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My puppies have fleas and scabs. How can I treat them effectively?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 17.6 lbs

Our newly adopted Jack/Chi dog came to our home pregnant & had her 8 pups 7 weeks ago. Pups seem to have flea dander & scabs on their back near the neck area. Mom seems to have "hot spots" mostly on her chest, above her tail & under her elbows. We have treated the house 3 different times & put flea collars on all. Flea bath for mom & just started hydrocortisone spray for the mom's hot spots. What can we do about the fleas & the scabs on the puppies? Longer haired ones seem worse.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2017

Flea collars do not work very well and you probably will get better results with a spot-on like Revolution which is labeled for use in puppies older than 6 weeks of age. You could bathe the puppies with a medicated dog shampoo, like Epi-soothe, before applying the revolution. If the scabs persist than they should be examined by a vet for treatment. The puppies may also need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or corticosteroid depending on the severity of the scabs.

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 25th, 2019

    I am glad to hear that they are otherwise doing well. That is unusual. Is there any chance they have fleas? I would recommend you try a gentle dog shampoo, and then use some coconut oil and a flea comb to get these scabs off. If that isn't clearing things up after a few days, get them in to your vet, and if any other symptoms start, please get them to your vet sooner. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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