Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog is still itching after bath, flea meds, and Benadryl. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 years and 6 months old | 12 lbs

My pet is itching and licking after a bath with oatmeal wash. I adopted him a month ago, this is the second time that I've used it. Additionally, I've used a flea/tick serum on him for the second time ( 30 day application). I've given him Benadryl and he seems to still itch occasionally, how can I help him?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2017

Poor Max. It sounds like he may have an allergy to the shampoo or an environmental allergy. If you have already tried Benadryl and a sensitive skin shampoo the next step is to get stronger medicaitons through your vet. I would recommend asking your vet about trying a short trial of Apoquel (allergy medication) on Max. You may also want to consider switching flea preventions, especially if the one he is currently on isn't veterinary approved. I highly recommend Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica or Firstshield (Vectra) for flea prevention. I hope this helps and you can continue the Benadryl (as long as he doesn't have any contraindications to its use- i.e. Heart disease) in the meantime so that he at least has something on board for the itch. Best of luck at the vet and take care.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored