Treatment FAQ

why does my dog scratch after flea treatment

by Yesenia Schultz Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can expect quite a bit of scratching after applying a flea treatment, but that’s completely normal because the chemicals in the medication will make fleas hyperactive before dying and your dog may feel irritated because of it.

Why is my pet still scratching after applying flea treatment? It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching. It should settle down though after 24 hours.Apr 23, 2021

Full Answer

Is it normal for dogs to scratch after flea treatment?

Side effects of flea and tick medication. You can expect quite a bit of scratching after applying a flea treatment, but that’s completely normal because the chemicals in the medication will make fleas hyperactive before dying and your dog may feel irritated because of it.

Why is my dog itching after flea treatment?

The most pressing concern is determining if your dog is having an allergic reaction to the flea medication you are using. If so, you need to speak with your vet about changing the type of flea medication you use. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: · The itching is new and starts within 24 hours of giving the flea medication.

Why is my dog still crawling around after flea treatment?

If it’s right after applying it, there are chances the dog is responding to the dying fleas which may get irritable and crawl around their coat more. Other possibilities are that the fleas are not actually being all killed if you are not also treating the environment.

What happens if you put too much flea treatment on a dog?

Too much flea medication on your dog can have harmful consequences. You can expect quite a bit of scratching after applying a flea treatment, but that’s completely normal because the chemicals in the medication will make fleas hyperactive before dying and your dog may feel irritated because of it.

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Why does my dog keep scratching even after flea treatment?

These factors include fleas, staph (bacteria) or yeast (fungal) infections, and food allergies. If you're noticing an increase in your dog's scratching, they may have developed one or more of these flare factors that are pushing them over their “itch threshold” despite being on anti-itch medication.

Can flea treatment cause itching?

Treatment with a fast-acting topical flea and tick medication on a pet can cause itching or brief irritation at the application site, as the product does its job and kills pests. As the animal reacts to this irritation, it can begin to fidget and scratch.

Do dogs itch after fleas are gone?

They can continue to itch, and, unless you have aggressively treated your dog AND your house and premises, the fleas may not actually be gone. Get your pet on a good topical or oral flea control through your vet. In flea control, you get what you pay for.

How do dogs react after flea treatment?

Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.

How long does it take for a dog to stop itching after fleas?

Recommended. “Your pet may itch for up to 2 weeks after a bite, and the itching will be severe and even damaging to your pet's skin,” Osborne says. Other signs of FAD include: A rash on your pet's skin or raw, irritated, or bleeding areas on your pet's body.

How do you know flea treatment is working?

A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.

How do I know if the fleas are gone?

You are looking for and fleas that fall or jump off. Once you see one, it is safe to assume there are more. Apply petroleum jelly to the flea comb and brush your dog a second time. If your dog has fleas, they will get stuck to the jelly and you will be able to see them.

How long will I see fleas after treatment?

As eggs hatch and develop, you might find fleas reappearing 10-14 days after treatment - this is quite normal and provided the insecticide remains in place it will kill them. This is why it is important not to carry out cleaning which might remove insecticide.

How can you tell if your house has fleas?

Signs of a flea infestation include seeing:fleas hopping on your drapery, carpet, or furniture.multiple dot-like insects in your pet's fur.your pets scratch, lick, or bite their fur excessively.

Do fleas go crazy after treatment?

Treated fleas may become more active before they die The ingredient in FRONTLINE Spot On and FRONTLINE Plus that kills fleas makes them hyperactive before they die. So you may see fleas come to the surface of your pet's coat and your pet might feel a bit more itchy than usual until those fleas are killed.

Why do dogs act weird after frontline?

Frontline and other topical flea products using the same mode of action tend to get stored in the oil glands of the skin and remain there for up to a month, so if a problem is recognized, it's important to remove traces of this product as soon as possible.

Why does my dog freak out when I put flea medicine on him?

