Fleas and Lice – Are Fleas and Lice the Same As Fleas?

While both fleas and lice are parasitic insects, they are not the same. Lice are small oval bugs that live on human and animal bodies. They do not move very far and live in one host for their entire lives. Lice live on the body and are spread by contact with contaminated hair.

Lice are endemic to humans and do not infect dogs. While a flea infestation can cause the same symptoms as lice, the two are completely different. Lice are parasitic insects that live on humans, while fleas are parasitic insects that live on pets. The difference between lice and fleas lies in the way they bite and live in the host.

To prevent infestations of fleas and lice, owners should wash their pet’s bedding, sweaters, and collars with hot water. It is also important to replace all grooming tools that come into contact with the dog, because sticky eggs can be difficult to remove. Insecticides can also be applied to floors, as well as sprayed into corners and cracks.

While lice can spread to other pets directly, fleas can be passed from pet to pet through close contact and contaminated environment. Although an infected pet can transfer lice to another pet, this does not happen as often as one may think. Because fleas can jump on any pet, it’s important to remember that fleas can infest even the best-cared-for pet. But young or neglected pets are more likely to contract fleas, so it is important to ensure your pet has the best care.