Fleas ....

[Nini74]

My dog picked up some fleas when visiting my ex (who now has scabby flea-ridden cats). He had a flea collar on but they still got to him. I've put a new flea collar on him and have washed him and got rid of them now, but he's still biting at the area where they were (just above his tail) - when I looked just now, his skin is very very red and sore where he's been biting at them. I was thinking of trying to put something on it to sooth the soreness but am worried it may irritate the raw skin - was thinking sudocream, vaseline or even some bite creams - anyone think of a good idea? poor thing is sulking and feeling very sorry for himself. Any advice would be gratefully received xxxxx

[daffy654]

It sounds like he has a flea bite allergy. A trip to the vet would be advisable.

[starone]

Yes, if you put something on it yourself and he is still biting it might not be good for him in that way. If he swallows whatever you put on it I mean. Unless it is specifically for dogs. As daffy says the vet would know best.

[ladybirder]

nini you need to get some proper flea treatment from the vet and your home will need to be sprayed, with something from the vet as there will be fleas and eggs on your furniture and floor, or wherever the dog has been. If you don't treat your home as well as your dog then your dog will become infected again very quickly. Only the vet can provide you with an effective treatment. Advocate is very good, don't get Front Line Spot-on as that is no longer effective. Your poor dog needs to go to the vet asap as it will be driving him crazy.

[Nini74]

thanks all! i have sprayed the house and his bedding etc and can say the blighters have well and truly gone. i had this problem with him before when he'd been down there and his skin did seem to clear up itself in a couple of days - i'll phone the vet on monday if he hasn't stopped biting and licking the area by then. thanks x

[boxtops]

Don't put human creams on him, it could be dangerous for his health. We use Stronghold spot on treatment for fleas rather than collars - we have cats but you can get dog versions, it's excellent stuff and we have no fleas (sounds as if your ex could do with some too!) - but the vet can also recommend flea sprays for the house too.

[jules77]

He could have blocked anal glands.

Aloe vera cream/gel is soothing and that may help, it is fine to put on dogs too. I dont use flea treatments on my own dogs as fortunately they have never had fleas, but havnt heard any good reports about flea collars, are you sure they are all gone?