Dogs hate the smell of flea treatment as it can be very strong. The flea treatment is strong enough to burn their skin a little. Some dogs simply don't like the sensation of medicine being applied.

How long does it take for table salt to kill fleas?

Plain old table salt on carpet and furniture works. Sprinkle on carpet and upholstery, let sit for at least 24 hours and then vacuum up. Wait a week or so and repeat. The salt makes the fleas dehydrate and die, but when the eggs hatch there will be new fleas.

Can you treat a dog for fleas?

Treating your pet for active fleas is only part of the process for getting rid of fleas and preventing re-infestation. Your home and yard will be to be treated. Even if your pet no longer has fleas, their skin may still need treatment to promote healing and discourage scratching. This is a page about what to do if your dog is still scratching after a flea treatment.

Why does my dog itch after flea treatment?

Causes of itching after flea treatment: It is also possible that your dogs’ flea treatment is not working, and fleas are the cause of their itching . You can determine this by checking your dog carefully for fleas after administering the flea medication. Carefully part your dog’s hair, especially in flea prone areas like the base ...

Why does my dog itch after fleas?

Your dog may have a flea allergy. If your dog is allergic to fleas, the itching will continue for some time after eliminating fleas. If the allergy is severe, the dog may continue to itch if even one or two fleas can bite. You may have to take extra preventative measures like treating your home and yard for fleas.

How to stop my dog from licking my shoes?

Look for shampoos that contain moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as oatmeal and argon oil. · Use a mixture of half apple cider vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Spray the itchy places on your dog and prevent licking until dry. Do not use apple cider vinegar on open wounds or raw skin.

What is mange in dogs?

Mange is an infestation with microscopic insects that burrow into the skin to feed and live. Constant itching and loss of hair, especially in areas such as the elbows, groin, and armpits are symptoms of mange. Seasonal allergies can also cause constant itching in dogs.

What to do if your dog is scratching?

If your dog is scratching continuously and seems miserable, there are things you can do to bring relief. · Use an itch relief shampoo. Pet stores sell a variety of anti-itch shampoos. Those with all-natural ingredients are the safest option for your pet.

How to help dogs with seasonal allergies?

Regular grooming, an air filtration system, and limiting the time spent outdoors can all help manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Food allergies are also common in dogs. Food allergies are notoriously difficult to diagnose. Your vet will probably suggest an elimination diet, which requires strict adherence.

Can flea medication be effective?

If you continue to see active fleas after the medication should have taken effect, the medication you are using may not be effective. There are numerous types of flea treatment, so talk to your vet about trying a different kind of treatment. Your dog may have a flea allergy. If your dog is allergic to fleas, the itching will continue ...

How to treat fleas on dogs?

How to treat the flea problem? I would recommend using a veterinary flea product either in the form of a spot on (applied to skin at the base of the neck), impregnated collar or a spray directly on your dog. It is however really important to treat any in-contact animals not just dogs but cats too.

Why does my dog's skin get itchy?

Dry flaky skin may well be as a result of scratching due to flea infestation , but can also be affected by allergies and medical conditions.

What does flea dirt look like?

Flea dirt is the waste product produced by fleas and when dry it looks like little black specs; however if you wet it these black specs turn red as they contain digested blood. This brings us to the ‘wet paper test’, we comb through your pet’s coat and collect the debris onto a piece of wet white paper, if there is flea dirt present there will be small red dots visible where the flea dirt has dissolved in the water. The wet paper test helps to distinguish between flea dirt and just dried mud that may be on your pet’s coat.

What causes skin irritation?

The skin has its own inbuilt barrier to substances that can cause irritation this however can be weakened in conditions such as Hypothyroidism ( underactive thyroid gland ), Cushing’s disease (overproduction of natural steroids) and bacterial skin infection.

Can you find fleas on the underside of a dog?

It can be easier to find fleas on the underside of your pet as the coat is naturally thinner here. It is often easier to see the flea dirt in your pet’s coat than the actual fleas. Advertisement.

