Dog scratching, red bumps. Fleas? Will Nexgard stop the itching?

Question

Jax has also had red bumpy areas around his back legs. He has been scratching at the rash looking section for a day now and I am 99% sure that it is fleas. Should I get him and next guard chew and if I do will that stop the itching within the next few days. He has been biting at himself for more than two days now and I think that it is fleas. There are no visible fleas just him biting himself. I am not sure if the fleas have laid eggs and that is what's causing the itching? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 60 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am very sorry to hear about Jax's itching. Nexgard is a great product for fleas (I use it on my own dog) but it isn't going to make the itching stop immediately as it doesn't affect inflammation in the skin. The itching if it is due to fleas is due to flea bites that have occurred (the flea doesn't have to still be on the dog). Some dogs are especially sensitive to flea bites and it can make them very itchy. Often these dogs benefit from a short course of steroids to really stop the inflammation/itching. I would call your vet to find out if they feel you should bring Jax in. They may decide to see him to prescribe medication, or they may be able to tell you an over the counter antihistamine you can try. You can also try a soothing shampoo/creme rinse such as something with oatmeal or if your vet sells shampoos I like the Episoothe product, and a fatty acid supplement which can decrease inflammation in the skin, but often a few days of steroids will stop the problem much more quickly!

Dog scratching, red bumps. Fleas? Will Nexgard stop the itching?

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