Dog chewing tail after flea pill. How to treat hot spots?

Question

My 13 yr old diabetic dog never had fleas.Two weeks ago she chewed a bald red spot on her tail which she bites and chews still, 2 days after I gave her Bravecto flea pill which works for 90 days. So why is she still chewing after Bravecto pill? She wears a collar so she doesn't chew her tail bald spot, but how do I treat/prevent bald tail hot spots? Can I sprinkle diatomaceous earth on their fur to kill fleas? Help please! Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you. Susan. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 13 years and 3 months old | 74 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Hello Susan! Thank you for your question to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Fleas actually live in the environment, not on the dog, so if you don't disinfect the environment, it will be a continuing source of fleas. Wash Bella's 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. Diatomaceous earth does nothing to treat fleas, so don't use it. Now some dogs can have allergies to flea saliva, and that can lead to continued skin issues. This could be causing her to continually chew at that spot. I'd have her seen by a vet for this issue so it can be treated. Best of luck.

Dog chewing tail after flea pill. How to treat hot spots?

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