My dog has a black, smelly rash from flea medicine. What to do?

Question

My dog, F, 7yr, 5lb Chihuahua had a bad reaction to topical flea medicine. She has a black, crusty, scabby, very smelly rash on the back of her neck. 3 days after applying to back of neck it was like glue stuck in her hair. It was hurting her bad so I gave her bath and got as much as I could out of her hair. For a week she wouldn't let anyone touch her bc it hurt. Now it's all dried up, black, scabby and it stinks really bad. What could b wrong? What can I do? It smells really bad. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Puppy! I recommend taking her to the Vet. It sounds like she has a bad skin infection from reacting to the medications. The fur should be shaved away, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories should be given. There are great flea and tick medications out there now that are oral: Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto. The topical flea medications do not work nearly as well. And for puppy this will hopefully avoid reactions like this in the future. I hope this helps and I wish Puppy a speedy recovery!

My dog has a black, smelly rash from flea medicine. What to do?

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