My dog has flea allergy & dry skin. How to stop her scratching?

Question

I took Sophie to the vet for a cortisone shot due to a flea allergy. Dr York told me that Sophie would benefit from a flea treatment and that she had very sensitive, dry skin. He recommended Science Diet Sensitive and mixing the wet and dry food together. Sophie will scratch and groom to a point of self mutilation. What else can I do to help her? Is a routine cortisone shot a good idea? I don't want to aggravate her skin or cause her anymore pain. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

Jenny, DVM · Accepted Answer

If it is from a flea allergy, then regular flea control will be needed to treat the underlying cause. Cortisone shorts can have side effects such as increased thirst and urinating and weight gain which can affect joints and arthritis is older animals. Long term use or high doses can also lead to diabetes and liver problems. They do make other medications to help control allergies that are safer to consider. A food allergy may also be contributing and you may want to talk about a prescription diet to minimize more ingredients.

My dog has flea allergy & dry skin. How to stop her scratching?

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