Can fleas jump?

Fleas can jump but they can’t fly , they need blood feeds to survive and a large proportion of the flea population are in the environment as oppose to on your pet.

Can cats carry fleas?

Cats can also carry the fleas and they do not even have to be your own cats, for example if a cat comes through your home or garden then the fleas can jump off or deposit eggs as they go. This is why we often advise treating the home environment and in-contact animals also.

Why does my dog act weird after flea treatment?

Why your dog act weird after flea medicine? Some dogs are simply uncomfortable with the sensation of having something applied to their skin, but others may be experiencing allergic reactions or even intoxication. A dog that is freaking out after a flea treatment might end up hurting themselves and others.

What does it mean when a dog is restless after flea treatment?

This simple restlessness may turn into more concerning symptoms, so you should get them examined.

What to do if my dog is vomiting after flea treatment?

If your dog is vomiting after a flea treatment and they’re under pills, check to see if you find the tablets in the vomit. If you do, don’t give them another dose and call your veterinarian to discuss how to proceed. If the dog is vomiting and shows symptoms of sickness after digesting the tablet, bring them in for an examination.

What to do if my dog licked flea medicine?

If your dog licked the flea medicine or ingested this component in any way, you should bring them to the vet. – Indoxacarb: this chemical is synthetic oxadiazines and is used in crop pesticides. Used alone, it is effective against fleas, but not against ticks.

How to get rid of dog smells?

In the case, you’re using sprays, powders, or topical medication, you should wash your dog with a mild detergent like Dawn and warm water immediately after they start acting weird and before bringing them to the vet. This way, you can remove the medication from their skin and possibly slow down the intoxication.

How long does a dog's medication stay in the dog's sweat glands?

This product is deposited into your dog’s sweat glands and will be active for several weeks even if your dog takes a bath.

What to do if my dog is sick after hours?

If it’s after-hours and you’re worried about the medical bill, call your veterinarian, describe the type of medication, and explain the symptoms. It’s hard to make a diagnosis over the phone, but they may be able to tell you if your dog can wait till morning so you can go to your usual clinic.

Why do dogs smell weird after flea treatment?

Here’s a synopsis of the many reasons I heard on why they think their dog acts weird after flea treatment: Dogs hate the smell of flea treatment as it can be very strong. The flea treatment is strong enough to burn their skin a little. Some dogs simply don’t like the sensation of medicine being applied. The smell one makes sense to me.

What do dogs do after flea treatment?

Tries to shake the treatment off. Runs around. Excessive scratching. Rolls on the floor.

What does it mean when a dog is tired after flea treatment?

Lethargy is another symptom often described by dog owners when the topic of weird behavior comes up with flea treatments. Whilst I am not a vet and so cannot advise on what to do, if my dog was showing tiredness symptoms after taking flea medicine, I would be very concerned and would seek professional advice.

How long does a flea collar last?

The collar is said to work for up to 8 months and means you don’t have any strong odor or need to apply messy monthly spot-on treatments – which could be the root cause of your dog acting weird. To find out more about it and see whether it could work for your dog, check out the flea collar on Amazon.

How long does it take for a dog to wash out fleas?

Handy Hint: Did you know that the effectiveness of flea treatment can depend on the natural oils in your dog’s coat, so you must not wash them out within 2 days of applying the medicine. We find this really helps to keep the fleas and ticks at bay.

Can flea medicine cause hair loss in dogs?

The PetCareRX.com website says this about making the possible switch in how your dog takes his flea medicine: “Oral treatments are a great alternative for dogs that have adverse reactions to topical treatment. Side effects of monthly pills or chewable tablets are rare, but can include nausea, diarrhea and hair loss.

Can flea medicine cause a dog to react badly?

These are insecticides used in some dog flea treatments and have been known to cause bad reactions in a small number of dogs. Whilst bad reactions are rare, it’s worth considering if your dog is acting weird after being given their flea medicine. Here’s what could happen:

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