Flea bite allergy in dogs

In this Animals and Pets Online article we discuss a common problem: the allergy to flea bites in dogs .We say usual because fleas are parasites of wide worldwide distribution that, due to the conditions provided in our homes, can survive throughout the year, being able to bite dogs, cats, any other warm-blooded animal and even humans.

Not all dogs develop allergies, but it is worth knowing this pathology because it is very common and the symptoms are very annoying, so read on to find out how to know if your dog is allergic to flea bites .

Flea life cycle

Fleas are parasitic insects observable to the naked eye.They have a flattened body to move better between the fur and are characterized by their high-altitude jumps.The adults get on the dog and bite to extract her blood , from which they feed.The female deposits eggs in the environment, between carpets or slits.These develop in several phases until they become adults and get on another animal, restarting the cycle.their way of life we ​​extract important data such as the following:

• Some animals react to the parasitic saliva and this is how flea bite allergy is triggered in dogs.
• Eggs require a specific range of temperature and humidity that occurs inside our houses throughout the year .
• Any measure aimed at the eradication of fleas should take into account the cleanliness of the environment , since there s where eggs and immature phases are found.
• Flea bites produce itching.Allergy to this sting triggers a clinical picture that we will explain.
• We don't always see fleas but we can to suspect its presence if the dog scratches itself .Sometimes we will only appreciate, on the body, black balls, like sand.If we wet them we will check that it is digested blood.

Allergic reaction to fleas in dogs

An allergy is a reaction of the organism to elements that, in principle, should not be considered harmful such as pollen, dust or food.Yes, some dogs react to flea saliva, triggering an easily appreciable clinical picture which is known as DAPP or flea bite allergic dermatitis .Not all dogs will develop it, but we must be aware that, for an allergic dog, a single bite is enough to cause symptoms.

Before pictures compatible with the presence of fleas it is appropriate to deworm .In dogs confirmed as allergic we must be strict with the deworming schedule.In the next section we explain the symptoms of allergy to flea bites in dogs so that they can be identified and treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms of DAPP in dogs

Flea bite allergy in dogs manifests with the following symptoms:

• Itching in greater or lesser intensity.
• Bulky red granules .
• Due to scratching hair falls and wounds are made, ranging from scratches to deep lesions that can end becoming infected.
• Injuries are characteristic of the lumbosacral area , abdomen and English, although, if left untreated, the damage extends.
• With the time, the skin thickens and darkens.

To avoid complications we must go to the veterinarian to treat and confirm the diagnosis, since it is possible to be treated of another dermatological disease.

Treatment of flea allergy in dogs

Once this allergy is identified, we can administer products that eliminate all the fleas that are on the dog in a matter of hours but, if there are symptoms such as wounds, infections or intense itching we are likely to have to treat them, because they do not disappear with the eradication of parasites.In addition, these antiparasitic products do not usually protect more than about 24 hours, so we will have to complement them with others, choosing the most appropriate depending on the characteristics of our dog.

You have to treat all the animals in the house.It is important to know that it is no use eliminating the fleas of the dog if we do not end up with those that are found in the environment.So, environmental control is basic to avoid flea bite allergy in our dogs.

How to eliminate house fleas?

Most of the flea population will be found in the ideal environment that constitutes our home for them, so to prevent flea bite allergy in dogs, in addition to deworming the animal, It is imperative that we maintain hygiene at home.We highlight the following recommendations to eliminate house fleas:

• Aspirate better than sweeping , because in this way we absorb eggs and larval phases of soil and carpets.Do not forget to also vacuum the dog's bed.
• Wash blankets frequently and other clothes in contact with the dog.
• Steam cleaning carpets and carpets .
• In times of higher incidence of fleas it may be necessary to use some insecticide, sprayer, making sure that it penetrates carpets and carpets, or applied in the water to scrub, taking into account also the areas under the furniture.

To vacuum with a more effectively and eliminate fleas from your home we recommend the use of a robot vacuum cleaner.Robot vacuum cleaners have the clear advantage of cleaning the floor of the home without having to waste time.They also offer excellent results thanks to their work programs and features but what robot vacuum cleaner to choose? The ILIFE robot vacuum cleaners stand out for their suction power, for having the ability to vacuum carpets, for having two side brushes in addition to the central brush and for sucking all types of hair, parasites such as fleas and their eggs.

This article is merely informative, in Animals and Pets Online.We do not have the power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles Similar to Flea bite allergy in dogs-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our parasitic diseases section.