Allergies caused by the change in season are very common to pet animals, most especially in dogs. One of the most common seasonal allergy problems in pet dogs is flea allergy dermatitis. Flea allergy is the result of your pet's reaction to flea saliva when a flea bites your pet. Flea allergy dermatitis can result to severe allergic reaction for most dogs and can lead to the development of secondary skin infections like pyoderma, if not treated properly.
Fleas are parasites that live on sucking the blood of its host; it can live a life span of 6 to 12 months. However, this life span is influenced by environmental conditions and can vary from two to three weeks up to a year. Optimal conditions also include humidity of 75 to 85 percent and temperature of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is more important than the temperature. Flea eggs are found in the environment, though, the adult flea inhabits most of the time in its host body.
Flea allergy disease is manifested through the following: severe and excessive itching, chewing and biting of body parts; hot spots or acute moist dermatitis on your dog's hips or face, which is a result from exuberant scratching; and oozing lesions from chewing.
If your pet happens to have a flea infestation, no need to panic yet, flea allergy is treatable. Effective treatment of flea allergy dermatitis includes four important phases:
The prevention of flea bites that causes the allergy.
Assertive control of flea infestation in your pet dog as well as in his environment.
Treatment of secondary skin infections that have developed in your dog's body due to itching and scratching. Antibiotics and antifungal drugs may be administered to treat skin infections triggered by the flea allergy.
Breaking your dog's itch cycle. Giving steroids to your dog, on a short course, may be essential to break his itch cycle.
Below are some tips on how to prevent and avoid flea infestation in your pet dog:
Clean-up. Frequently vacuum and clean your carpeting to remove eggs and larvae from your dog's indoor dwelling. If you had difficulty exterminating the fleas inside your house, you can hire a professional cleaning or exterminating service to effectively do the job.
Dog Brushing. Frequently grooming your dog with a "flea comb" can help remove fleas from his hair and coat.
Flea Control Products. Try using an effective and safe flea control product on your dog on a regular basis during flea season. You can start using this flea control product one month prior to the start of flea season and continuing up until a month after the flea season ends.
Dog Check-up. Take your pet to the vet for flea allergy diagnosis that is based on history, clinical signs and a positive response to flea control. If your pet has already a flea allergy problem and starts developing acute skin lesions (acute moist dermatitis) due to excessive biting or scratching at fleas, consult your veterinarian for proper medication to be given to your dog.
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