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My dog has fleas! How to treat, bathe, and manage red spots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 27 days old | 10 lbs

This morning I found out that Zuzia has fleas I spotted a big one and a very small one.Is there a treatment I need to follow except flea sollution,and how many times should I give her a bath? Is there any flea shampoo? And is there any special food I should give her? Also do I need to cut her fur very short so I could see where the flees are? She had these weird red spots on the back of her neck but now they are gone could the flees be the reason why she had them or could it be another cause?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 15th, 2019

Hi there! For flea control, applying or administering a veterinary approved product once per month for four months should fully rid of a flea infestation. Since dogs are the definitive host of the flea, as long as you have flea control for your dog, they should slowly die off. Depending on how heavy the infestation is, you may want to call a pest control service. Overall, vacuuming constantly (as they can live in the furniture and carpets) and washing things in hot water and using the dryer to dry them on high heat, should help control the environment and be enough. And of course as I mentioned, you have to control the flea infestation on your dog first and foremost. And treat all animals in the household. We don't normally recommend flea baths, or over the counter products, as they are just high doses of pesticides, and can sometimes be harmful, especially if there are cats in the house. I always recommend that clients pick up a package of flea prevention from the office, so they know it will be safe for their pet(s), and start right away. Depending on what type of product you use, you can bathe them the next day (if it's an oral preventative) or I'd wait about 3 days (if it's topical). I usually recommend something soothing like a prescription moisturizing, or oatmeal shampoo. The red bumps can definitely be itchy spots from flea bites, or a flea allergic dermatitis that can be associated with it. If you have any concerns, or if Zuzia is really uncomfortable, make an appointment to see her vet right away. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. There are many very good flea products available to pets, you will just need to see cost wise & treatment wise ( oral, topical & collars ) are available to you. It is safe to bathe a dog twice a week in a mild oatmeal based shampoo. Just do not use dish or human shampoo. There is no special food you can give, unless she has a specific allergy to a specific protein or carbohydrate source. Only cut her coat if it helps you to keep her groomed, but if you use a flea product, use it regularly & you should not have to cut her coat unless you want to. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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