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My dog is losing hair, gagging, and scratching. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 5 lbs

My dog is loosing hair and gaging like if she wanted to throw up, also scratching alot. Any advice or something i could treat her with?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 21st, 2019

Tammy could be gagging because she is nauseous. The itching could be due to fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. 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. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. The vet can also diagnose the cause of her gagging. I hope this helps!

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