My+dog+seems+to+be+scratching+alot+and+pulling+out+hair.++We+have+put+on+flea+medicine+but+she+is+still+scratching.+. Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 3 months old | 22 lbs

Scratching and biting can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Ziegen with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take him to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Even though you have treated for fleas on Leai and in her environment, they could still be the source of the ongoing pruritis (itching), as a dog suffering from a flea allergy can remain pruritic even after the fleas are removed due to activation of the itch cascade and possible secondary development of a superficial pyoderma (skin infection), or the presence of an environmental allergy unrelated to the flea allergy. Some of these patients will require additional medications, prescribed through their veterinarian, to treat and control the pruritis. It can be oral medications such as Apoquel, Atopica, corticosteroids, or antihistamines, topical therapies such as medicated shampoos/conditioners or sprays, transitioning to a diet formulated to improve skin factors that can contribute to the itch cycle development such as Hill's Derm Defense diet, or the addition of Omega Fatty Acids daily to Leai's diet. It is also important to remember that not all over-the-counter flea preventatives are as effective as some options. I would recommend the use of Advantage II or Advantix topically once monthly, or the use of a Seresto collar, long-term to prevent a flea re-infestation. Seresto collars allow for up to 8 months of protection from fleas and ticks. There are also numerous options that can be purchased through your veterinarian, that include topical or oral formulations (such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Simpirica). If Leai continues to be pruritic I would recommend having her evaluated by her veterinarian to determine what additional treatments can be implemented to help control the itch.

Why is my dog still scratching and losing hair after flea meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My+dog+seems+to+be+scratching+alot+and+pulling+out+hair.++We+have+put+on+flea+medicine+but+she+is+still+scratching.+

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS 86

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2017

Scratching can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Lilbit with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take her to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Why is my dog still scratching and losing hair after flea meds?

Most Helpful Answer

Other Answers

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

Share