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My dog has flea allergy sores. How to treat without steroids?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 2 months old | 65 lbs

I have American Bully with bad allergies and she was put on a low dose steroid and recently got finished with them and in a week was breaking out in sores and yucky stuff in her ears!! She has had a skin biopsy and it said conclusive with a flea allergy and is on flea medication!! I don't want to put her back on steroids any advice you have would be greatly appreciated thank you!!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 7th, 2016

As there are at least ten fleas in the environment for every flea you find on Bella, and fleas tend to hop on, gorge themselves with blood and then hop off again, There is a possibility that there are still fleas in your house, even if you do not see any.
In order to effectively get rid of fleas you need to do the following:
SInce Bella should not be bitten by fleas at all you should use a flea spray on your dog that kills fleas before they can bite. Frontline or any other spray containing fipronil should be effective there. Also get flea powder, put some in your vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum your house and furniture and also non-carpeted areas frequently to remove flea larvae which live off house dust., Dispose of the bag in the trash outside. Hot-wash all the pet's bedding,
If you do this diligently for a few months you will get rid of the fleas.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 27th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bella. If you just gave her topical flea medications, I would not give her Bravecto. It's not recommended to mix flea medications. Wait two weeks to see if the topical medication works, and if it doesn't then you can try the Bravecto. You also need to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on September 10th, 2019
Poor Bella sounds very itchy! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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