Can Head Lice Get on Dogs?
WouterYou might be wondering, “Can head lice get on dogs?” The answer is yes, but not to worry; the risk is very small. Your dog may have had contact with an infested human, but it isn’t likely to be infested. Instead, the dog may have come into contact with an infested person’s hair or face, which is where lice are spread.
The most common symptom of lice infestation is extreme itchiness, and in severe cases, itching may lead to blood loss. Lice are small insects that live on the scalp and may cause bleeding and fur loss if left untreated. It is also important to recognize the presence of lice, as they are light in color and slow-moving in comparison to fleas or ticks. They can also leave behind white flakes, which are unhatched lice eggs.
Fortunately, there are several natural ways to get rid of head lice on dogs. One method is to use diatomaceous earth on the head of your dog. This white powder is silky to humans, but extremely sharp for tiny, two-millimeter bugs. The diatomaceous earth prevents lice from retaining moisture, and they dehydrate and die.
Although the risks of acquiring head lice from humans and dogs are minimal, it is still worth knowing if your family pet is at risk for getting lice. Pets that play with children are also at risk, but they won’t live long enough to spread the infestation to other humans. If you suspect your dog has head lice, you should treat your dog immediately and take all necessary precautions to protect your family pet.
