My dog has fleas, irritated skin, and hair loss. What can I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 15th, 2018

  Fleas and allergies to fleas can set-up an environment for infection. It's possible that this is complicating the recovery process. The skin will often start to heal once the fleas are gone, but it's worth treating for infection by giving a bath with a medicated dog shampoo (can get this at the pet store). I recommend discontinuing the use of the other products (except the flea control) for now, because overuse and misuse of certain products can actually delay healing or make the problem worse. For instance, I worry about the use of the coconut oil, because fungal and bacterial infections will thrive in the coconut oil. The grain-free food will not help this condition, so is also not necessary.
  
  It's best to just give a bath with the medicated shampoo once every 2-3 days, until the skin starts to look normal. It's expected that it will take a month or more until he starts to look normal again, so stick with it and he should get through this fine.
  
  Treating for fleas is not just restricted to the host, because fleas can reproduce and nest in the environment and continually cause an issue. Below is a link to a short article that explains treating the dog for fleas and the environment for fleas:
  
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
  
  If the skin problems are not getting better, or are getting worse in the next two weeks, then it's best to have King evaluated by a vet, because he may need additional treatment.
  
  I hope that helps and King gets better soon.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 9th, 2017

  Fleas and allergies to fleas can set-up an environment for infection. It's possible that this is complicating the recovery process. The skin will often start to heal once the fleas are gone, but it's worth treating for infection by giving a bath with a medicated dog shampoo (can get this at the pet store).
  
  It's best to just give a bath with the medicated shampoo once every week, until the skin starts to look normal. It's expected that it will take a month or more until the dogs start to look normal again, so stick with it and they should get through this fine.
  
  Treating for fleas is not just restricted to the host, because fleas can reproduce and nest in the environment and continually cause an issue. Below is a link to a short article that explains treating the dogs and environment for fleas:
  
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
  
  If the skin problems are not getting better, or are getting worse in the next two weeks, then it's best to have your dogs evaluated by a vet, because they may have other problems and/or need additional treatment.
  
  For good information about keeping your dogs comfortable is cold weather, I recommend you read the short article at the link below.
  
  https://www.utahhumane.org/our-programs/investigation/cold-weather-care-dogs
  
  I hope that helps and all is well with Zoe and Bella..

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful