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My dog has been scratching herself a lot lately, there seems to be no ticks or fleas

My dog has been scratching herself a lot lately, there seems to be no ticks or fleas

Updated On October 1st, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Maltipoo | Female | spayed | 2 years and 9 months old | 20 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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There still could be fleas even if you don't see them. Fleas live in the environment, not on the dog. They jump on to feed, and then jump off. This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If Toffee isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. 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 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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