Canine lice outbreak in Las Vegas: Taking your dog to the park could cause infestation
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — There is an outbreak of canine lice in Las Vegas.
Just like humans, your pup can get lice and it can be contagious.
They pick it up at dog parks, groomers and day cares.
At Barkin Basin Dog park in the northwest valley, a sign warns dog owners about the small parasites.
On Thursday morning, Richard Ramsey sat on a bench inside the park as 4-year-old Leia ran off-leash.
“She loves it. She'd stay here all day,” said Richard Ramsey.
But just recently, Ramsey learned of a potential threat. A sign on a chain-link fence warns dog owners that pups that frequent the park have contracted dog lice.
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“I've never heard of dog lice and I've had dogs for 50 years,” explained Ramsey.
South Buffalo Springs Animal Hospital in the southwest is reporting an increase in lice cases.
Veterinarian Matthew McCollum says the small parasites can be seen with the naked eye.
“Little black or brown speckles scattered throughout their fur. Maybe even a little white speckle as well,” said Dr. Matthew McCollum.
According to McCollum, springtime means dogs are out and about more, and they can get lice at all their favorite hangout spots.
“The dog parks, the groomers, places where a lot of dogs are in general,” said McCollum.
The good news? This isn’t the kind of lice that gets in human hair. This variation stays on dogs and is typically spread through dog-to-dog contact.
“Symptoms you're going to see, intense scratching, sometimes you'll see dry, flaky skin, I'd say,” noted McCollum.
Veterinarians can treat the lice with a medication or a sulfur lime dip. But McCollum says it’s easier to just avoid the tiny insects in the first place.
“A good flea and tick preventative (like Frontline) is good to have on hands at all times,” he explained.
As for Ramsey, he’s all for that. Leia likes her playtime and because lice, it ain’t nice.
“I'll keep an extra eye on her,” he said.