Over the years we have heard of reports by Cockapoos owners of infestation of lice. One way to tell if your dog is experiencing lice is if they scratch on a daily basis. However, it is best to keep in mind that if your Cockapoos are properly groomed, they will not experience any form of lice.
In this article, we are going to explain all you need to know about Cockapoos and lice and how to treat your furry friend.
Can Cockapoos Get Lice?
Let’s not forget that lice are rare and your Cockapoo may only have lice if they are not properly groom or exposed to infected animals. You can easily prevent lice by providing your dog with proper hygiene and limit their exposure to other affected animals. Symptoms of lice includes biting, licking, anemia, and hair loss and can be treated with insecticides.
It’s safe to say that, lice can be a bit challenging to get rid of, so you’ll definitely want to know the advantages and disadvantages on how to eliminate them from both your Cockapoo’s hair as well as your home.
What Does Dog Lice Look Like?
Dog lice is known to be 2 to 4 millimeters and small in size. They are flat, and some time mistaken for dandruff. In terms of color, dog lice are brown, tan and yellow. These lice you can easily tell the difference between them and ticks. As you can see, dog lice are lighter in color while ticks are almost black.
Symptoms of Lice in Cockapoos
The thing is that there are two main changes that you’re likely to notice when you are around a cockapoo that is experiencing lice infestation. Not only will lice affect your dog hair and skin, but they will also affect their behaviour too.
The good news is that, there is a high chance that a lice infestation will not occur for too long and actually fade away without you noticing. However, the most effective way to treat dog lice on your Cockapoo is to find out at an early stage.
Can Humans Get Dog Lice?
The short answer is no, it is not possible for humans to get dog lice due to the fact that these are breed specific and the legs are said to be tailor made for their host. This is what makes it impossible for dogs to transfer lice to humans as the human head is not the ideal environment for it to thrive.
Why is Dog Lice Harmful?
Even though dogs are unable to transfer lice to humans, lice can be harmful for dog’s in general. If it’s a case where you notice your dog has lice, you should not avoid it. If you don’t take the time out to treat the situation, you may risk your dog losing its fur over time.
One of the first thing you’ll need to keep an eye out for is constant scratching due to intense itchiness. This makes your dog uncomfortable and restless.
The fact that your dog is constantly scratching can lead to them having wounds which are can cause bacterial infections caused by the lice. Another thing you’ll also notice is that your Cockapoo coat isn’t as smooth as before but rough and matted.
Can Dog Lice Transfer to Other Pets?
You may be wondering if dog lice that your Cockapoo is suffering from can be transferred to other pets. There’s no need to worry unless you have a dog, as the lice will not be able to survive on your cats or other non-canine species.
If you have other dogs in your surrounding, then there is a high chance the lice will cling to their fur or hair as well. At this point, you will need to treat your dog as soon as possible to prevent the contagion from spreading.