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My new dog has hot spots from flea allergy. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 9 months and 23 days old | 35 lbs

My dog has a skin irritation and I'm not sure what steps to take. To offer more background, I just adopted Hercules about a week ago and when I adopted him they had told me he was allergic to flea bites and that they had cleared the fleas up at the shelter, after talking my pup home I've noticed that he has many hot spots under his belly and around his genetalia, I have been adding coconut oil to his diet and I bought a special shampoo that is suppose to relieve it but to no avail.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2017

Congrats on your new dog, but I'm sorry Hercules is having problems with his skin! This flea allergy could be caused the rash, and he may need stronger drugs such as steroids to clean up it up. Coconut oil will not help a flea allergy, he needs to see a vet for it. You can try giving him an oatmeal bath and Epsom salt bath tonight to get him some temporary relief, and then have him seen by a vet in the morning.

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    Answered By Crystal L. Nelson

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    You'll want to visit your local Veterinarian. It seems as though Hercules has a secondary infection originating with the flea allergy. Antibiotics and time will be best. Congratulations! He's adorable!

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