After weeks of dealing with a dog that didn't seem to be doing too well, I realized that there had to be something I could do. I began looking around for a great veterinarian who could help, and I was able to find an excellent provider that accepted my insurance. They were really great to work with, and they came to our rescue when our animal seemed past the point of return. I wanted to start a new blog that would help other people to learn when to take their dogs, cats, birds, and other animals to the vet when they need to.
Yes, it's entirely possible for your dog to be severely allergic to fleas — in fact, it's a very common allergy for dogs. An allergic sensitivity to flea saliva can cause extreme itching for weeks after a single bite. If you notice your dog itching excessively, especially around the base of his or her tail where flea bites are common, your dog may have a flea allergy, a condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Here's what dog owners need to know about this painful condition and how it is treated.
What Is Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
While flea bites cause itching in all pets, flea allergy dermatitis (also referred to as FAD) causes an atypically extreme reaction. The cause is that your dog has a severe allergy to flea saliva. Symptoms including whining and chewing at the area of the flea bite. Your dog may even tear out fur or cause a break in the skin due to the severity of the itching. A single flea bite is enough to cause FAD, and symptoms can persist for up to two weeks after the bite occurs.
How Is Flea Allergy Dermatitis Treated?
FAD is primarily treated through excellent flea control all throughout flea season. Contact your veterinarian to find a flea control device that works for your dog and to learn flea control techniques. Some flea medications can cause adverse reactions, so it's important to work with your veterinarian to find one that is suitable for your dog.
Fleas do not nest on your dog, but instead nest in your dog's bedding and other areas of your home. This means that it's important to use a home flea treatment as well along with regularly vacuuming your home and cleaning your dog's bedding. By preventing any fleas from biting your dog, you will prevent FAD from occurring.
Your veterinarian can also prescribe medication to alleviate your dog's itching until you can control the fleas.
When Should I Take My Dog With a Flea Allergy to the Veterinarian?
If your dog has opened wounds in his skin from biting or clawing at the area of the bite, you should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your dog's mouth and claws are full of bacteria that can easily cause the open wound to become infected, which can have serious medical consequences. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and assess the wound. Your dog also may be given a cone restraint to wear until the itching has subsided in order to prevent infection.
With careful management of fleas on your dog and in your home, you can prevent your dog's flea allergy from becoming a painful problem. Visit your local animal hospital and work with a veterinarian to find a flea control solution that works for you and your dog. Remember that it only takes one flea bite to cause FAD, so maintaining perfect control is important to prevent FAD from occurring.
Contact a business like Kenmore Veterinary Hospital to learn more.