My dog has scaly, greasy, smelly skin from fleas. Can I use tea tree oil?

Question

Every year my 10 year old German Shepard/ collie mix female has allergies to fleas and loses her hair from mid back to back legs. This year she was especially bad and we have to treat rather aggressively. Now she has this scaly flaky but greasy skin that has a bad odor. I suspect fungus infection. Wondering if I could use tea tree oil or would I have to treat with antibiotics/antifungals? Still itching but asymptomatic otherwise. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 3 months old | 90 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

HI, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Bailey! Fleas can really wreak havoc on the skin. From the scratching animals can get secondary bacterial and yeast infections. A lot of the time they need steroids or apoquel and antibiotics and/or antifungals to get over the hump. Taking her to your Vet for medications will allow her to heal and feel better faster. Since she is so allergic to fleas I recommend aggressive year round flea medications, the oral formulations (Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica) are great as are the Seresto collars which last 8 months and repel fleas. With that being said, I would avoid the tea tree oil and use a medicated shampoo followed by a conditioner if you do not want to take her to the Vet. Let the shampoo sit on her skin for 10 mins before rinsing. I provided links to a shampoo and conditioner I like. I hope this helps and I wish Bailey a speedy recovery! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=35843

My dog has scaly, greasy, smelly skin from fleas. Can I use tea tree oil?

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