Itching and Hairloss

[AndiJ78]

I have a border collie lab mix, male, 3 years old, fixed. We believe he is reacting to the flea/tick drops, but are not quite sure. Against my better judgement, I purchased some Hartz drops a few months ago as the Advantage didn't protect against ticks and we not live in the woods with lots of ticks.

Anyway, the first exposure was in May with no problems other than gumming up his beautiful coat. The next exposure was a little late, coming about 6 weeks later. Ever since that time, he has been losing hair at an alarming rate (with his thick coat you don't notice it on him, but we have it all over the house!) he has had some foamy vomit ona  few occasions (about a week or so ago, seems to have ceased now), and he has been itching frequently.

We have scoured him from nose to tail and have not found a single flea or tick. He is still jovial and active, seems to be eating well, coat is still shiny and soft. We did some reading at it seems like this is most likely a reaction to the drops, but I wanted to make sure. He seems to be triggering his happy spot no matter where he scratches himself, which is very odd for him.

Thanks. I have an appt scheduled with the vet, but it never hurts to ask for another opinion, right?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Sorry, I thought I answered this one.  I had checked with the Pfizer web site(they make Revolution) and found it to be very safe.  I would encourage you to check out Revolution at the Pfizer web site yourself so that you can make your own decisions.  Capstar can be used daily and is perfectly safe, and is available from your veterinarian.  Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid should be given at about 500mg twice daily.  The best source is marine lipids, or flax seed oil(dogs only).  You must of course be very careful with your 9 month old and to a lesser extent your 3 year old when you use any product.

[AndiJ78]

Is the treatment safe for children? That is I mean is it safe for our loyal pup to be around the kids? I have a 5 year old, 3 year old, and an almost 9 month old who are very devoted members of his pack ; ) That is what has prevented me from using some of the heavier products such as the preven-tick type collars.

My husband has been diligently washing him with dog shampoo, but I will let him know to switch to the baby shampoo. Also, how would you suggest giving him the Omega's (ie what form, what dose, etc)?

That you for your response. we have thought about mange, but the symptoms don't seem entirely conclusive. He isn't patchy, doesn';t have the ear problems, in fact his itching is just about exclusive to his trunk and neck, but not ears. And sometimes on his belly.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I am really glad you have an appointment with your veterinarian!

I believe that your dog is probably hypersensitive to the Hartz flea and tick drops, but he may also have mites.

If you have not done so already please bathe him multiple times with baby shampoo.  If scouring is bathing than you have done this already.

I would also have your veterinarian check him for scabies and demodex mites.  

A good option for you would be the product Revolution since it is good for fleas and some ticks and is also effective for scabies, which can cause the kind of itching/scratching behavior that you describe.  If your dog has demodex you would also have to use Ivermectin or daily Intercepter.  I would also include a good Omega Essential Fatty Supplement because it helps decrease itching.

Let me know how it goes!