Help! My Dog Has Fleas! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“My dog Mimi was diagnosed with flea infestation—what is ‘flea infestation’ and how do dogs get it? I keep her groomed, and her groomer has never found fleas on her, I never found fleas on her, my house is not infested with fleas. Mimi is a Polish Sheepdog, spoiled, lives in the house, potties outside, and has her own bed (which is flea free).
She was constantly itching and going in circles on concrete to scratch her buttocks. (it would get raw). She’s been taking Oclacitinib for 2 months; she still itches but not as much.
Is there anything else I can do to help her?“ – Julia
Quick Info about Mimi
Mimi’s constant itching and rubbing, especially around her rear, sounds like a classic case of flea allergy dermatitis; a hypersensitivity reaction where even a single flea bite can cause intense itching for weeks. A flea infestation occurs when fleas live and reproduce on a dog or in their environment, feeding on blood and laying eggs that spread throughout the home and yard. However, not all infestations are obvious. Fleas are tiny, fast-moving, and excellent at hiding, especially in a thick Polish Sheepdog coat like Mimi’s. Adult fleas only make up about 5% of an infestation, with the remaining 95% (eggs, larvae, and pupae) hiding in carpets, bedding, and outdoor areas.
Since Mimi has been on Oclacitinib for two months and is still scratching, it’s likely that flea exposure hasn’t been fully controlled. Oclacitinib helps reduce inflammation and itching but doesn’t prevent flea bites, which can continue triggering reactions. To truly manage her discomfort, she needs a fast-acting oral flea treatment that kills fleas before they bite, along with a long-term flea prevention plan. Deep cleaning of your home is an essential part of the extermination treatment. This includes vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, steaming furniture, and treating outdoor areas. This helps to eliminate flea eggs and larvae before they develop into adults.
Since she is still uncomfortable, Julia, another option to consider is a long-acting itch relief injected treatment. This works by blocking the specific itch signals in her body, providing relief for weeks rather than needing daily medication. This can be especially helpful for dogs with allergic conditions like Mimi’s. If she continues to scratch despite flea control and itch management, it might be time to explore other culprits, starting with potential allergy triggers, such as environmental or food allergens. It is a bit of detective blends housekeeping but with the right combination of treatments, Mimi should be feeling comfortable and itch-free.
Wish you good luck,
Dr. Paola