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Why is my small dog scratching and losing hair despite baths?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 7 lbs

Small dog she keep scratching hair loss been given her bath thinking she has fleas but she continue to scratch bad she is eating mix food hard an soft sometimes table she is about a year an a half i want to know why is she scratching an her hair is fall out

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 14th, 2017

Poor Faith sounds very itchy and uncomfortable! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. A bath won't get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back. If she isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I will give you the flea treatment program I recommend. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps!

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