What are lice on dogs called? - briefly
Canine chewing lice, scientifically named Trichodectes canis, are the lice that infest dogs. They are also commonly referred to as dog lice.
What are lice on dogs called? - in detail
Canine lice are commonly referred to as dog lice, belonging to two distinct species. The chewing louse, Trichodectes canis, feeds on skin debris and hair shafts. The sucking louse, Linognathus setosus, extracts blood from the host’s skin.
Key characteristics of each species:
- Morphology: Both are small, wing‑less insects measuring 1–2 mm. The chewing louse has a flattened body adapted for moving through fur, while the sucking louse possesses a pointed mouthpart for piercing skin.
- Life cycle: Eggs (nits) are attached to hair shafts. Incubation lasts 4–7 days, after which nymphs emerge and undergo three molts before reaching adulthood. The entire cycle completes in 2–3 weeks under optimal conditions.
- Clinical signs: Infestation may cause itching, hair loss, crusty lesions, and a “ruffled” coat appearance. The chewing louse typically produces visible dandruff and hair breakage; the sucking louse often leads to anemia and secondary skin infections.
- Diagnosis: Direct microscopic examination of hair plucks or skin scrapings reveals characteristic lice bodies and eggs. Light microscopy confirms species identification by examining the shape of the head and antennae.
- Treatment: Effective options include topical insecticides (e.g., pyrethrin‑based shampoos), systemic oral products (e.g., selamectin), and environmental decontamination. Re‑treatment after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched lice that survived the initial dose.
- Prevention: Regular grooming, routine use of preventive ectoparasitic medication, and sanitation of bedding and living areas reduce recurrence risk.
Understanding these details enables accurate identification and effective management of lice infestations in dogs.