Suddenly developing multiple tickle spots? Flea allergy dermatitis?

In the last week or so I've noticed Jake has been pretty itchy and biting/scratching himself more than usual but nothing over the top. Over the last few days he has also developed many "tickle spots" which are now pretty much his whole belly and up onto his sides. I just brushed him with a very light hand and it was quite a challenge as it seemed every stoke on his back, sides, and hind legs seemed to aggravate him with his skin jumping after each stroke and lots of back paw induced thumping/air scratching. When I emptied the little bit of fuzz, there were about 5-10 specks of black "dirt" in it... not very much but I have a sneaking suspicion may be dead fleas.

Now, bad doodle mom here, but that last two weeks I have felt a few sand-like particles in his hair every now and then but whenever I went to look, I could not find anything besides actual sand... we did just get back from the beach and as much as I tried it's hard to get out every last particle! I was originally thinking maybe his skin was just been sensitive after been in the water so much for one week with possible sand left in his coat, but his sensitivity is getting worse and then today with the possible flea find. Jake does receive Frontline plus but is is about due for his next month's dose. Jake's hair is currently only about 1-1.5 inches long as I had it trimmed short for quick drying at the beach so it's fairly easy to see into and I can not find any other evidence of fleas.

With the sensitivity getting worse and not seeing any live fleas, could this be flea allergy dermatitis? I know that only one flea bite can aggravate it and Jake has never had a flea before; he will be 3 in September.

Do I need to get into the vet ASAP or is there something I can try first? Ashamed to say but if I can wait, this is the fire under my butt to finally getting around to pet insurance. In the mean time, should I buy flea shampoo or a nice skin soothing oatmeal shampoo and conditioner and give him a bath tonight? Should I hold off on applying the next dose of Frontline if his skin is already so sensitive? He is not crying or acting in pain, but is really enjoying his deep massaging scratches right now. He is not loosing any hair and none of us humans have received any bites.

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Permalink Reply by Riley girl on August 8, 2013 at 7:25pm

If you have googled it you must have read about it being used successfully as a natural repellent.

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on August 8, 2013 at 7:27pm

No, not on any scientific or fact based website.

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Permalink Reply by Riley girl on August 8, 2013 at 7:48pm

I shared a natural repellent that worked for me, that is also being used successfully by numerous other people, on a site designed to share your experiences and help each other.

Would you care to share how using fennel seeds as a flea repellent did not work for you?

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Permalink Reply by Colleen, Jake & Baxter on August 8, 2013 at 7:23pm

Sorry to hear this but I found fleas on my 2 last week. I have them on Advantix II after going through the same thing last year with Frontline. It has been terible for Jake since he is so highly allergic. You have probably already bathed him but Dawn dish detergent is what I use to kill the fleas. I then spray them down with half vinegar and half water to help with itching along with helping dry up any hot spots.with my 2. I live in Virginia.