Can Dogs Carry Head Lice?
WouterLice on dogs are very small. They look like tiny white specks on the hair. They are similar in appearance to pet dandruff, and they stick to the hair. Although the eggs are difficult to spot, the larval stage of the lice is easier to identify. When in the larval stage, lice can be found in clusters on the dog’s scalp or wrapped around the hair shaft.
Although lice cannot be transmitted from species to species, the dogs that have them are often in close contact with people with infested heads. Lice are most often transmitted through direct head-to-head contact, though contaminated dog collars and grooming tools are also sources. This means that lice on dogs can be a real threat wherever dogs congregate.
To treat your dog for lice, you can use a medical shampoo or a topical product that is prescribed by your veterinarian. The treatment will depend on your dog’s type of lice, but there are a number of products on the market that will kill lice eggs and their adults. If you suspect your dog has head lice, consult your veterinarian for a treatment plan.
While human head lice cannot be transferred to dogs, they can be picked up on household surfaces. The lice are unable to survive on surfaces other than human heads. They need the temperature of the human head to survive. Therefore, dog owners should be sure to clean their dogs thoroughly to get rid of the lice.
