Patchy Hair Loss on a Lab After a Flea Treatment
by Jessica
(Ohio)
Reader Question
We adopted River almost a year ago from our local shelter. He is up to date on vaccines, and has been altered. As a flea prevention we had been giving him comfortis. About 2 weeks ago was time for his comfortis flea pill. I gave the pill as required on full stomach and then gave him the pill 15-20 min. later. About 2 hours had passed and he started to puke. I would say in total he puked 10 times including the pill and the food he had eaten then mostley just water. He was very weak into the night and we kept a very close eye on him. By mid morning he was back to himself like nothing had happened. I called our vet. and explained what had happened. In turn they told me it was best if we did front-line, but I felt it would be too much at the time and didn't want to over load his body. About 3 days later he started having some patchy spots on his fur. It didn't seem to bother him so I just placed a little bag-bomb on them thinking they were hot spots. Well that's been about a week 1/2 ago and I've noticed more and more as the days pass. They are only on his sides and when you lift up his tail just under his butt on the back end of his legs. They are also a few smaller ones just under his tummy. He doesn't have them any other place. I've also noticed him scratching and chewing off and on during the daytime and did find
a few fleas so tom. in the am I will get the front-line treatment but due to unseen family issues I will not be able to take him to the vet until next week. He is an inside dog only going out to potty and play with our kids. Our cat is perfectly fine, no missing hair or problems. I will attach a picture in hopes you maybe can help me figure out what is going on. We have not changed anything in our home. The only odd thing I do notice about him which he has done since a we adopted him as a puppy is he eats grass a lot and then pukes it back up. I think he does this weekly but I was told this is no concern as most dogs/cats do this.
Answer from Our Team
Patches on the sides, rump and back of the legs with scratching and fleas fit flea allergy very well; the rump and tail base are the classic areas. Hot spots are also possible. Ringworm is less likely when the patches itch, but it can't be ruled out without a test.
Using a flea product your vet recommends for him and treating the cat at the same time with a product made for cats (never a dog flea product) is a good step. Tell your vet about the vomiting after the flea pill; vomiting is a known side effect. Have the vet check the patches when you can; skin infection from scratching may need treatment.
See ringworm in dogs and hair loss in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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