How to Kill Dog Lice

As much as body lice is a target for human skin -- pets, such as dogs -- are vulnerable to the parasite infestation. While measures can be taken to lessen the chance of a lice infestation, proper cleaning and grooming of your dog is sometimes not enough to safeguard him against dog lice. If you catch the infestation early, you can prevent lice eggs and further skin irritations and illnesses such as anemia.

Things You'll Need

  • Pyrethrin-based shampoo
  • Pyrethrin-based spray
  • Carpet flea powder
  • Pet hair shaver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Part your dog's fur to look for lice eggs or tiny insects. The lice are white in appearance and the eggs are white to light brown oval specs resembling a grain of sand. Make sure to check thoroughly the shoulders, ears, anus and neck; since these areas are most commonly associated with lice infestation.

    • 2

      Remove the hair covering the infested area. With a shaving tool, shave the hair down to the skin, leaving no room for the lice to inhabit and hide.

    • 3

      Soak your dog in a warm bath. Cover all areas of the dog with a pyrethrin-based shampoo. Wait approximately four to five minutes before rinsing the shampoo out. The pyrethrin shampoo is designed to kill existing lice, but not eggs.

    • 4

      Clean your dog's sleeping quarters. Use carpet flea powder or a pyrehrin-based spray on the areas where your pet sleeps. Remove the pet's bedding and wash them with hot water.

    • 5

      Repeat baths with pyrethrin shampoo weekly. Since the shampoo does not kill lice eggs, continue weekly bathing, until the remaining signs of infestation are gone.