Can I give my dog a flea bath for dry skin while on ivermectin?

Yes, some of these shampoos can cause excessive dryness of the skin. It can take a few weeks to get back to normal. You may consider a topical application like commercially available emu oil sprays for pets, fish oil supplements (also available Online for pets), as well as alternative flea and rock medication and a good moisturizing pet shampoo like hydrapearls.

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach. You should not have to use any flea shampoo now that she is on the Nexgard. Those flea shampoos are harsh on their skin and full of chemicals. You can use the L'oreal but it is not really recommended. If you do use it, use it sparingly and don't make it a habit. Dog skin is a different pH than ours, therefore, our shampoos tend to dry them out and strip the natural oils from their coats. I suggest you use a calming dog shampoo like this one. It will not dry her out or strip the oils. You can bathe her frequently with this shampoo with no ill effects. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Veterinary-Formula-Clinical-Care-Oatmeal-and-Tea-Tree-Oil-Infuser-Shampoo-for-Dogs-16-fl-oz/24893174 Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Itching can be due to a flea infestation, so it's good to apply the flea medication. In cases of long-standing, or severe itching there is a chance that secondary skin infections may form. A medicated shampoo would be helpful for controlling infection, but would not be helpful for the primary cause of the itch. If you do use the shampoo, then it's best to do it before you apply the flea treatment, or at-least 48 hours after. For more information about relieving itching, I recommend you read the short article at the link below. https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-great-strategies-for-relieving-your-dog-s-allergies/ I hope that helps and all is well with Baby.

If you bought it over the counter (OTC), no prescription is needed. Directions for use should be on the container. Do not bathe more often than directed since this may make the itching worse and can dry out the skin. Try to determine the underlying cause of the itch. This may require a visit and exam with your veterinarian. Causes may include skin infection, external parasites, allergies or food sensitivities.

Use an oatmeal type bath. This will help to moisturize the skin. You may also ask your veterinarian about using a special prescription shampoo which can help to clear out the pores and may be somewhat effective against the mites (though you need to continue your current treatment). I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello again. I am glad that you got her tested and got to the bottom of her skin problems. The veterinarian will have to give you specifics on how to give this medication because by law we are not allowed to give out the very complex dosage regimen for ivermectin without having first physically examined Pushinka. We are bound to the rules of the veterinary client patient relationship act, which prohibits this or we fear disciplinary action and even a loss of our license. If you ask your vet they will likely give you the dosages that she needs based on her weight. She will need to be on this for roughly 4-6 weeks. She needs to have 2 negative skin scrapes before being taken off the medication and skin scrapes should be done every 3 weeks. I would also continue the shampoo we discussed to also control the secondary bacterial infections that are occurring on her skin. I would then discuss with your vet about prescribing dosages for an antihistamine to hopefully help control the itch. Best of luck with Pushinka!

I would not put any human prescribed medications on Nala as there may be ingredients or chemicals in them that are harmful to her. If she has dry skin, a soothing aloe or oatmeal shampoo can help with dry skin, as well as supplementing with vitamin E or fish oils to help improve the coat. If you suspect mites or parasites, treating those and getting them under control can help as well. You can also place an Elizabethan (cone) collar or T-shirt on Nala to keep her from licking and scratching to reduce irritation as well.