Lice are generally white in colour and depending on the pets coat colour lice may be readily seen. In some cases louse infestations may be sufficient to cause dermatitis, itchiness, depression and self trauma.

There are many species of biting and sucking lice that can infest dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, pet mice, rats and birds. A long pointed head is normally a sucking louse, while a wide short head indicate biting lice.

Lice are generally host specific so lice infestation of one host species does not pose a risk for other host species. Dermatitis, itchiness and self-trauma are all signs that your pet could have lice.