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My dog has scabs, bumps & hair loss after flea treatment. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 4 years old

My dog recently got infested with ticks and fleas and has been scratching a lot. We gave her a bath using Bayopet antiflea shampoo then rubbed antiflea powder on her. She's parasite free now ( I think), but she's still itching and has scabs. The fur on her sides (where the ribs are? Near the tummy) are also thining. She also has bald/thining hair patches. What's got me even worried is that she has numerous bumps on her chest and sides. They weren't there whem she still had fleas and ticks. :(

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

Hello. I am sorry that Bailey has these issues. Often-times fleas/tick infestations can lead to secondary infections which need antibiotics to treat. This could be the 'bumps' on her side- they could be little pustules of infection. Without seeing her we cannot tell for sure. Also, after removing parasites it can take some time for the skin to calm down enough for the itching to stop. If she was covered in fleas/ticks, it is also possible she also has mange, which may require different medication to treat. The scabs and fur loss/thinning is likely due to itching/scratching and self-trauma from the irritation. Keep her clean and dry, and if you can bring her to a vet to ensure all of the parasites are gone, and to check if antibiotics are needed. Flea treatment also needs to be repeated every 2 weeks for 3 treatments, to ensure you kill the fleas that have hatched from the eggs (the eggs survive your bath). Good luck with Bailey!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on July 9th, 2017

    Ouch! It looks like Bailey may have a secondary infection from licking and scratching at the area, even if the parasites are gone. It would be best to bring her into the vet to have the area cleaned and antibiotics given to help treat the infection. Some pets can also be allergic to the bites themselves, and may benefit from an allergy medication as well to help relieve the inflammation. Using an Elizabethan (cone) collar until you can get into your vet can help keep her from licking more and causing the infection to spread.

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