Expert: Have4Paws - 1/11/2002

Question
Hello, I have a 6 mo. old female beagle, she has been using Revolution for fleas, heartworm, the works, I do find fleas, not an infestation, but a few here and there.  I am not sure if that has anything to do with it, but she has chewed bald spots, like its partly shaved, on her hind leg and very small spots on her back.  I use a good shampoo with oatmeal, and I try not to bathe her too too often, what could this be, and what can I do to help her?  Thank you Very much

Answer
Hi, thanks for writing to me!

Although you are only seeing a few fleas it sounds like Revolution is not working for her. I would suggest switching to BIOSPOT. This product targets not only the eggs but the adults as well. My three are on it and they have NO fleas, nor have they for the many years they have been on it and they are in and out all day. It is also fairly inexpensive if you order it through www.omahavaccine.com. You can either order on line or request a catalogue. It is less than $6.00 for a three month supply!

As far as the bald spots she probably has a flea allergy and is going crazy with itching where she has been bit. Beagles are notoriously allergy prone to begin with. This unfortunate truth is the reason they are usually the breed selected for experiments by companies like Proctor & Gamble who do use them to test all kinds of nasty things and then eventually put them to sleep when they are through torturing them. This is why I boycott all of their products! But enough about that depressing subject.

Buy some over the counter ChlorTrimeton 4mg tablets (antihistamine) and give her 1/2 to 1 tablet every 8-12 hours so the itching will calm down and she can start to heal. In addition, bathing for an allergic dog is a GOOD THING! When you switch to the Biospot you will apply it monthly so just before you do so, bathe her and then put it on her. It lasts for one month. Continue to use the oatmeal shampoo for her monthly baths but for now get one temporarily that is specifically made for severe itching and is medicated and bathe her a couple of times with it.

These three things should end your problem. Don't forget to treat your carpet and yard as well!
Good luck and feel free to contact me directly anytime at
Have4Paws@aol.com.