My dog has itchy bumps and is biting. Is it fleas or something else?

Question

My dog has been itching and biting his skin and has bumps on his skin that I just noticed yesterday. I am unsure if they are just ant / bug bites or fleas... last weekend while staying at a family members’ house we found ants near his bed but he hasn’t been scratching until today so I don’t know if that’s the issue. He also got a grooming today which could’ve made his skin sensitive but doesn’t explain that these bumps were from at least yesterday. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 13 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Poor Teddy. This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, 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 treatment, I recommend taking him 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. Best of luck.

My dog has itchy bumps and is biting. Is it fleas or something else?

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