If you have a dog that is driving you crazy up all night chewing and itching, then he most likely is suffering from an allergy to fleas. Sounds ridiculous but it’s more common than you think. For some dogs, this can turn into a serious problem, especially if left untreated.
Flea allergies in dogs can begin as early as puppies but seems to be most prevalent in older adult dogs. Adult fleas will not live for a long time if they are not on a dog or cat. But that doesn’t really reassure you now does it?
Did you know that adult fleas are the only ones that bite? Once they fall off the host dog or cat, they don’t live. That’s good to know, however, the process continues because the adult flea leaves behind eggs that will hatch and continue the process.
We have heard of cases where this medical condition if not treated has lead to behavioral troubles with dogs. For your dogs sake as well as yours, it is important to know that constant monitoring along with treatment can free your dog of fleas. Do what’s best for your dog and continue to use the treatment that gives you the best results.
To determine if your dog is infested with fleas that might be causing an allergic reaction, you can look for flea dirt or fleas. The vet may want to test for mites if no fleas are visible. A noticeable increase in chewing and itching is a sure symptom of a flea allergy but can also be an indication of mites.
Humans are not immune to the dreaded fleabite. As we have said the adult flea will fall off the dog after it bites and you could become fair game. One or two bites is all your dog needs to get to start the allergic reaction in motion. Treatment is needed to keep this nasty irritation at bay as well as treating the house and yard.
As you can imagine, this condition can be very painful for your dog with the chronic itching. Diagnosis and immediate treatment is critical to relieve these symptoms. Flea dips and shampoos can be used as well as a topical applied to the knap of the neck used monthly are extremely useful.
Don’t watch your dog suffer if you think it has a flea allergy. If it’s loosing its hair and you see lesions on your dog’s body, then get it to the vet. The sooner treatment is started, the better you dog will be.
As we have said, once you have conquered the infestation, continuous monthly treatments will need to be applied. Sometimes it is necessary to do multiple treatments in your house and outside before you have totally eliminated this pesky critter. Take good care of your pet; they will love you more for it.
