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My dog is itching from small bugs. Are they fleas? Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

My dog is staying the week with me at college and there are these small, skinny bugs that keep biting him around his rear. It’s causing him to gnaw at himself all night. I picked some of them out. Do I need to take him in to see a vet or could I just wash him with bug a flea removal shampoo?

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2 Answers

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It’s hard to see the bug in your picture. It is likely fleas. I would start a flea medication. I like the oral ones like Nexgard, Simparica or Bravecto and I also like the Setesto collar which lasts 8 months. With these you can bathe him as well. With the topical medications you can’t bathe until 2 days after application. And personally I do not think they work as well. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2017

    I'm sorry to hear that Marshall has been so excessively itchy! I'm glad that you haven't seen any fleas, but it is possible that Marshall may be highly sensitive to flea bites such that even 1 or 2 bites could cause him intense itching. Other possible causes of itching include allergies to food or the environment, ringworm and mange. Make sure that Marshall is receiving a high quality flea/tick preventative regularly (Advantix, Nexgard and Bravecto are a few examples). Also try bathing Marshall in a gentle oatmeal based dog shampoo, as these can be soothing on the skin. If he continues itching despite these measures, Marshall should be examined by a vet. When dogs become extremely itchy, they can scratch to the point of developing a skin infection, which requires antibiotics for treatment. I hope that all goes well!

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