36 Georgia State College of Agriculture 



Parasites of Dogs 



EXTERNAL. PARASITES. 



Dog Louse (Trichodectes latus). 



This species of louse infests dogs and as they eat the substance 

 of the skin they cause considerable irritation. Thickening of the 

 skin results from the animal scratching himself in his efforts to 

 destroy the insects. Rough coat without apparent loss of hair dif- 

 ferentiates lousiness from mange. This species of louse is the in- 

 termediate host of the Taenia canina, a common tapeworm which 

 passes its adult life in the intestines of the dog. 



Life History. The female lice lay eggs and cement them onto 

 the hair of the dog. The young hatch and immediately begin to 

 obtain their nourishment from the skin of the dog. They reach 

 maturity in a few days. 



Treatment. Dip the infested dog in a 2 per cent solution of 

 cresol disinfectant. Pyrethrum may be dusted into the coat of hair 

 occasionally. Take four ounces of Quassia chips and let stand 

 in one gallon of water over night. An application of this material 

 will be found useful. Louse infested kennels should be sprayed 

 with a 4 per cent cresol solution. 



Pio. 1. The dog flea : a, Egg ; It, larva In cocoon ; c, pupa ; d, adult ; c, mouth parts of 

 same from side ; f, antenna ; g, labium frem below, b, c, d, Much enlarged : a, e, f, g, 

 more enlarged. (Prom Howard.) 



Fleas (Stenocephalus serraticeps). 



Pleas are common parasites on dogs and cats and cause constant 

 irritation and loss of flesh. Fleas also serve as the intermediate 

 host of the Taenia canina. Dog fleas are flattened from side to 

 side and on that account are able to pass rapidly through the hair. 



