Can Dogs Get Lice?
They cause itching and a scruffy coat, spread by contact, and are treatable.
Yes, dogs can get lice, tiny insects that live in the coat and cause itching, scratching and a scruffy appearance. Dog lice only live on dogs, so you and your cat cannot catch them from your dog. They spread through direct contact and shared grooming tools, and they respond well to treatment.
Signs of Lice
| Sign | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Itching | Constant scratching and biting at the coat |
| Nits on the hairs | Tiny pale eggs glued to the fur |
| Dull, rough coat | A scruffy, matted appearance |
| Hair loss | Thinning fur where the dog scratches |
| Visible lice | Small insects near the ears and neck |
How to Treat Them
- See your vet. Get a treatment that kills lice, often the same products used for fleas.
- Treat all dogs. Apply to every dog in the home to stop spread.
- Clean the gear. Wash or replace bedding, collars and brushes.
- Repeat as advised. A second treatment catches lice that hatch from eggs.
- Support health. Good grooming and nutrition help keep infestations away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch lice from my dog?
No. Dog lice are species-specific, meaning they live and feed only on dogs. You cannot catch them from your dog, and your dog cannot catch human head lice from you or your children. Cats have their own separate lice too.
How do dogs get lice?
Lice spread by direct contact between dogs and through shared bedding, collars, brushes and grooming tools. Infestations are more common in dogs that are crowded, stressed, poorly groomed or in poor health, which is why shelters and neglected dogs are more often affected.
What are the signs of lice on a dog?
Look for persistent itching and scratching, a dull, rough coat, hair loss, and tiny pale nits glued to the hairs, a bit like dandruff that will not brush off. In heavy infestations you may see the small lice themselves moving on the skin, especially around the ears and neck.
How are dog lice treated?
Your vet can recommend a suitable anti-parasite treatment, and many flea products also kill lice. Treat any other dogs in the home, and wash or replace bedding, collars and grooming tools. Because eggs take time to hatch, treatment usually needs repeating to clear every stage.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
