a skin scraping or hair analysis.

Artero Professional Recommendation for Maintaining a Healthy Coat

At Artero, we recommend maintaining a professional grooming routine that not only beautifies the coat but also strengthens its protective function against infestations. Some useful products include:

  • Bye Bye: for cases of compromised skin
  • Sniff: body deodorant to keep the coat fresh
  • Protein Vital or Flash: to condition and ease brushing, preventing tangles where parasites may hide
  • Dedales Dips Eyes and Dips Ears: reinforce overall hygiene, preventing vulnerable spots

A dog with healthy, clean, and well-maintained skin is less likely to suffer from parasitic infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lice in Dogs

Can humans catch lice from dogs?
No. Canine lice are species-specific and do not affect humans.
Can they be prevented just with hygiene?
Good hygiene significantly reduces the risk, but it does not eliminate it completely. Contact with infested dogs remains a risk.
How long does it take for an infestation to disappear?
It depends on the severity, but with proper treatment, it can be controlled within 1 to 2 weeks.
Should I disinfect the house if my dog had lice?
Yes. Washing textiles and disinfecting surfaces where the dog has been is essential to prevent reinfestations.
Do vinegar or home remedies work?
They are not recommended. It is better to use tested and safe products such as professional veterinary or Artero cosmetic products.