Preventive steps recommended to help stop spread of dog lice

We’re so lucky to live where the wonderful climate prevents us from having to deal with fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, Mother Nature can’t protect us from everything, so Colorado dog guardians are finding themselves dealing with dog lice. Here are some common questions about dog lice and some answers we hope you will find helpful.

What are dog lice?
There are two species of canine lice: a biting trichodectus canus and a sucking linognathus piliferus. Of all parasites, lice are by far the easiest to treat because they are not active in our environment, like fleas and ticks. Dog lice are spread through dog-to-dog contact, so if your dog interacts with other dogs on the trail, at the dog park, at your friend’s house or in doggie day care, your dog may be exposed. Dog lice are species specific, so you, your kids, and your cats cannot get lice from your dog.

How can I tell if my dog has lice?
If your dog has been scratching himself more than normal, it could be due to lice. Lice are very small, but can be seen by the human eye. They look like little black dots and have a clear lining around them. It is very easy to see the lice if your dog is infested. However, often times we see cases where dogs only have a few lice on them and they can be very hard to find. They attach themselves to the skin, so you have to push the fur around to look for them. Our groomers are often the ones to discover the lice when using our high-powered blow dryer, so feel free to schedule a time to have your dog checked.

How can I prevent lice?
Have your dog professionally groomed regularly. It’s always good to have another set of eyes check over your dog. If our groomers find anything unusual, they will notify you. You can also talk to your vet about preventive treatments such as Frontline or K9 Advantix. We strongly recommend you put your dog on one of these preventive regimens if you are bringing your dog to day care. There are some natural alternatives such as supplementing with garlic or spraying your dog with Neem Spray. We sell these natural products at Dog City, as well as K9 Advantix (which kills both forms of lice). Unfortunately, we think that the stronger treatments, such as the K9 Advantix and Frontline, are your best bet.

How can I treat dog lice?
If your dog has lice, you have a few options.

1. You can bathe your dog in a pyrethrin-based shampoo at seven-day intervals or

2. Contact your vet about using Frontline or K9 Advantix or

3. For a natural alternative, purchase Dr. Pitcairns book at www.drpitcairn.com.

Over the years we have seen cases of lice recur even after multiple lice baths and after using natural remedies. So, if your dog has lice, we will require that you consult a vet, treat it with their recommended treatment, and continue using a preventive treatment if your dog attends day care.

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to us in person or give us a call at 303.473.9963. You may also wish to contact your vet or call the CSU Dermatology Question Line at 970.221.4535. At Dog Cit y, we want all of our furry guests to be happy and healthy. To this end, we strongly encourage our clients to start their dog on a preventive regimen so we can keep Dog City lice free.

The Boulder Chamber of Commerce named Dog City one of five winners of the first annual Small Business Spark Awards earlier this month.

Businesses were nominated through an application process and a chamber committee of volunteers reviewed the applications. Companies were nominated by other companies, individuals or themselves and presented the various ways they “fuel the fires” of small business success.

Dog City was acknowledged for its presence in the community as a locally owned business that has contributed positively to the lives of dogs, their human companions, and our community at large.

Actively committed to a sustainable business model, we practice open book management, promote from within, provide extensive staff education, support local non-profits, foster dogs in need of loving homes, and always employ at least one person from the mental health center's Chinook Clubhouse.

If you are looking for something to keep your dog busy for hours, look no further! You can choose between the Squirrel Dude, the Waggle, the Chuckle, and the Twist 'n Treat. Happy chewing!!

The Boulder College of Massage Therapy (www.bcmt.org) offers free massage to Dog City customers on Saturday, April 21, at 3:30 pm. Students studying canine and equine massage will give 15 minute massages to all dogs staying at Dog City on the 21st. If your dog is not a guest that day but would like a free massage, please give us a call in advance at 303.473.9963.

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Published by Dog City, LLC.  Copyright © 2007 Dog City, LLC.  All rights reserved.

Dog City, LLC, 2907 55th St., Unit 6, Boulder, CO 80301.