What to do if your dog has lice.
If you’ve ever wondered whether dogs can get lice, the answer is yes. Although lice infestations are uncommon and not diagnosed often in dogs, they can be an annoying problem for your pet. Here’s what you need to know about lice infestations on dogs.
How do dogs get lice?
Dogs are more predisposed to contracting lice if they:
- Have unkept coats, or are struggling to groom themselves
- Suffer with illness, malnourishment, high stress
- Are very old or very young
- Are exposed to lots of other dogs in close quarters i.e. in rescue shelters, kennel or daycare facilities
Dogs can acquire lice infestations in several ways:
- From contact with lice infected dogs
- From grooming tools contaminated with lice or their eggs
- Overcrowded shelters or boarding kennels
Can dogs get lice from humans?
No, dogs can’t get lice from humans, and humans cannot get lice from dogs, either. Lice are species-specific, meaning dog lice stay on dogs and human lice stay on humans.
How do you know if your dog has lice?
Lice, like fleas, can be seen when the hair is parted — which is one of the many reasons it’s important to check your dog’s coat regularly. Lice are about the size of a sesame seed and yellow to tan in color. They live on and around hair shafts, clinging to the dog’s hair and eating skin cells, dander and gland secretions. They can also be found around wounds and body openings.
Fleas | Lice | |
Appearance | Brown or reddish brown, flat, six-legged insects with no wings | Tan to yellow with a triangular head, flat like a pancake, six-legged insects with no wing |
Behaviour |
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Most active season | Summer | Winter |
Bites | Raised, swollen red bumps that can cause flea allergy dermatitis, skin infections and hair loss | Small, extremely itchy bumps that can cause sores or infections |
Eggs |
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If your dog has lice, they may show the following symptoms:
- Itchiness
- Hair loss
- Redness
- Flaky and/or greasy skin and coat
If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dog for adult lice or eggs (also called nits), which appear as white specks that stick firmly to the hair shaft. Adult lice commonly stick to the hair as well, though they could also be walking around.
Be aware that dogs in close proximity can pass eggs or lice to one another through shared bedding and living quarters. If you have more than one dog — even if only one shows signs of lice — you should treat all dogs within the household and monitor them all for any developing infestation or discomfort.
How do lice hurt your dog?
A dog that has lice is uncomfortable, but that’s not the only potential problem. Lice can transmit tapeworms if your dog ingests them from licking and chewing their skin. Lice can also cause bacterial skin infections on your dog. If you find lice on your pet, it’s important you start treatment right away to prevent the issue from getting worse.
How can you treat lice on dogs?
The good news is that lice infestations are treatable. Treat your Advantage™, Advocate™ or Seresto™ that are all labeled to kill and control lice. Remember regular treatment for flea prevention can have the added bonus of lice protection.
At the end of the day, having lice can be uncomfortable for your dog. It’s always good to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infestation, so you can quickly tackle any pests that make themselves at home on your dog. When it comes to choosing the right product for your pet, veterinary staff are a great source of information.
