My dog gets hyper and scratches after flea spray. Is it normal?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would not recommend that you switch him yet as this may be completely coincidental. Nexgard is a great preventative and I would give it more time before switching to something else. Hopefully the scratching is not a reaction to it as that would be quite unusual. If the itchiness continues despite giving it a few days, that would likely be due to allergies rather than a cause of using Nexgard. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately it sounds like something is biting him (like fleas, flea baths and dips only last a few hours to 1 days and do not prevent NEW fleas from jumping back on), or skin irritation from bathing or grooming or full anal glands. Sometimes gassy intestines or stomachs causing cramping will also make dogs jump up quickly. I would check his skin well for irritation or live fleas. I would use a long lasting GOOD flea preventative like the oral medications Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or the Seresto collar. I wish you the best!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Excessive skin itchiness is listed as one of the potential side effects of Capstar. The symptoms are supposed to be mild and transient. Sadie should be back to normal within 24-48hrs, if not please, take her to your local vets for a check.

I would refrain from reapplying this topical product, because you cannot be sure how much of it was rinsed off and it is best to not overdose him. Also the biting and scratching can be normal for any pet that has just received flea preventative if there was a large infestation of fleas. The "itch cascade" as we call it can last even after the parasites are gone, and often pets require a short course of steroids or a steroid shot to stop the itch completely. Your best option at this point, if you still see evidence of fleas or ticks, is to follow up with a medication called Capstar. This is the only flea ridding product that can be used in conjunction with topical flea preventatives, because it does not last in the pets system very long. You can safely redose the Pet armour in 2 weeks time. However I will say I am not a fan of this product and find there are better, more effective ones on the market. For instance, Bravecto, Nexgard, Advantage Multi, just to name a few.

If you’re noticing increased itching in that area and you found a flea, you may try switching the flea prevention to see if that helps. Fleas can become immune to products. The top products on the market are oral products such as Nexgard and Simparica. Most pets can use these products but you should talk with your veterinarian before switching. They are administered once a month and at this point appear to work very well. If the itching goes away, then you know it was related to flea bites. Best of luck.

Thank you for using PetCoach. Pruritus or itching is not listed as a common side effect of Bravecti, however if your cat is not used to topical medications it may be that the sensation is irritating Jack. In most cases, Bravecto is a great flea and tick prevention. If concerned that this is a reaction, I recommend contacting your veterinarian, or the company directly. If there are any signs of seizures or tremoring, please take Jack to an emergency veterinarian ASAP. More info on Bravecto. https://www.plumbsveterinarydrugs.com/sites/default/files/Fluralaner_v3%20FINAL%20UPDATE%20Sept%202018.pdf.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Puppy! I recommend taking her to the Vet. It sounds like she has a bad skin infection from reacting to the medications. The fur should be shaved away, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories should be given. There are great flea and tick medications out there now that are oral: Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto. The topical flea medications do not work nearly as well. And for puppy this will hopefully avoid reactions like this in the future. I hope this helps and I wish Puppy a speedy recovery!