# Dog Lice: How to Treat and Get Rid of Them Dog lice are small, species-specific insects that live in your dog's coat, and they are treatable with prescription or over-the-counter parasiticides your veterinarian recommends. Knowing how to treat dog lice starts with confirming the diagnosis, because lice are often mistaken for fleas or mites. Most infestations clear fully once every pet in the home is treated and bedding is washed. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Dog lice are host-specific insects. They do not live on people, so you cannot catch lice from your dog [1]. - Two types infest dogs: chewing lice (Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger) and one blood-sucking louse (Linognathus setosus) [2]. - Effective treatments include fipronil, selamectin, pyrethrins, and isoxazoline products such as afoxolaner and fluralaner [2][3][4]. - Nits (eggs) are glued to hair shafts and will not wash off with ordinary shampoo, so you need a product that kills lice, not just a bath [1]. - Treat every dog in the household at the same time, and wash bedding, because lice spread by direct contact. ## What Are Dog Lice? Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair of animals and people [1]. They cannot fly or jump. They crawl from one host to another through direct contact or shared bedding and grooming tools. There are two basic types. Biting or chewing lice feed mostly on skin debris and secretions. Blood-sucking lice feed on the host's blood and are parasites of mammals only [1]. Dogs can carry one species of blood-sucking lice and two species of chewing lice [2]. Lice are typically species specific, meaning they do not readily transfer from one animal species to another [1]. That is why dog lice stay on dogs. Female lice glue their eggs, called nits, to hairs near the skin. Nits are pale, translucent, and almost oval. Ordinary shampooing and washing will not dislodge them [1]. After the nits hatch, the lice pass through nymphal stages that look like smaller adults. Most lice take about 3 to 4 weeks to go from nit to reproductively capable adult, though this varies by species [1]. ## Dog Lice Symptoms: What Owners Notice The most common signs are itching, self-trauma, and a rough or matted haircoat [2]. Your dog may rub, bite, and scratch at the affected areas [2]. In heavy infestations, you might see hair loss, redness, and restlessness. Infestations can be heavy on very young and very old animals [2]. Long-haired breeds can hide lice for a while, so you may need to part the hair to find nits and lice [2]. If your dog is scratching at the ears specifically, that points more toward a different parasite. You can read about [How To Get Rid Of My Dogs Ear Mites At Home](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-get-rid-of-my-dogs-ear-mites-at-home) for comparison. ### Lice on Dogs vs Fleas Fleas jump. Lice crawl. That single difference is the fastest way to tell them apart at home. | Feature | Dog Lice | Fleas | |---|---|---| | Movement | Crawl slowly, cannot fly or jump [1] | Jump quickly | | Appearance | Small, flat, pale to tan insects, 1.6 mm body length for Trichodectes canis [2] | Dark reddish-brown, oval, flattened side to side | | Eggs | Nits glued to hair shafts, will not wash off [1] | Eggs fall off the pet into the environment | | Where found | Anywhere on the body, often heavy on young and old dogs [2] | Often near the tail base, belly, and groin | | Spread to people | No, lice are species specific [1] | Yes, fleas can bite people | Fleas also carry diseases, and lice can carry pathogens too. In one study of free-ranging dogs, molecular screening detected Rickettsia species in 44.7% of lice collected [5]. That is a reminder that parasite control matters for more than itching. ## Causes and Risk Factors Lice spread through direct contact with an infested dog or through shared items like bedding, brushes, and crates. Infestation can occur in debilitated or stray dogs, but it is rare in populations treated with monthly flea and tick preventatives [2]. Risk factors include: - Close contact with other dogs, such as at boarding, daycare, shows, or shelters - A lapse in monthly parasite prevention - Young age or old age, since infestations can be heavy on very young and very old animals [2] - Long hair that hides early infestations [2] - Poor overall condition or a weakened immune system [2] Lice do not survive long off the host, so the environment matters less than it does with fleas. Still, washing bedding and grooming tools helps stop reinfestation. ## How Veterinarians Diagnose Lice Diagnosis is usually straightforward. Your veterinarian will part the hair and look for live lice and nits on the skin and hair shafts [2]. A bright light and a fine-tooth comb help. Because nits are glued to the hair, they stay put when you brush or bathe the dog [1]. That is a useful