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My dog is still itching after flea treatment. How to soothe her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

Used revolution still seeing flea bites all over. Bathed in dawn. Cleaned house used flea comb don't see any more fleas but dog is still itching and more bites. Help please. Happy new year. What can I put to soothe her what else can I use?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on December 31st, 2017

Poor Pepsi. Flea bites can be miserable and even once you get rid of the fleas, the body is still having an allergic reaction to the bites. You may need to use oral medication to decrease the itching. I would discuss this with your veterinarian. You may be able to use something over the counter like Benadryl (https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/) or you may need a presciption medication to get rid of the itching. Another thing to consider is that some dogs will develop a skin infection and will need antbiotics after having fleas, so be sure to have your veterinarian examine Pepsi if the red spots on her skin are not improving. Hopefully, you have gotten rid of the fleas, but I have attached addtional flea control information below in case it is needed. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1575 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Revolution can take awhile to completely kill fleas so you may want to ask your veterinarian about adding a product that would kill fleas more quickly like Nexgard or Capstar. You may also need to treat the house since flea eggs are likely still in the house and will continue to hatch. It is also possible that she has a flea bite allergy, so if she has red skin or scabs and is very itchy I would recommend seeing your veterinarian who may be able to prescribe corticosteroids and/or antibiotics to help.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2019

    That is good that you treated for fleas. The itching could be due to continuing flea bites or a secondary bacterial infection. If it's fleas, you will still see signs of fleas for the first month or so because the flea population is still pretty high in the environment. Also keep in mind that if Jujubean is allergic to fleas, an oral flea product that lasts for 30 days may be better and I recommend to discuss this with your veterinarian. It will take 6 months to get rid of all the fleas. If this is more of a secondary bacterial infection, You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions with soap once a day and rinse well (don't wash her whole body, just those spots). Protect the areas from licking or scratching and she may need to wear and Elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions don't start looking better within about a week or if they get worse, have her examined by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 10th, 2016

    Choose one method of flea control. Using all three may lead to negative reactions. A monthly topical treatment is usually the most convenient and effective method. Tobie may have a flea allergy which can be caused by just one flea bite. Have her examined by your veterinarian. Discuss steroid use to provide itch relief followed by antihistamine use to prevent the itch from returning. Antibiotics may be required to prevent or treat skin infection. A colloidal oatmeal bath may also decrease itching. Bathe in cool water and pat dry. Use a tee shirt or booties on her paws to prevent scratching. An e-collar (cone) can be used to prevent licking and chewing.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 14th, 2019

    If the itching was related to fleas, she will still itch a lot for the first 4-6 weeks because the amount of fleas in the environment is still high. She may need a steroid to help decrease her itching temporarily. If she continues itching beyond that time, it may not be related to fleas. Those spots could be several things including allergies, skin mites or a bacterial infection. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions with soap once a day and rinse well (don't wash her whole body, just those spots). Protect the areas from licking or scratching and she may need to wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions don't start looking better within about a week or if they get worse, have her examined by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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