My Maltese has dry skin, scabs, and black specks. Are fleas back?

Using Dawn soap or a flea soap will not prevent fleas from occurring, and if Bruce isn't on a monthly prevention, this rash is likely cause by fleas. The dirt you are seeing could be flea dirt, which is essentially flea poop. I would put Bruce on a month flea prevention program. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. 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.

It's hard to see anything with the photos, however if the skin is flaking a few things could be happening: skin flaking can sometimes happen with parasites, so ruling out fleas or ticks is a good first step. Dry skin can also occur from over grooming (bathing too often which strips the coat of its natural oils), or from possible allergies/issues with diet. Using an aloe or oatmeal shampoo when bathing, adding some vitamin E or fish oil to the diet may help, however if the flaking continues, worsens, or you see irritation on the skin itself, having it checked by a vet is best.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Baby Girl! I think what your describing can still be fleas, especially if you are seeing small black things running around on her skin. Or if you are seeing black squiggley flecks that when wet on a paper towel 'melt" to bloody streaks (flea poop). Flea baths and topical flea treatments do not work as well to prevent fleas from jumping back on the dog. Frequent bathing strips products like Frontline, Advantage/Advantix and Revolution. I have seen dogs infested with fleas where Frontline is used. The fact that Baby Girl has sores makes me recommend that you have her examined by your Vet .She has to be uncomfortable and likely needs antibiotics and something to relieve the itch (prednisone or apoquel). The Vet can check her well for fleas and prescribe a more effective flea preventative (Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica, Seresto Collar). I hope this helps and I wish Baby Girl a speedy recovery!

I am sorry to hear about Freckles. The black crusts could be flea dirt, which is digested blood left behind by the fleas (if you place it on a paper towel and wet the black debris and it turns a rust color then it is likely flea dirt). We can also get skin infections resulting in crust and debris in dogs. I would recommend an examination by his vet if he is very itchy. He may need oral medications, or a topical treatment such as a medicated shampoo like Duoxo Chlorhexidine may be needed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ivy. Sarcoptic mange is typically spread to dogs from wildlife and is extremely itchy. Fleas are very itchy as well, but not likely if she is on prevention. Demodex is another type of mange, but typically results in bald lesions. It is not usually itchy. Allergic skin disease can cause rash like lesions. It is usually itchy as well. This can be due to an allergy to something in her diet, environment or even something she has contact with such as bedding. I recommend bathing her with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula. This can soothe the skin. If the lesions do not heal, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

I can see how red Barbie's belly is, as well as some marks where she has been scratching herself. She also has some red bumps, which can be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, as well as certain types of skin mites. Certain hormonal imbalances such as Cushing's disease (an overproduction of steroids by the body), and food allergies can cause signs like this as well. I recommend having Barbie seen by a vet soon to determine the cause and any underlying conditions. A vet will be able to determine the appropriate treatment and prescribe any antibiotics or medicated shampoos that will treat this issue. I hope this helps and would be happy to answer any questions you may have!