clue. If you see specks that will not move, they are likely nits. Your vet may also use a microscope to confirm the species. This matters because chewing lice and blood-sucking lice look different, and it helps rule out fleas, mites, and skin infections that cause similar itching. If your dog has crusty, circular skin lesions instead of insects, the problem may be fungal. See [How To Treat Ringworm In Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-ringworm-in-dogs) for that scenario. ## How to Treat Dog Lice Treatment is effective and usually fast. The key is using a product labeled for lice and treating every dog in the household. ### Prescription and Over-the-Counter Options Several products kill dog lice: - Pyrethrins can be used to treat dogs with lice [2]. - Fipronil and selamectin are common spot-on treatments used for both dogs and cats [2]. - Afoxolaner, given as a chewable tablet, cleared natural Trichodectes canis infestations in a field study of dogs [4]. - Fluralaner, given as a one-month formulation, resolved all clinical signs and all evidence of lice infestation in a dog by four weeks after a single dose [3]. A study in buffalo found that in vivo efficacy against lice was 95.13% for fipronil, 83.10% for amitraz, and 74.41% for fenvalerate [6]. That study was in buffalo, not dogs, but it supports fipronil as a strong louse treatment. Your veterinarian will calculate the exact dose from your dog's weight and health status. Never guess a dose from a product designed for another species or size of animal. ### Dog Lice Treatment Shampoo Shampoos containing pyrethrins can kill adult lice on contact [2]. Keep in mind that shampooing alone will not remove nits, because they are glued to the hair [1]. You will still need a follow-up product or repeated treatments to catch newly hatched lice. Follow the label directions exactly. Some products are not safe for puppies, pregnant dogs, or dogs with certain health conditions, so check with your vet first. ### Treating All Pets and the Home Treat every dog in the house at the same time, even if only one is itchy. Lice spread by direct contact, so an untreated dog becomes a source of reinfestation. Wash bedding, blankets, and any fabric your dog sleeps on in hot water. Clean brushes and combs. Vacuum areas where your dog rests. Cats are not affected by dog lice, since lice are species specific [1]. Still, if you have cats, ask your vet before using any product around them, because some dog products are toxic to cats. ### Home Remedy for Dog Lice There is no proven home remedy that kills lice and their nits. Ordinary shampooing and washing will not dislodge nits [1]. Home remedies can also irritate your dog's skin or delay effective treatment. If cost is a concern, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend an effective product that fits your budget. Do not rely on oils, vinegar, or dish soap, because these do not have evidence behind them for lice. ## Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management Most dogs improve within days of starting treatment. Adult lice die first. Nits may still be visible for a while, and that does not mean treatment failed. In one case, all adult lice were gone two weeks after a single dose of fluralaner, but nits were still present. By four weeks, all clinical signs and all evidence of infestation were resolved [3]. Expect to recheck your dog or repeat treatment based on your veterinarian's plan. Because lice take about 3 to 4 weeks to go from nit to adult [1], a single treatment may not catch lice that hatch later. Long-term management is simple. Keep your dog on a monthly flea and tick preventative, since lice infestations are rare in populations treated this way [2]. Check your dog's coat regularly, especially after boarding, daycare, or time with other dogs. ## Prevention Prevention comes down to three habits: 1. Keep monthly parasite prevention current. Lice are rare in dogs on monthly flea and tick preventatives [2]. 2. Limit contact with unknown dogs, especially strays or dogs in poor condition [2]. 3. Do not share bedding, brushes, or crates with dogs outside your household. If your dog has been treated for lice, wash bedding and grooming tools before the dog returns to normal routines. This lowers the chance of picking lice back up from a shared item. