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My dog has fleas, itchy skin, sores. Home remedies without a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 55 lbs

I have a dog that was a stray but I now do my best to take care of him but Im on a fixed income now an can't afford to take him to a vet an I've called all over to try to get a payment plan but no luck.He has fleas,I've tried many things but I think he's allergic because he has lost hair on the lower half of back and has sores,scaley dry skin,An gets no peace,he always itches.PLEASE HELP,I can't afford a vet,what can I do from home,natural or not to give him relief?Should I shave him,PLEASE HELP

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 26th, 2017

Oh dear, poor Bullet! Fleas can be tricky to manage and some dogs can actually be allergic to flea bites, causing them to scratch even more intensely and some can then develop a bacterial skin infection from all of their scratching. Since you are describing sores and scabs down Bullet's back, that is my concern for him at this point. While a vet visit would certainly be ideal, I can understand your financial constraints and there are some medications that you can try at home.

For flea management, start by giving Bullet a Capstar tablet ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10902 ) that will initially kill all adult fleas. However, the flea eggs will hatch and grow, so be sure to also start him on a high quality flea and tick preventative. K9 Advantix II ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23033 ) is my favorite over the counter option, but there are good oral flea and tick preventatives (such as Nexgard and Bravecto) that are prescription-based. Be sure to keep Bullet on one of these flea preventatives every single month to break the flea egg-larvae-adult life cycle.

As for the scabs on Bullet's back, you can try a medicated antiseptic shampoo ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27982). Temporarily putting an e-collar (cone) on him will also be helpful to prevent him from chewing on his skin, causing further skin irritation. If these strategies are unsuccessful, the only other option is to take him to the vet. I understand your financial concerns, but fortunately there are some resources available to help. Care Credit (carecredit.com) can provide financing options. There are also many non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary care (redrover.org, humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962, bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets, lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/, https://getyourpet.com).

I hope that all goes well!
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