What You Should Know About Dogs and Flea Allergies

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by guest blogger Susan Wright, DMV

If you think your dog will never have an issue with fleas, think again – no matter how much you try to prepare there is a good chance that fleas will come into your and your dog’s life at some point in time. Flea dermatitis is the most common type of skin disease among pets. While we all do not want to think about our dogs is infested by the disgusting insect, it is better to figure out ahead of time why it happens and what you can do about it when it strikes your dog and household.

Older dog

The Allergy Begins

While fleas can infest your house and dog at any time, the actual allergy usually develops in young dogs. After infestation, or even just a few bites actually, the saliva makes contact with the skin and can cause quite a bit of a reaction to pups that are hypersensitive to the flea saliva. While this allergy normally develops in young dogs it can actually happen at any time during a dog’s life, so just because your dog has matured does not mean you are out of the woods for flea allergies just yet.

Symptoms

Symptoms that your dog may have a flea allergy is first and foremost, itching. You will notice that your dog has an intense desire to scratch himself constantly. Dogs with flea sensitivities may also experience sores and lesions from the bites all over their body and even in some cases dogs will experience hair loss due to flea infestation.

Treatment

The first time you discover that your dog is hypersensitive to fleas; you will discover how important flea prevention is. It is always better to try and ward off fleas on the front end than trying to rid them from your dog and house – they can be very pesky insects to get rid of, especially since they mass replicate – and they can live on animal or human – they can even survive in the home for a brief period of time. Prevention wise, it is important to meet with your veterinarian to discuss the various options for keeping your dog free and clear from fleas. There are collars, washes and spot treatments are available; but make sure you are aware that most kill either the adult flea larva or the young larva – and if your dog is infested with fleas you will need both treatments to truly rid your dog of fleas. If your dog has, a flea allergies flare up, it is important to make an appointment with the veterinarian, as your dog will most likely need prescription steroids, antihistamines and even possibly an antibiotic to help overcome the allergic reaction and any secondary infections that may follow.

Future Prevention

After you are aware of your dog’s allergy to fleas, it is important to keep your dog under preventative measures all the time. This will help reduce the likelihood of your dog having to repeat the pain and suffering of undergoing an allergic reaction to fleas. On top of continuous management, you can also help your dog by bathing him after an outdoor adventure and even applying spot on treatments while in between long-term treatments.

The author is a dedicated veterinarian, devoting her practice to the care of domestic animals. To further her influence, Susan Wright, DMV serves as a dog bark collar expert and has authored books about dogs and their care.

Photo courtesy: http://www.sunnydayphotos.com