Flea Allergies in Dogs

The most common skin disease among dogs is flea allergic dermatitis. The allergies is caused by the fleas’ saliva and the symptoms are aggravated by the dog. On a normal animal, a single flea bite will have a minimal effect. But for a dog with flea allergies, the bite immediately causes swelling, redness and agonizing itching.

Allergies to fleas is highly debilitating. It causes listlessness and the dog’s appearance is unattractively “sickly”. The skin itch usually starts from the rump, and a “hot spot” develops at the base of the tail Hot spots are circular, reddish and painful sores in the skin resulting from the dog’s excessive scratches. It can also start at any part of the back.. When the hot spot gets infected, the dog’s bodily system gets strained and this can lead to a major health threat. The skin abrasion is also characterized with an unpleasant odor.

Fleas become more active during warm weather. Allergic symptoms arise during spring and improves when the temperature lowers during fall. This suggests that this dilemma exists year round in warm climates and of course in flea infested surroundings.

Most dog owners solve this problem by preventing the fleas from getting to their dogs through the use of topical solutions. Some allow their dog to take hormonal oral products that somehow sterilizes the flea bites. B Vitamin is also given to ensure return of skin and coat health especially after an allergic outbreak. Although flea allergies is very common, it helps to practice improved hygienic conditions to remove fleas from the environment. Additional care would also help by using flea comb to brush away the fleas, including their feces.