How do lice look on a Yorkie? - briefly
Lice on a Yorkie appear as tiny, translucent‑white or tan insects that move quickly across the skin and fur, often seen as specks the size of pinheads. Their eggs, called nits, cling to the hair shafts as flat, oval shells that resemble small, white dots.
How do lice look on a Yorkie? - in detail
Lice infestation on a Yorkshire Terrier produces recognizable visual cues. Adult parasites measure 1–2 mm, appear oval, and range from translucent white to light brown. Their bodies are flattened laterally, allowing them to cling tightly to individual hairs.
Common attachment sites include the base of the ears, the neck, the dorsal midline, and the tail fringe. In these areas the insects cluster, creating a mottled pattern of tiny moving specks against the fine coat.
Visible signs on the fur consist of several elements:
- Small, white‑to‑tan specks that move when the dog is brushed.
- Oval eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts, often seen as a string of beads near the skin.
- Slightly raised, pale spots where insects congregate, sometimes accompanied by a fine, powdery residue from shed exoskeletons.
Secondary indicators comprise persistent scratching, localized erythema, and mild scaling of the skin. Excessive grooming may leave hair shafts broken or uneven.
Inspection with a fine‑tooth comb under magnification clarifies the diagnosis: live lice appear as active, motile bodies; nits remain immobile but stay attached to the hair. Absence of these findings typically rules out lice and suggests alternative dermatoses.