Q&A for How to Get Rid of Dog Lice

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Question

Do head lice jump like fleas?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No, lice can't jump. They are spread by direct contact between infected and clean hair. The lice can also be transferred on shared clothing.

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Question

How do you remove a tick from a dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A tick hook is the ideal tool, so it's worth having one at home in case the dog picks up a tick. Simply slide the hook between the tick and the skin, then twist and pull to whip the tick off the skin.

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Question

What causes dog lice?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Lice thrive in dirty environments and overcrowded conditions. Dogs become infected by direct contact with another dog, or if they come into contact with bedding or clothing contaminated with lice.

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Question

Can dog lice be transferred to humans?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The dog louse, Trichodetes canis and Lignoganthus, are species specific. This means their preferred host is dogs and they don't thrive on people. Humans sometimes get bitten in a case of mistaken identity, but are unlikely to pick up a full blown dog louse infestation.

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