Almost half of all dogs may test positive for flea bite allergy, with some reacting more strongly than others. According to veterinarian, Jon Rappaport, flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs.
Fleas feed on the blood of animals. Extreme infestations can even cause anemia in pets. When fleas bite, they inject saliva, containing over 15 different antigens, into the site to prevent blood coagulation. Dogs with flea bite allergy react with intense itching to these antigens in flea saliva.
Flea bite allergy symptoms usually worsen during the summer and fall flea season, when heat and humidity is highest, but can continue all year round.
Finding Fleas
With even a mild flea infestation, a dog may scratch, chew, and bite excessively at themselves causing hair loss, red irritated skin, hot spots, and subsequent skin infections. Although dogs can itch all over and have generalized hair loss, the most commonly affected area is on the back around the base of the tail.
Flea infestation can usually be confirmed by finding fleas on the dog or finding the black specks of flea dirt (feces) in the coat or red stains (from digested blood) upon bathing the dog. However, just one or two flea bites can affect allergic dogs causing severe itching and dermatitis with no obvious evidence of fleas.
It should be noted that skin problems are best diagnosed by a veterinarian as many diseases other than flea allergy can also result in itchy and inflamed skin, producing the same symptoms but requiring a different treatment.
Getting Rid of Fleas
An important part in avoiding, as well as treating, flea bite allergy, is an effective flea prevention program that kills fleas in addition to breaking the reproductive cycle on the dog as well as in his environment. There are a variety of flea preventive products available made up of various ingredients that work in a variety of ways and circumstances to prevent a variety of parasites. Over the counter products are usually priced lower than prescription products purchased through a veterinarian but are generally not as effective.
Flea Problems
For best results, consult a veterinarian for the products that are right for your individual dog. It will save money in the long run. Additionally, dogs with severe flea bite allergy sometimes harbor intestinal parasites that are transmitted by fleas, such as tapeworms, as well as skin infections or anemia, that need to be addressed by a veterinarian.
Fleas are more than just a nuisance to your pet; they can also present serious illnesses. An effective flea prevention program is an important part of your pet’s general health care.
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Source:
DrsFosterandSmithPetEducation.com, Flea Allergy Dermatitis or Flea Bite Hypersensitivity
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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