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My dog has fleas, itchy skin, sores. Home remedies without a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 55 lbs

I have a dog that was a stray but I now do my best to take care of him but Im on a fixed income now an can't afford to take him to a vet an I've called all over to try to get a payment plan but no luck.He has fleas,I've tried many things but I think he's allergic because he has lost hair on the lower half of back and has sores,scaley dry skin,An gets no peace,he always itches.PLEASE HELP,I can't afford a vet,what can I do from home,natural or not to give him relief?Should I shave him,PLEASE HELP

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 26th, 2017

Oh dear, poor Bullet! Fleas can be tricky to manage and some dogs can actually be allergic to flea bites, causing them to scratch even more intensely and some can then develop a bacterial skin infection from all of their scratching. Since you are describing sores and scabs down Bullet's back, that is my concern for him at this point. While a vet visit would certainly be ideal, I can understand your financial constraints and there are some medications that you can try at home. For flea management, start by giving Bullet a Capstar tablet ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10902 ) that will initially kill all adult fleas. However, the flea eggs will hatch and grow, so be sure to also start him on a high quality flea and tick preventative. K9 Advantix II ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23033 ) is my favorite over the counter option, but there are good oral flea and tick preventatives (such as Nexgard and Bravecto) that are prescription-based. Be sure to keep Bullet on one of these flea preventatives every single month to break the flea egg-larvae-adult life cycle. As for the scabs on Bullet's back, you can try a medicated antiseptic shampoo ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27982). Temporarily putting an e-collar (cone) on him will also be helpful to prevent him from chewing on his skin, causing further skin irritation. If these strategies are unsuccessful, the only other option is to take him to the vet. I understand your financial concerns, but fortunately there are some resources available to help. Care Credit (carecredit.com) can provide financing options. There are also many non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary care (redrover.org, humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962, bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets, lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/, https://getyourpet.com). I hope that all goes well!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You need to spend the money for a GOOD flea prevention. There are great over the counter topical flea treatments. I would recommend Pet Armor Plus. You can buy it at Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/PetArmor-Plus-For-Dogs-45-88-lbs-3-CT/42425084 It is really inexpensive. Three doses is less than $28.00 depending on your dog's weight. You apply one dose per month so this will last you 3 months. If he has a true flea allergy you must keep flea prevention on him EVERY month. Next I would recommend you bathe Bullet with a medicated shampoo - NOT a flea shampoo. This one would be best: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Veterinary-Formula-Clinical-Care-Hot-Spot-and-Itch-Relief-Medicated-Shampoo-for-Dogs-and-Cats-16-fl-oz/24885757 You can bathe him 2-3 times per week until his skin is improving. It will take a while for the hair to grow back. Finally, you need to treat the environment - the house and the yard. Try these products and use as directed. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adams-Yard-Garden-Spray-32-0-FL-OZ/44432720 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adams-Flea-Tick-Home-Carpet-Spray-16-oz/47334558 Whatever you do, do not use HARTZ products for flea/tick treatment/prevention. It is cheaper but it does not work well and actually many dogs have reactions to them. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Bullet.

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