Having to deal with lice is something that parents and school staff are used to. If a child randomly contracts head lice, people may start to wonder if their pet is at risk. You may be wondering “Are dogs susceptible to the same type of lice as humans?”
LICE IS UNABLE TO BE SPREAD BETWEEN OTHER SPECIES
Dogs are completely safe from human lice as they are only exclusive to humans. Yes, there are multiple types of lice that are exclusive different species, and in this context, it’s dog lice. Human lice need to feed off of human blood and dog lice need the blood from dogs to survive. As such, if you have a child that comes home with lice, you won’t have to worry about your furry friend catching them.
HUMAN LICE
Although they’re not an immediate threat to your health, human lice are extremely contagious. It should also be noted that lice are not an indicator of poor hygiene. If you or your child have been diagnosed with head lice, you’ll have to go to a lice treatment center. Lice aren’t the only thing that you should be worried about. They lay about three to five eggs a day called nits. Not only do lice and nits nest in your hair and scalp, but they also get caught up in your sheets, blankets and even clothing.
A lice treatment center may give you a prescription or they’ll recommend an over-the-counter product.
LICE IN DOGS
Dogs will get lice from time to time, however, lice aren’t that common with pets. Pets that contract lice are those who live in unsanitary conditions. Other risk factors include poor health and poor nutrition. Dogs that are either young or elderly are more susceptible to having an infestation. There are two types of lice that can affect your beloved pooch: trichodectes canis and linognathus setosus. These lice are known for sucking the blood out of the animal and chewing on their skin.
Dog lice can also cause irritation, which makes your pet scratch. In addition, these lice can transmit diseases and tapeworms if they’re left untreated. If you notice that your furry friend has lice, you’ll have to take them to a veterinarian for lice removal. As for you or your children, you’ll need to go to a professional head lice clinic.
Are you or your child suffering from lice? Lice Lifters is here to help. Call us at 484-368-3383 to schedule an appointment or to learn more information today!
