Why does my dog still have skin bumps and itch after vet treatment?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. 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!

Bravecto is generally a very good product and at this point, especially with not seeing any fleas, it’s unlikely that they are the cause of itching. I don’t recommend to apply another product or to give the Bravecto early. Pets can be itchy for many reasons. Itching on the feet can be a sign that she walked through a chemical or plant that may be causing an allergic reaction. Also try to recall if she has had any new foods or treats as that could cause itching too. Lastly, environmental allergies can flare up when our homes are closed up in winter time with the furnace circulating large amounts of dust, dust mites and other indoor allergens. At home you can start her on an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this will help improve skin health. You should also call you veterinarian and ask about antihistamines or if they think she needs something stronger. Bathing her in a oatmeal dog shampoo and conditioner can also help decrease itchiness. Most dogs can be bathed once a week. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Personally, I no longer use Ivermectin to treat Demodex. I stopped about a year ago. I started using Bravecto (flea and tick preventative) that is used to treat Demodex off label. It is not marketed for use in cases of Demodex but many vets, including myself, have been using Bravecto to treat Demodex cases with very fast responses to treatment. I would discuss this as a different treatment option with your veterinarian. Rather than using Ivermectin injections, the Bravecto is given as a treat and lasts for about 3 months for one single dose. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. I am sorry that Bailey has these issues. Often-times fleas/tick infestations can lead to secondary infections which need antibiotics to treat. This could be the 'bumps' on her side- they could be little pustules of infection. Without seeing her we cannot tell for sure. Also, after removing parasites it can take some time for the skin to calm down enough for the itching to stop. If she was covered in fleas/ticks, it is also possible she also has mange, which may require different medication to treat. The scabs and fur loss/thinning is likely due to itching/scratching and self-trauma from the irritation. Keep her clean and dry, and if you can bring her to a vet to ensure all of the parasites are gone, and to check if antibiotics are needed. Flea treatment also needs to be repeated every 2 weeks for 3 treatments, to ensure you kill the fleas that have hatched from the eggs (the eggs survive your bath). Good luck with Bailey!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Brutus! After a bad flea infestation and reaction it is best to have your Vet treat the skin with a course of antibiotics and steroids. A skin infection usually results from all the scratching from the fleas. This is the quickest way to resolving Brutus's skin issues and to make him feel better. You can try the cream but I wouldn't want him to lick it and it will get stuck in his fur. Plus that is a very large area for cream. I hope this helps and I wish Brutus the best!

Allergies, either to something in the environment or less often to food, would be the most common cause of itching if Charlie is on a prescription flea preventative. He may have a secondary skin infection as well since you are feeling bumps. Mange can cause hair loss but usually isn’t significantly itchy.

You have to treat the environment as well, as fleas don't live on the dog, they live in the home. If you haven't treated your home, that could be why Kobi is still scratching. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps.