Can Head Lice Transfer to Dogs?
WouterWhile many people worry about the possibility of head lice transferring to dogs, there is a good chance your dog will never catch them. It doesn’t matter if your children rub their heads on the dog’s head, or if you personally have head lice. It is a good idea to protect your dog from a lice infestation by keeping them away from your head.
Dogs can also get head lice, but it is rare to see them. Dogs cannot get human head lice, and lice that fall to your dog cannot survive on other surfaces. While human head lice can fall onto your dog, they can only survive on a human head for up to 24 hours. Luckily, it is very easy to treat head lice in dogs, and the treatment isn’t difficult.
While you can treat head lice, it is time-consuming, and may mean a few missed days of work or school. You may feel the same way about your dog if you discover that it has lice, too. The intense itching can drive you crazy! However, there are several things that can be done to keep your dog lice-free. The first step is to visit your vet and get it checked. The vet can prescribe treatment for the condition and can help prevent future infestations.
If the infestation is severe, your dog’s skin may become irritated and scratch wounds. Medicated shampoos and sprays can be used to treat lice in dogs. You should also clean bedding and other surfaces that your dog has contact with.
