Lice are not a particularly common parasite but they can be extremely irriating if your pet is infected with them and they can pass easily between animals.  However, they are readily treated by several of the veterinary spot-on treatments


What are lice?
How do I know if my pet has lice?
How do I treat lice?


What are lice?                                                                                                Back to top
  • Lice are insects, they have 6 legs and flat bodies, they are a whiteish colour and move very slowly, so can be difficult to spot
  • There are 2 types of lice, sucking, which bite your pet and suck their blood, and biting, which just feed off the dead skin on the surface.
  • The lice themselves are difficult to spot, but you may well see the eggs, which are commonly known as nits, clinging to your pet's fur. ( Just like you see in children)
  • The lice found on cats and dogs are species specific, so don't worry, they cannot infect people.
 
 
 Lice have 6 legs and pale, flat bodies.  There are 2 types, biting and sucking lice
  Lice eggs (nits) are found on the hair shaft and are more easily spotted than the lice themselves.


How do I know if my pet has lice?                                                            Back to top
  • Firstly, lice are not common in healthy cats and dogs.  Animals are more likely to suffer from infestations if they are ill for another reason and their immune system is under stress.
  • One of the first signs of a louse infection is a scurfy, dry coat which progresses to sore, red, itchy skin.
  • Hair loss may also occur.
  • Lice are most often found around the ears, neck, shoulders and bottom.
  • It is possible for a heavily infected animal to become anaemic ( low levels of red blood cells) but this is uncommon and generally only seen in puppies.
 
 
 Lice can cause itching, hair loss and sore skin
  Puppies or ill animals are most at risk from lice infestations and can become anaemic.


How do I treat lice?                                                                                        Back to top
  • Several of the veterinary spot-on treatments will kill lice, ask your vet for specific advice.
  • The lice lifecycle ( from egg to adult) last 21 days, so often the treatment needs to be repeated in order to fully clear the infestation.
  • Lice are very contagious and will pass easily between pets.  If one animal in the household has them, you must treat them all.
  • It is also a good idea to throw away your pets bedding to ensure that all the lice eggs are removed.
 
 Several veterinary spot-ons will kill lice, ask your vet for advice.


Please note this is an advice only website, if you have any specific concerns or queries about your pet, please contact your vet.