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My dog had fleas, now has a rash and won't stop itching. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 5 months old

I left my dog with my mother for a few weeks (I had to go out of town) and when I came back she was covered in fleas. I bought medication, flea collar and medicine got rid of them all. However, she contracted a rather nasty rash from the itching she'd done. She's had this before, it isn't nothing I haven't dealt with and fixed. But even without the fleas she's continuing to itch and reopen the skin, I was wondering if there was something I could give her for the itching?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 20th, 2017

Ouch, poor Rose! Some dogs are allergic to fleas and can become intensely itchy, which can then lead to the development of a bacterial skin infection, which only amplifies the itch cycle. You did the right thing by starting Rose on flea prevention (K9 Advantix II is my favorite OTC topical), but a flea collar is unnecessary. Be sure to continue using topical flea prevention monthly to prevent flea eggs from hatching to larvae and reproducing. With the redness on Rose's skin, it is highly suspicious that she has developed a skin infection, which requires antibiotics for resolution. There aren't any over the counter medications available to to help with her itching or skin infection, so Rose will need to go to the vet. The vet will be able to prescribe the best medication (likely antibiotics and anti-itch medications) for Rose to remedy this issue. I hope that she feels better soon!

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Rose looks like she has a secondary bacterial skin infection from the scratching. The skin infection is also itchy which is why Rose is continuing to scratch. While for mild cases a medicated pet shampoo bath may work well with how widespread hers is I suspect she will need antibiotics from your veterinarian. If you try the bathing route let the shampoo sit on her skin for 5 to 10 minutes prior to renting to get maximal effect.

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