How to treat lice in dogs? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved lice product—topical spot‑on, oral tablet, or medicated shampoo—following the labeled dosage and instructions. Thoroughly clean bedding, grooming tools, and the environment with an appropriate insecticidal wash to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat lice in dogs? - in detail
Lice infestations in canines present as itching, hair loss, and visible insects or nits on the skin. Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the coat and skin scrapings examined under magnification.
Effective control combines direct treatment of the animal with environmental sanitation. Primary therapeutic options include:
- Topical insecticidal preparations: Permethrin‑based sprays or spot‑on formulations applied to the dorsal midline, avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes. Follow manufacturer‑specified dosage, typically 0.5 ml per kilogram of body weight, and repeat after 7–10 days to interrupt the life cycle.
- Medicated shampoos: Products containing pyrethrins, linalool, or neem oil. Wet the coat thoroughly, lather, leave for the recommended contact time (usually 5–10 minutes), then rinse. Use weekly for three consecutive washes.
- Systemic oral agents: Ivermectin or milbemycin oxime administered at 0.2 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg respectively, as single doses or on a weekly schedule. Prescription required; contraindicated in certain breeds (e.g., Collies) due to MDR1 gene sensitivity.
- Prescription‑strength spot‑on treatments: Selamectin or moxidectin formulations applied once monthly, providing broader ectoparasite coverage and reducing re‑infestation risk.
Environmental measures are essential for lasting eradication:
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and grooming tools in hot water (>60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle interiors; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Treat the household environment with a residual insecticide spray labeled for lice, focusing on pet resting areas and cracks where nits may accumulate.
Monitoring after treatment involves weekly examinations for residual lice or nits. Persistent signs after two treatment cycles warrant veterinary reassessment for possible secondary skin infection or resistant parasite strains.