As a Veterinarian in Boise for many years, I've observed that many pet owners have battled fleas at some point or another in the course of their pets' lives. These parasitic insects thrive during the warmer months, and will hitch a ride on the skin and fur of your dog or cat, feeding off of your pet's blood. Fleas themselves will cause your pet's skin to itch as they crawl around, but for some pets the itching becomes more severe if they are allergic to a flea bite. Flea bites in many cases causes a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis.
What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
As the name suggests, it is an allergy to fleas: more specifically, it is an allergy to a flea bite. When fleas bite, they inject saliva into the skin. The flea's saliva acts as an anticoagulant to keep blood flowing freely until the flea is done feeding. In many cases, dogs are allergic to the antigens and anticoagulants contained in the flea's saliva, causing a reaction.
What are the Symptoms of Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
The most common symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis are frequent scratching, usually on the hind end near the tail. Other symptoms include:
1. Red sores from frequent chewing and scratching
2. Secondary infections such as bacterial or yeast infections
3. Hair loss
4. Flaking skin
How is Flea Allergy Dermatitis Treated?
The best way to treat a flea allergy is to eliminate fleas. Specially designed and formulated flea shampoos will help to kill existing fleas on your dog's skin and in the fur. These will frequently not get rid of flea eggs, however. Many people find the use of flea collars and flea baths outdated and a waste of time, however, so they will opt for oral treatments. These treatments are a tablet which is administered to your dog and begins to work with thirty minutes. Most will kill all existing fleas within four hours. These medications also prevent further flea infestations for up to thirty days. It is important if you are treating your dog with an oral flea medication to also treat other pets on the same day to prevent re-infestation.
You will also need to treat your home to eliminate any fleas which may be imbedded in carpet or bedding and cause a resurgence of fleas on your pet. Oral flea medications can be quite expensive, but they are highly effective in alleviating fleas on your dog. Some of these flea medications can be combined with other types of parasite-eliminating medications. Even if your pet is only susceptible to fleas in the summer, it is important to maintain medication dosages year round to prevent fleas in your dog completely.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis is easily treated by eliminating the source of the reaction: the fleas. By getting rid of fleas on your dog and in your home, your pet should begin to see an improvement in symptoms almost immediately. In some cases, eliminating fleas can be a lengthy and expensive process, but once you do get rid of the source of the allergy, your pet will look and feel much better. Your Veterinarian in Boise can help answer any questions about this condition or any other conditions that are adversely affecting your pet.
