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My dog has itchy black scabs near her tail. Is it fleas or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Brittany | Female | spayed | 1812 years and 5 months old | 54 lbs

my brittany span has sores down by her tail on her back and the scabs are black they come off and are runny and itchy i thought it was fkeas but after 4 baths and a flea treatment they are still there

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Baby Girl! I think what your describing can still be fleas, especially if you are seeing small black things running around on her skin. Or if you are seeing black squiggley flecks that when wet on a paper towel 'melt" to bloody streaks (flea poop). Flea baths and topical flea treatments do not work as well to prevent fleas from jumping back on the dog. Frequent bathing strips products like Frontline, Advantage/Advantix and Revolution. I have seen dogs infested with fleas where Frontline is used. The fact that Baby Girl has sores makes me recommend that you have her examined by your Vet .She has to be uncomfortable and likely needs antibiotics and something to relieve the itch (prednisone or apoquel). The Vet can check her well for fleas and prescribe a more effective flea preventative (Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica, Seresto Collar). I hope this helps and I wish Baby Girl a speedy recovery!

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