Tips For Preventing and Removing Winter Fleas & Lice on Dogs
Lice are nasty and no one wants to think about them, but the truth of the matter is they can thrive in the Kamloops area and they should not be ignored. With so many freeze/thaw patterns and abundant ice that comes with mild winter temperatures, this winter fleas and lice for dogs could soon be rampant. At Kamloops dog kennel Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb, we have lots of experience with all types of dogs, and, to date, we have never had an outbreak of any kind, including any pesky parasites! Also, as Harmony Farm is also located about 1000’ higher in elevation than Kamloops or Vernon, fortunately, it is not the ideal environment for parasites of any kind! We do, however, have some suggestions of how to deal with winter fleas and lice outbreaks quickly and efficiently.
It’s important to remember that lice are spread through direct contact with dogs or contaminated bedding, but with a little extra care and planning, preventing dog lice is possible. You do not have to keep your dog at home to keep them lice-free. Here are a few tips on minimizing the risk:
· Keep your precious pooch well-groomed. You can do this yourself with regular brushing and bathing or take your ‘Fido’ to your favourite DIY bathing facility or your groomer.
· Keep the living area clean. Wash your dog’s bedding/harness regularly and vacuum carpets and furniture.
· Prioritize your pup’s health. A healthy dog is less likely to host an infestation, so feeding a high-quality diet helps ensure their immune system stays strong.
· Sprinkle a natural dusting of the very effective and all-natural diatomaceous earth (see Dog n Ewe Shop) on and around your pet’s bedding then vacuum
· Monthly flea and tick control. Your veterinarian can supply you with monthly flea and tick control pills that will also kill lice.
While the above tips are helpful, even the most pro-active pet parent cannot always prevent an infestation, and that’s okay. Dog lice are gross, but they are species-specific (they do not affect humans) and we have some great tips on how to get rid of lice if they have made their way onto your dog. First, here are some signs that your dog may have lice.
· Extreme itchiness and scratching
· Hair loss
· Small blood spots show lice infestation (check tender areas like your dog’s ears, armpits, belly, genital area) or wounds because of your dog’s own irritating affected areas
· Uncharacteristic restlessness
And nowhere is how to get rid of dog lice:
· Wash all toys and bedding in hot soapy water. Also, thoroughly clean items that cannot be thrown in the washing machine that your pet may have met, including collars, crates, floors, and car seats.
· Regular combing with a flea comb. Flea combs will remove living and dead lice, but they will not remove nits.
· Bathe an infested dog daily. Use a natural shampoo and leave your dog lathered up for 10 minutes before rinsing. Applying a lemon rinse after each bath will help kill nits. Rinse thoroughly.
· Diatomaceous Earth (DE). At Harmony Farm, we are firm believers in this non-toxic, non-chemical solution. DE is a talc-like powder that is safe for pets and humans, but deadly to insects. When sprinkled on any bug that has an exoskeleton, it compromises their waxy coating, without which they cannot survive. Read more about the benefits of DE here.
At Harmony Farm, we provide your dogs with above and beyond custom care, attention, and countrified exercise, with excellent healthy Covid 19 protocols carefully in place. We are located east of Kamloops and offer custom care for all breeds, types, and ‘doganality’ temperaments.
We know travel has been mostly put-on hold of late, but if you or your dog could use a mini-vacation, bring him or her up to Harmony Farm Kennel for the weekend. Check out our Rates and Reservations for all the details. We also welcome long term, regular, and repeat kennel stays for extended dog boarding kennel 'vacationers' from local Kamloops, BC, or from far and wide! We are pleased to give you a discounted rate for your dog's stay over 30 days.
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