My Golden Retriever was treated with a topical over-the-counter flea medication (the kind you put down the back), about 2 weeks ago. I don't know if he had any fleas at that time, but I didn't notice scratching. Not until the last day or two. Now he is. Is it ok to give him something else -- for example, an oral medication to treat fleas? Is it possible that he does have fleas now? Is there any other reason he would be scratching?
2006-06-16 11:10:38 · 22 answers · asked by zoeskylark 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have 4 dogs and the only flea medication I have found that works is frontline. You can order it through your vet or petmeds.com. The most important thing with any of the applicator type flea medications is to not let the dog get wet for at least 48 hrs after application. You do have to be careful about overdose. When in doubt ask your vet, if you have a good one like mine then you should be able to ask those questions for free.
2006-06-16 11:16:48 · answer #1 · answered by phalkor 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He might be scratching for other reasons than fleas - maybe he has dry skin or maybe the flea medication you used was irritating, you didn't mention what you used. If you have a Pets R Us or similar large pet store near you, look for a medicated shampoo. A good one will require you leave it on for 10 minutes or more to work. It make take 3 or 4 washings spaced 3 or 4 days apart. Dogs scratch due to skin problems, stress, diet, many reasons - fleas is not the only reason. Also if the fleas bit your dog, even after the bugs are gone, the bites are still there - the medicated shampoo will help cool the irritation.
2006-06-16 11:31:30 · answer #2 · answered by Dizzy Blonde Mom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What brand of topcial flea treatment did you use? How long is it good for? Some meds are only good for a couple weeks; other should last for up to 4 weeks. It could be that your guy has some dry skin, too. Do a visual check on your dog where he is scratching. If there are fleas, you'll be able to see them. Also, he could be scratching where they were bothering him before. Its like a rash, it just keeps getting worse until you leave it alone. You could try some soothing creams or oils. You can find them at your local pet store. Oatmeal shampoo is good for this, too.
2006-06-16 11:16:01 · answer #3 · answered by Carissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he did have fleas before and his bites itch, or he might have them again. All bugs seem to be relentless during this time of the year.
Since he was already treated, i'd ask a veterinarian and see if it's safe/necessary for your dog to get another treatment. I think it's ok if he got another topical treatment, but I don't know about oral medication. What does the warning labels on the flea medicine box say?
2006-06-16 11:18:08 · answer #4 · answered by collietta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most common cause for scratching in dogs, esp. the lab breeds, is dry skin usually caused by preservatives in dog food.
It happens all the time. Find a breed of dry dog biscuits that have no preservatives. If you are feeding your dog canned food, STOP. It is absolute rubbish, stuffed full of things guaranteed to make your dog unhealthy and miserable.
Pour some olive oil over the preservative-free dry dog biscuits to encourage a good skin tone occasionally, and feed your dog raw split marrow bones - at least one a week. The marrow is an essential part of the diet and will help with the skin.
Even if this doesn't stop the scratching, meaning there's another cause for the dry skin, your dog will certainly be healthier.
2006-06-16 20:59:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He could still have fleas as those over the counter flea meds down the back just don't work as well as the spendy ones from the vet. Sad, but true.
Or, he could be allergic to the OTC stuff, or he just could have dry skin from shedding. Give him a bath with skin conditioning stuff and brush him often and well. And look for fleas while your at it and if he has them, it's worth the $50 for the 6 month supply of the good stuff (advantage) at the vet.
2006-06-16 11:17:12 · answer #6 · answered by maat13101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fleas aren't the only thing that cause scratching. My parents dog was scratching a lot and they took him to the vet. He had a skin disorder that the doctor treated with some steroids. They helped and he doesn't scratch anymore.
2006-06-16 11:16:55 · answer #7 · answered by Tamborine 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can part his hair and determine if he has fleas - you will see the fleas or the "flea dirt" they leave behind (which is actually digested blood).
Dogs will scratch for many different reasons. You should see a veterinarian before this develops into a bigger problem.
In my experience, the flea/tick medications you get from the store are just not worth the savings. Go to your veterinarian for quality products that are safe and effective. I have seen more than enough cats and dogs that have toxicity reactions to products bought in the pet department of a chain store, pet stores, or from the grocery store.
2006-06-16 11:27:05 · answer #8 · answered by Buddha13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be dry skin, an allergic reaction to the flea meds.,or a skin virus. Dogs do get a form of eczema. All this can be treated with medication from the vet,changing the kind of food they eat to increase the oil in their skin and coat and shampoo's that provide lanolin to moisturize the skin.
2016-03-19 03:46:27 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's interesting
2016-07-27 00:44:24 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