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Ellie will not stop biting & licking her stomach area. As you can see through the pics, it’s pretty bad and it breaks my heart. Could this be something internal? I found one flea a while back, but I haven’t seen anymore. What could this possibly be? Her temp is normal. She just won’t stop. Is this a rash? Please provide in detail what this could possibly be. Thank you!

Ellie will not stop biting & licking her stomach area. As you can see through the pics, it’s pretty bad and it breaks my heart. Could this be something internal? I found one flea a while back, but I haven’t seen anymore. What could this possibly be? Her temp is normal. She just won’t stop. Is this a rash? Please provide in detail what this could possibly be. Thank you!

Updated On June 17th, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 5 months old | 4 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Ellie, and for providing the pictures. They are very helping. This licking is a sign of itchiness. This itchiness can be caused by 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. I hope this helps!

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