My dog has red, itchy skin, scabs, and hair loss. Is it fleas?

Question

ever since moving my dog has been having skin and flea issues. Her skin is very sensitive and likes to be scratched. I’ve been noticing redness on her stomach, hind legs and near her tail. some are scabs other are just red spots. I don’t know what it is or how to treat it. I would like to use as little chemicals to treat this but I’ll do anything to help her. She also has been having hairloss on her hind legs from this, this may be from biting and scratching the skin. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | 5 years and 5 months old | 10 lbs

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA · Accepted Answer

The symptoms you have described are pretty classic for Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Some dogs are actually allergic to flea bites, similar to how some humans react to mosquito bites and some aren't bothered by them. The best way to treat this is to get rid of the fleas using a good-quality monthly flea preventative. The most effective preventatives are prescription from a vet. Lila may also need antibiotics or anti-inflammatories to treat the skin while the fleas go away (which takes 12 weeks since the fleas have laid eggs in the environment that will hatch later). https://www.petcoach.co/article/flea-allergy-dermatitis-or-flea-bite-hypersensitivity/

My dog has red, itchy skin, scabs, and hair loss. Is it fleas?

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