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My dog has bumps and irritation after flea shampoo. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 60 lbs

I treated my boxer with adams flea and tick shampoo last night. This morning I notice that he has bumps mainly his back front chest and skin irritation on and around his penis area. What should I do to help him.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2019

Hello. Harley is having a significant allergic reaction, possibly from the shampoo, possibly from something else. You may have inadvertently left some shampoo on his skin & coat, so I would rebathe him in lukewarm water & no soap. Make sure you rinse multiple times to make sure all shampoo is removed. If he is not uncomfortable, you can just watch him as it may take a day or two for the bumps to subside. If he is very itchy or uncomfortable & chewing at his skin, please see your veterinarian. He may need immediate attention to reduce the inflammation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 9th, 2020
Hello. You might want to bathe Dodger in some cool water & dish soap to kill any fleas he has on him ( if you have flea shampoo, use this ). It sounds like he is having an allergic reaction to the flea bites. For some dogs, all it takes is one flea to set off a reaction. Make sure you are using a good flea product on him on a regular basis & you might also need to treat your home & yard for fleas, too. If the bumps & itching persist, please see your vet tomorrow for medication to cool his reaction & make him much more comfortable. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 24th, 2017
It doesn't sound too serious. What is sounds like is fleas. If you don't have him on a good flea prevention (like Advantage II or Bravecto, etc) then I would suggest you start him on one ASAP.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Advantage-II-Flea-and-Tick-Monthly-Treatment-For-Extra-Large-Dogs-4-Treatments/37601740

You may also consider bathing him in this anti-itch shampoo. I would not use a flea shampoo as they are rarely work and if they do work they are a very temporary fix.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Veterinary-Formula-Clinical-Care-Hot-Spot-and-Itch-Relief-Medicated-Shampoo-for-Dogs-and-Cats-16-fl-oz/24885757

Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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