Lice in dogs – signs and what to do

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Book a vet visit

Book a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Lice are an infestation that can cause itchy, dry, scaly skin and dandruff in dogs.

What to do now

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.
  • Do not let your dog mix with other pets until recovered.

What it is

Louse infestations in dogs are quite uncommon.[1] Lice can cause itchy, dry, scaly skin and dandruff, and some lice can lead to illness and anaemia.[1]

Signs

  • Itchy skin
  • Dry, scaly skin and dandruff
  • Visible lice
  • Visible lice eggs
  • Fur loss
  • Pale gums, usually only in young animals

Causes and risk factors

  • Young, old or unwell dogs may be more vulnerable.
  • Dirty conditions
  • Overcrowded conditions

How vets treat it

  • A vet may use a spot-on or shampoo.
  • Other pets in regular, close contact may also need treatment.
  • Your dog should be kept away from other pets until recovered.
  • Hospitalisation

What the experts say

“If your dog has been diagnosed with lice, they will need the following treatments: Often a ‘spot-on’ or shampoo. You will also need to treat any other pets that are in regular, close contact. Keep your dog away from other pets until they have recovered.”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

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Common questions

What signs can lice cause in dogs?

Signs can include itchy skin, dry, scaly skin and dandruff, visible lice or lice eggs, fur loss, and pale gums, usually only in young animals.[1]

Can lice make a dog ill?

Some lice suck blood, which can lead to illness and anaemia.[1]

How do vets treat lice in dogs?

Treatment may include a spot-on or shampoo, and other pets in regular, close contact may also need treatment.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

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