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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Catherine Stecyk

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 23rd, 2019

  Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Fifi has had a bad reaction to the Adam's flea spray, so this should NOT be used again. The only topical flea and tick products that should be used on dogs (and cats) are those purchased from a veterinarian. Flea and tick products that are purchased from a pet or food store or online are not safe or effective for dogs, and can cause these painful skin reactions, or can even cause dogs to become systemically sick. I recommend contacting your local veterinarian about what flea and tick products they offer. Appropriate topical options include K9 advantage and Frontline. There are also oral options such as Bravecto and Nexgard, as well as a collar than can be worn (Seresto collar) for up to 8 months of flea and tick prevention! I hope this is helpful.

  

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  Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 16th, 2019

  This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Snow regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or Apoquel in order to stop the allergy.

  

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 26th, 2018

  It sounds like Noirs skin is very irritating. This could possibly be due to fleas or a developing allergy. We need more information in order to best help her. I think a proper exam by your vet is the next best step here, so that her fur can be examined for fleas or flea dirt, and her skin looked at to see if there are signs of skin allergies. Until you can get her seen, you can go ahead and get her on an over the counter flea medication if you wish. Just keep in mind that the over the counter ones are not as effective as the ones through your vet. Some decent over the counter brands are Advantage II or Advantix. I would also recommend bathing her in an aloe based or oatmeal based shampoo to help soothe her skin and paws. Duoxo calm shampoo is found online and helps reduce inflammation and itching very well in dogs with known skin allergies. I hope that this helps calm your fur baby Noir's skin down and helps her relax a bit. Best wishes and take care.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful