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My dog has fleas, is itching, and losing hair. Nothing works. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Long Coat) | Female | unspayed | 7 years and 5 months old | 4 lbs

My dog has a problem with itching and scratchi g due to fleas. I have tried numerous products and even the pills. Nothing is helping. Now her hair is falling out she gets baths and I use the calming kotions and shampoos etc. What should I do about the fleas?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 28th, 2018

If topical or oral treatments have not been successful, discuss options with your veterinarian. He or she may stock different products. Choose one and use it for at least 3 consecutive months. Once the dog is treated, treat the environment. It takes this long to disrupt the flea life cycle. A majority of the flea population lives off of the pet. They only jump on to take a meal then jump off. You should vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately after. Wash all bedding in the hottest water allowable by fabric and dry in the dryer. Use an area treatment, such as Indorex or Knockout ES, to prevent reinfestation. In sensitive dogs, just one flea bite can set off an allergic reaction. Discuss antihistamine use with your veterinarian. Trixie may need a short acting steroid to provide relief. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent excessive licking or chewing.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I can give you a flea treatment program for Trixie. First, I would give her 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 her 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.

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