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My dog is in pain and restless after flea shampoo. Is it a reaction?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | neutered | 9 months and 11 days old | 34.6 lbs

Gave my dog a bath with Hartz Flea and tick shampoo. Short while later he started limping/favoring one leg and acted as if he was in pain. He is also very restless and groaning a lot. He lays down, gives a big groan then gets up and readjusts his position and repeats the same steps. He acts like he can’t get comfortable and has been lethargic since the bath. I read bad reviews about the shampoo and had no idea it was dangerous to use. Could this be some type of reaction? Should I be concerned?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Scout!

I haven't heard of limping as a side effect of flea shampoo. Usually the side effects are GI (vomiting, diarrhea, not eating), lethargy, skin irritation or neurologic (seizures, twitching).

I think maybe he hurt himself before, during or after the bath and that is the the cause of the limping. The discomfort and lethargy could be from the bath or the painful leg.

If he is still uncomfortable, lethargic, limping, not eating through out the day then I would bathe him in Dawn to remove the flea product and take him to the Vet. I recommend the edible flea and tick products (Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica) to prevent and get rid of flea infestations.

I wish Scout the best!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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