Dog flea allergies, a severe allergic skin condition
Fleas are tiny, black, fast moving insects, which like to stay as close to the skin as possible. Heavy hair coats can make visual diagnosis difficult.
Most dogs that are bitten by fleas will experience some itching, but some dogs may also develop a severe allergic skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis.
Flea-allergy dermatitis occurs if your dog has an allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva.
Symptoms seen in dogs with flea allergies include scratching (of course), chewing, licking, red, irritated skin and hair loss. The bite of a single flea can cause your pet to have these symptoms.
Dogs with flea allergies may often chew themselves raw. Your veterinarian can diagnose this problem with an intradermal skin test and put an end to it.
Dog flea allergies can debilitate your pet, evidenced by listlessness and a general "sickly" appearance.
Raw spots can become infected, which puts a further strain on the animal's system. Left untreated, the condition will worsen and your pet's health will decline.
With heavy infestations, fleas can even ingest enough blood to cause anemia.
Anemia is the physical state of having a low number of blood cells and it can be fatal. Young puppies, small breeds or sick animals may be more prone to severe effects associated with anemia.
Symptoms of flea-bite anemia include weakness, pale gums and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has anemia, see your veterinarian immediately.
Adult female fleas lay microscopic eggs in your dog’s hair coat. Female fleas start producing eggs within 24 to 48 hours after taking their first blood meal.
A single female flea can lay as many as 30 eggs a day and can live and breed on your pet for up to 100 days. The eggs then fall and land in carpets and upholstery, where they can lie dormant for up to 8 months.
Because fleas spend most of their life cycle off pets, outdoor areas frequented by fleas should be treated with sprays or foggers.
To help
control flea infestation
within
the house, thorough cleaning and vacuuming is needed. A
professional exterminator may be necessary to control heavy
infestations.
Flea control is essential to the success in treating dog
skin allergies. There are many flea products to choose from,
including once-a-month treatments, pills, shampoos, and
sprays.
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