Your furry friend scratches more than usual. This indicates that your dog could be suffering from a flea allergy. A lot of scratching and itching can be sore and painful for your dog. But before you blame flea allergies for your dog’s increasing discomfort, it’s important to do some research.
Symptoms of flea bites include:
- The skin itches and when scratching it becomes sore and painful.
- Hair loss especially in the areas of scratching.
- Constantly chewing the skin.
- irritated red skin
- abnormal bite
- pale gums
- red boils
Understand what are fleas?
When you inspect your dog’s skin, you’ll find tiny dark bugs that are smaller than ants. The muzzle and armpit areas are favorite places for fleas to flourish. They develop and multiply in warm and protected areas.
Flea bites are the tiny parasites that feed on your pet’s blood. There are more than 2,200 species of fleas in the world, but most flea ticks are found on dogs. Aside from dogs, flea allergies are found in cats, wolves, raccoons, foxes, and rabbits.
Flea problems are not limited to scratching and itching of the skin, your dog faces various problems due to fleas such as:
- dog flea allergy dermatitis
Most flea bites will cause skin boils. But, if your dog is sensitive to flea saliva, your pet will always be scratching. Therefore, the area becomes irritated and may develop hives on the skin. The best way to avoid pet flea problems is to regularly maintain your hygiene. In addition, over-the-counter medications are available.
- Anemia
Fleas feed on blood. Your dog can become anemic from flea bites. Fluctuating body temperature, pale gums, lethargy, and lack of hunger are some of the key symptoms to look out for if your dog has become anemic due to flea bites. Also, this can lead to serious health complications. Make sure your dog gets rich nutrients by providing daily vitamins. Consult with the veterinarian to immediately stop the allergy to fleas in the dog.
- you had
The tapeworm problem arises when your dog swallows the flea by chewing and licking the skin. It is a type of parasite that thrives in your dog’s intestinal tract and feeds on your pet’s nutrients. In such cases, don’t wait and take your pet to the vet immediately.
- hot spots
Continual scratching and itching can cause the skin to develop hot spots on your dog’s skin. It is important that you bathe your dog with antibacterial shampoos that are readily available. Your vet will also prescribe medication to help reduce itching and pain.
- bartonella infection
Bartonella infection occurs when your dog is mauled by flea-carrying parasites. Common symptoms are vomiting, fever, diarrhea, swelling of the skin, and seizures. The infection is believed to be dangerous and requires an immediate check-up by a veterinarian.
final thoughts
It is equally important to keep carpeted areas clean. Just medicate your dog and bathe him, but if you’re not regularly cleaning his bedding, rugs, furniture, he’s back to normal.
Flea allergy in dogs is definitely a problem for you and your pet. Therefore, make sure you treat the problem as soon as possible. These pests may be small but they cause a lot of pain and health problems for your pet. Save your furry friend by taking the necessary steps to cure flea problems.