Scratching Dog?

sellerbarry

How long after initial advantage treatment should a small dog stop scratching?
Thx

lorebringer

Hello (again!)

It depends - if the dog has an allergy to fleas it could take up to weeks to stop. Part the hair and have a look at the skin - it if it red, inflamed or spotty your dog may have an allergy to fleas. Once the fleas are gone, it should calm down on its own. However, if the dog is constantly scratching and obviously irritated a trip to the vet might be in order to make sure there is no underlying condition (or a severe allergy). I remember you saying that the dog is going to be groomed on Tuesday - ask the groomer to use soothing shampoo (usually Tea Tree) and this should sort out any irritation left by the fleas. Some dogs just enjoy a good scratch though!

Also, forgot to mention to you before - if your dog has had fleas, it is a good idea to worm them also. Fleas can spread worms (by injecting eggs when they bite) so always better safe them sorry with these things. Tablets are available at the vet and are pretty cheap.

Edit: Forgot to say - it can take up to 24 hours for all the fleas on your dog to die, and the spot on treatment does not prevent fleas from jumping onto your dog (it just kills them once they are there!) so if there are any left in the environment they may still get onto your dog (but a marathon vacuuming session should sort this out)

sellerbarry

Thx again