Lice are small, wingless insects that occasionally infest our pets. Lice are very host-specific, as dog and cat lice do not infest people.
The 2 main types of lice are the biting louse and the sucking louse.
Biting lice are very irritating to dogs and cats. They do not actually penetrate the skin, but rather feed on dead skin, body secretions and hair.
Sucking lice penetrate the skin and feed continually on the pet’s blood, causing great discomfort. If the infestation is heavy, the considerable blood loss may produce anemia. Cats are not affected by sucking lice.
Life Cycle
The female louse lays eggs and attaches them to your pet’s hair with a sticky substance. These attached eggs, called nits, can be seen without magnification. In 7-10 days, the eggs hatch, and a miniature louse (nymph)emerges. In about 3 weeks, the nymph matures and begins to lay eggs. The entire cycle occurs on the infested animal, and requires about 1 month.
Important Points in Treatment
Treatment will be tailored to your individual pet’s needs but the following are general guidelines:
Clipping the coat often facilitates removal of the nits and makes treatment easier.
Combs and brushes should be kept clean.
Other household pets should also be checked for lice.