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Individual cases need a veterinarian. This article gives general guidance, but your dog's age, weight, health, and other medications all affect which treatment is safe. Contact your veterinarian the same day if: - Your dog is scratching so much that the skin is broken, bleeding, or crusted - You see live insects and want a confirmed diagnosis - Your dog is a puppy, pregnant, nursing, or on other medications - You have cats in the home and plan to use a dog product Seek emergency care now if: - Your dog is weak, lethargic, or collapsing - You see pale gums, which can suggest anemia from heavy blood-sucking lice - Your dog has a severe skin infection with pus, swelling, or fever Schedule a routine visit if: - You find nits but no live lice - Treatment did not clear the infestation after the recommended course - The itching continues after lice are gone, which can point to another problem such as mites or allergies For ear-focused itching, see [How To Treat Ear Mites At Home For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-ear-mites-at-home-for-dogs). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can dog lice spread to humans? No. Lice are typically species specific, meaning they do not readily transfer from one animal species to another [1]. Dog lice stay on dogs and do not infest people. You can handle your dog normally during treatment. ### How long does it take to get rid of lice on a dog? Adult lice usually die within days to a couple of weeks, but nits can remain attached to hair for longer. In one reported case, adult lice were gone at two weeks and all evidence of infestation was resolved by four weeks [3]. Follow your veterinarian's recheck schedule. ### Do I need to treat my other dogs if only one has lice? Yes. Treat every dog in the household at the same time. Lice spread through direct contact, so an untreated dog can pass lice right back to the treated one. Wash shared bedding and clean grooming tools too. ### Will a regular dog shampoo kill lice? No. Ordinary shampooing and washing will not dislodge nits, which are glued to the hair [1]. You need a product labeled to kill lice, such as one containing pyrethrins, fipronil, selamectin, afoxolaner, or fluralaner [2][3][4]. Ask your vet which one fits your dog. ### Are lice on dogs contagious to cats? No. Dog lice are host specific and do not readily transfer to cats [1]. However, some lice treatments for dogs are toxic to cats, so keep treated dogs separated from cats until products dry, and ask your veterinarian before using any product in a home with cats. ## Related Articles - [How To Get Rid Of My Dogs Ear Mites At Home](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-get-rid-of-my-dogs-ear-mites-at-home) - [How To Treat Ear Mites At Home For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-ear-mites-at-home-for-dogs) - [How To Treat A Dog With Ear Mites At Home](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-a-dog-with-ear-mites-at-home) - [How To Treat Ringworm In Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-ringworm-in-dogs) - [How To Treat Ringworm At Home On Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-ringworm-at-home-on-dogs) - [How To Treat Ringworm In Dogs At Home](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-treat-ringworm-in-dogs-at-home) - [Signs of Mites and Lice in Dogs: What to Look For](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/signs-of-mites-and-lice-in-dogs) - [Cat Lice Treatment: Safe Products and Home Care](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/cat-lice-treatment) - [Dog Mites Treatment: Medicines and Home Care Options](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/dog-mites-treatment) - [Canine Parasitic Skin Infections: Diagnosis and Treatment Options](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/canine-parasitic-skin-infections-diagnosis-treatment) - [Canine Cutaneous Parasitic Infections: Diagnosis and Management of Skin Parasites in Dogs](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/dog-parasitic-infection-skin-diagnosis-management) ## References 1. [Lice of Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/lice-of-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Lice in Dogs and Cats - Integumentary System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/lice/lice-in-dogs-and-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 3. [Successful Treatment of Trichodectes canis in a Dog with a 1-Month Formulation of Fluralaner](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41448584/). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2026. 4. [Efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®) against natural infestations with Trichodectes canis in dogs under field conditions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36071527/). Parasites & vectors, 2022. 5. [Diversity of lice and flea- and lice-borne pathogens in free-ranging dogs in Uzbekistan](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39404264/). Medical and veterinary entomology, 2025. 6. [Assessment of farmers' knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) and effectiveness of anti-parasitic drug against buffalo louse, Haematopinus tuberculatus](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41902317/). Medical and veterinary entomology, 2026. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)