Conflicting reports on lice -- help

[ziggy925]

Ruger has lice. I just took him to the groomers and acording to her I need to clean and vacuum everything in the house and the car, including any clothes and coats I've worn while I've held him.

Since my vet is right next door, I also went to talk to him. He says the life cycle of lice are on the dog -- period. While it certainly can't hurt to wash and vacuum, it's really not necessary and don't go crazy with the cleaning.

What say you guys? I have to pick up Ruger in awhile, and I've been cleaning like crazy before I get him, but my vet is telling me to mellow out.

BTW, when the groomer asked where he sleeps the answer is "EVERYWHERE."

[kjc]

Mellow out, your vet is right. I'd step up the vacuuming, maybe launder dog specific things but nothing else. Did the vet give you anything for the lice?

[ziggy925]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes, the vet gave me some Adams Flea and Tick Spray, and the groomer gave him a bath in something that kills lice. You could see the dead lice on the towel he was resting on when I picked him up. I'm supposed to use the spray in a week and then again in another week. Right now I'm washing "my" bedding since the little guy sleeps with me.

[Nancy1999]

One site I read said this:

Of all the parasites of cats and dogs, lice are the easiest to eliminate, and they pose no threat to you or your children. Treatment is relatively simple. The dog may be bathed with a pyrethrin shampoo, and after the dog is thoroughly dry, a pyrethrin spray or powder can be applied. This treatment will need to be repeated in 10-14 days since all of the nits will not be killed. Alternatively, permethrins are also effective against lice. Do NOT use permethrins on cats. Another option is fipronil (Frontline), which has been approved for the treatment and control of lice in dogs. It usually is not necessary to treat the environment, but flea and tick foggers may help, especially in severe cases. Keep all grooming utensils clean.

According to this site: Canine Lice

To prevent further lice infestation and make sure that all the lice eggs have been completely eliminated, it is a wise idea to wash and sanitize all bedding & dry on high heat. Or throw away all bedding that your dog has laid on during lice infestation and to disinfect the area where he sleeps. Wash the clothes you were wearing when you groomed and found the lice

They also said you should ask your vet about preventive treatments such as Frontline or K9 Advantix.

It is recommended that you put your dog on one of these preventive regimens if you are bringing your dog to a doggy-day care. There are some natural alternatives such as supplementing with garlic, but the stronger treatments, such as the K9 Advantix and Frontline, are best.

[kjc]

I'd be very careful... always watch for signs of toxicity in your pup while using any flea products... especially combinations. I would think something like Revolution would be safer....

[ziggy925]

Originally Posted by kjc

I'd be very careful... always watch for signs of toxicity in your pup while using any flea products... especially combinations. I would think something like Revolution would be safer....

Thanks for the heads up. What would the symptoms of toxicity be? This is my first dog and my first bout with lice. I was told to treat him two more times, and I can do it myself instead of going to the groomers. Not sure what happened at the groomers, but the little guy has been hiding ever since he got back.

[2Morkies]

Well, I work with kids and when there is a Lice outbreak we wash everything in the school. I wouldn't have thought that a dog could get lice,but since we're told Yorkies and Maltese have HAIR...then it does make sense.
If your Vet is saying mellow out then your probably ok. Does he know they have HAIR though?
Tea tree oil works to repel lice. Also, lice like CLEAN hair so forgo the the once a week bath. Maybe use some oil and detangler to get product on the fur and repel the lice.

Dirty hair and tea tree oil works for kids too...of course after you've treated it for lice and washed everything in sight

[ziggy925]

Originally Posted by 2Morkies

Well, I work with kids and when there is a Lice outbreak we wash everything in the school. I wouldn't have thought that a dog could get lice,but since we're told Yorkies and Maltese have HAIR...then it does make sense.
If your Vet is saying mellow out then your probably ok. Does he know they have HAIR though?
Tea tree oil works to repel lice. Also, lice like CLEAN hair so forgo the the once a week bath. Maybe use some oil and detangler to get product on the fur and repel the lice.

Dirty hair and tea tree oil works for kids too...of course after you've treated it for lice and washed everything in sight

Tea Tree oil, huh? Okay. Thank goodness dog lice aren't transferable to people, and I don't have any hair so I guess I'm good. My groomer said if I start to itch it's all in my head, not on my head.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by 2Morkies

Well, I work with kids and when there is a Lice outbreak we wash everything in the school. I wouldn't have thought that a dog could get lice,but since we're told Yorkies and Maltese have HAIR...then it does make sense.
If your Vet is saying mellow out then your probably ok. Does he know they have HAIR though?
Tea tree oil works to repel lice. Also, lice like CLEAN hair so forgo the the once a week bath. Maybe use some oil and detangler to get product on the fur and repel the lice.

Dirty hair and tea tree oil works for kids too...of course after you've treated it for lice and washed everything in sight

The canine lice are not the same ones that affect humans.

[Connie]

Don't use tea tree oil on your dog. It can be very toxic to small dogs and cats. Google it and you will find info on it. Hope you get the lice taken care of!