Maltese puppy has a rash, scabs, and dirt on his back. Is it fleas?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 10 days old | 4 lbs
My 10 month old Maltese has a rash on lower back. He also has scabs on his lower back. It's red and it looks like dirt around the redness. I have pictures. When I first got him I would bathe him once every week. He had a flea problem so I would add drops of Dawn soap to kill the fleas and I did use a special soap for the fleas as well. I stopped bathing him often, switched his food to Royal Cainane. I don't know what else to do. Please help.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 11th, 2017
Using Dawn soap or a flea soap will not prevent fleas from occurring, and if Bruce isn't on a monthly prevention, this rash is likely cause by fleas. The dirt you are seeing could be flea dirt, which is essentially flea poop. I would put Bruce on a month flea prevention program. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 21st, 2019
No this isn't normal, and it can be a sign of fleas. If Cash isn't up to date on his flea treatments, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatments, have him seen by a vet for this problem. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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