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My puppy has bald spots & flaky skin on paws after fleas. Mange? Vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 7 days old | 4 lbs

We got a puppy and when we brought her home we bathed her and she had so many fleas and ticks! I felt so bad for the poor thing! The previous owners obviously didn't care for her. But she has these little bald spots on her paws that have flaky skin do you think it's just dry hair or maybe hair loss from the fleas? Or could it be something worse like mange? I haven't really seen her lick her paws or bite them so I'm guessing they don't itch? Should I take her to the vet or just see if it improves

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2017

Poor girl. With so many external skin parasites on her then hair loss due is common to occur. There is no harm in waiting 1-2 weeks to see if the hair starts to grow back on its own. As long as she isn't chewing her paws excessively and seems bothered then it's ok to wait things out for now. Also try an oatmeal based puppy shampoo to hear her skin. When she is at least 6 weeks of age then visit your vet to get her on topical Revolution to protect her from future infestations. Monitor her behavior as well and if she acts ill in the next few days then it's best to get her seen to make sure she didn't pick up a big from the many parasites she had on her. Best wishes with your new puppy Reina and I hope everything goes smooth from here on out with her new responsible owner. Take care.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Since she's a new pet, she should be examined by your veterinarian. The spots don't look like mange but it is difficult to determine with only an image to go by. When she is 8 weeks old, you can use Frontline Plus on her every month to protect against fleas and ticks. Frontline Spray can be used until then to treat for fleas. You should also treat the environment for fleas as well. Vacuum everywhere Reina has been and wash all bedding. She should be dewormed by your vet since fleas carry tapeworm and puppies are frequently infected with roundworm.

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