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Flea and Tick Treatment for a Dog With Discoid Lupus

by Rhonda

Reader Question
Our dog is a black Labrador and bulldog cross with discoid lupus. He recently had a terrible bleed from his nose, and he keeps losing the end of it. He doesn't do well on steroids anymore. He is 8 years old, but with natural remedies and a high-protein diet he is holding his own for the moment. He is a happy, handsome and playful dog with an excellent appetite and shiny coat, in spite of all he endures.

We live on the coast, and he has fleas, ticks or possibly lice, as all are common where we live. I have been afraid to give him the monthly spot-on product our vet prescribed, because he has reacted badly to vaccinations, but he is suffering and I am not sure what to do. He probably also needs deworming, which the product would cover. Is it wise to use it on a dog with discoid lupus, or is there a better natural treatment for these parasites?


Answer from Our Team

We're sorry he's been through so much, and it's clear he's well loved. This is a decision to make with your vet, who knows his history. Discoid lupus mainly affects the skin of the nose and face, and we aren't aware of evidence that it makes flea and tick products unsafe, but your vet is best placed to judge for him. A

bad reaction to vaccines also doesn't necessarily mean a dog will react to a parasite product, because they work in very different ways. Tell your vet about your worries and his vaccine reactions so you can decide together, and ask which worms the product covers, since spot-ons that prevent heartworm differ in which intestinal worms they treat.

Leaving fleas, ticks or lice untreated has its own risks for him. Scratching and bites can inflame the skin and lead to infections, ticks can spread disease, and heavy infestations drain a dog's strength. There's no natural treatment proven to get rid of these parasites. Some essential oil products sold as "natural" flea treatments can make dogs ill.

If you'd still rather not use the spot-on, ask your vet about other options. There are oral flea and tick products and different topical classes, and your vet can recommend a separate dewormer. Your vet can also check whether it's fleas, ticks or lice causing the trouble, since the best treatment differs. Whatever you use, watch him closely after the first dose and call your vet if he seems unwell. Keeping him out of strong sun, which can make discoid lupus worse, may also help his nose. A heavy nosebleed is worth a prompt vet check in its own right.

See flea treatment for dogs, lice on dogs and ticks on dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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