Deer lice and dogs?

[Kneetopia]

Found quite a few of these critters on the buck that I shot this morning. At first glance I thought they were ticks, but my wife is an entomologist and corrected me, they are lice apparently. Ticks have 8 legs and these guys have 6.



Anyway, I am going to hang it in the back yard but I am wondering if they can transfer to dogs? A long time ago, one of my dogs was hanging out with me while I butchered an elk, a few days later he was scratching like crazy. At the time I thought it was probably fleas, but maybe not.

Anyone have any first hand experience with it? I assume they'll be leaving the deer shortly (as it cools) and might be looking for another home.

 

[Hunting Wife]

I believe lice are fairly species- specific. They don't readily jump to hosts of other species. You are probably fine, especially if you use flea and tick medication on your dog (Advantix or something similar).

 

[onpoint]

I believe that is a Deer Ked, not a louse - although commonly called a Louse Fly. This is actually a [common] parasitic fly affecting cervids, no wings while feeding on the host. Seen 'em many times - creepy bastards. Google Deer Ked.......

 

[Hunting Wife]

Didn't see a picture the first time I read this for some reason. I agree with onpoint's identification.