Hello, someone recently dropped a puppy off in the dumpster next to my apartment complex, I heard her crying so I went outside and got her out. I've had her for 4 days now, I believe she is a black lab. I checked her for fleas and washed her in dawn dish soap, I tried hartz flea and tick shampoo and one of the monthly treatment flea medications that you put on their backs. She's so small I don't want to use too much medication on her? I checked her again for fleas after the bath and I couldn't find any, also there were none running off her in the hot bath water. This morning I looked really good at her tummy and it has scabs from where she's been itching and behind her legs also. I'm using a hydrocortisone spray for dogs to try and relive the itch. I'm also using a hot rag to clean the surface when she itches. She's eating fine and her poop is solid with no worms.. Do you know what could be causing her to itch? It's mostly by her belly button and behind her legs? Please help

You really need to take this puppy to the vet to be checked out. Puppies can be born with or quickly pick up a lot of parasites and illnesses, some of which can be fatal and nearly all of which can be easily treated. You should not be experimenting with all this stuff on a small puppy.

You also will need some advice on what to feed the puppy, etc. Please take it to a vet immediately. Given it was left in a dumpster, you can assume the prior "owner" did nothing for it and it probably needs all of its shots.

The likely cause of the scabs and itch is the flea medication you used. If she's very tiny, a puppy, she's likely too young for this kind of medication.

Time for the vet if you plan to keep her. If not, the human society in your area will make sure she gets the medical treatment she needs, and will help her find a new home.

Good luck. :)

I will also ask about allergies. Take in all medications and food you have given the dog so the vet can see. My dog has allergies and his groin area and chin are the two spots HE breaks out. I agree you need to take the pup to the vet.
Thank you for being a hero and rescuing this dog!