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Allergies from canine fleas are caused when the flea bites your dog's skin. The reaction itself is due to sensitivity to the saliva in the flea's mouth. A typical flea allergic reaction will have your dog itching the moment they come in contact with the fleas. Itch from flea allergies could even continue after all the fleas have been killed.
Symptoms of Dog Flea AllergiesCommon symptoms of canine fleas include itching, red pimples or bumps on your dogs behind (rump), under the legs, base of the tail, groin or belly. When your dog goes to itch this area, their hair can fall out and their skin becomes dry. If you draw an imaginary line around the center of your dog, and only see symptoms in the rear half, it is probably fleas.If the condition continues, the skin can become crusty and infected causing crusty lesions. Diagnosing Dog Flea AllergyThe best way to check for fleas is to place your dog on a piece of white paper. Brush the coat and if you see white and black grains of what looks like sand. The droplets are actually lea eggs and feces. There is also a skin test that your Veterinarian can use to test for flea allergy and fleas.Treatment of Flea AllergyMost dogs are cured when the fleas are eliminated from their body, hair and where they live. All pets that live with the dog should be checked as well. Your Veterinarian will treat fleas with creams and antibiotics. You can also use an antihistamine to help with the itching. You can either try natural approaches to feal removal or prescription medications from your veterinarian.Eliminating fleas on your dog just removes only part of the flea problem. Flea eggs fall from your dog and adult fleas can easily jump from your dog into your environment. If you only treat your dog, he will quickly be re-infested with fleas that are still living in your home. You must kill the fleas on your dog AND in your home. Buy Dog and Tick Flea MedicineThere are 6 types of canine flea medicine including shampoos, dips, foams, sprays, powders and spot-ons. Click on this link to read about the different types of dog flea medicine.Preventing Canine FleasThere are several products that can help to prevent canine fleas.Collars - Popular and widely used, yet aren't always effective. Spot-ons - Oil based products that are applied to two spots on your dogs back. They last from 1 to 3 months. Pills - Prescribed by your Veterinarian. Although high in cost, they are very convenient with products requiring your dog to take 1 pill every month. Pills such as Sentinal also help prevent heartworm.
Read More About Canine Fleas and Flea Medicine
Greek, Jean, DVM, ACIDM; New Hope Animal Hospital “Atopic Disease and Allergy” Beale, Karin M. DVM, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists – “Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Signs and Diagnosis” Giffin, James M. MD & Carlson, Liisa D., DVM “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook”. Lloyd, Professor David, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus: “Diagnosis & Management of Adverse Food Reactions in Dogs” Osborn, Sarah Colombini DVM, Southwest Veterinary College, Houston: “Optimal use of Hypoallergenic Diets” Ihrke, VMD, Professor of Dermatology, School of Veterinary Meicine, University of California: “Flea Allergy Dermatitis”
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