Trichodectes canis infests canids such as domestic dogs, wolves, or foxes, which is why it is also called the dog louse. A heavy infestation of this ectoparasite can lead to hair loss, skin lesions, and intense itching in the host (Schwartz, Stephenson et Wilson 1983). Lice live continuously on the host organism and are very specific in their choice of host. The developmental cycle includes three molts. Trichodectes canis can serve as an intermediate host and vector for parasites and pathogens, such as the cucumber tapeworm Dipylidium caninum (Lucius, Loos-Frank et Lane 2018).

Human pathogenicity: There are no known cases of humans being infested with the dog louse.