Fleas are the tiny vampires of the dog world. Like
mosquitoes and other blood-seeking parasites, fleas bite their victims to
obtain their blood and then live off the rich nutrients found there. It's
also the bite that causes the flea allergy process to begin through an immune
response within the dog's body.
Antigens: Basic Cause of Flea Allergies
Canine flea allergies are caused by something called an
antigen. In simple terms, an antigen is a substance introduced into the body
that the body perceives as dangerous. In this case, the antigen would be
chemicals contained within the flea's saliva. It gets into the dog's body
through the insect's bite. An antigen-mediated flea skin condition in dogs is
called flea dermatitis.
What to Look for
Flea allergy tends to affect younger dogs, meaning those
aged five and under and it's more prevalent in the fall. Don't assume that it
takes an army of these parasites to cause flea dermatitis because that is not
true. Potentially, a few of them is more than enough to initiate the problem.
Watch for the following:
• Episodes
of intense scratching
• Biting at
the base of the tail
• Red,
raised bumps and reddened patches of skin
• Patchy or
generalised hair loss
• Hot spots
Also known as moist dermatitis, hot spots are smaller areas
of ultra-inflamed skin. Skin will be moist and hot to the touch. These spots
can easily become infected.
Flea dirt
This is flea faeces. It resembles flakes of black pepper and
is often concentrated around the base of the tail.
Flea Poop or Just Doggy Dirt?
Now it's true that pets go outside and they get dirty, so
how can you tell if it's flea poop or just plain doggy dirt? Easy, just put
some of the material on an old white plate and spray lightly with water. If it
turns red or pinkish, then it's flea poop.
Prevention is Key!
Flea infestation must be eliminated and if possible,
prevented altogether. It really is just that simple: no flea exposure, no flea
bites and no antigen exposure means that your pet will not develop flea allergy
dermatitis in the first place.
Flea prevention regimens
Ask your vet for a recommendation for a flea-control product
to eliminate these parasites for use on or in the body. Some preparations are
topical; some are oral. Some need a prescription; some don't. Check online for
best prices either way. Make sure you understand how to use the product.
Make sure your pet's environment is clean and free of pests
as well. Use a good external environment pest control product, intended for
pets, as recommended by your veterinarian. You can treat the pet's bed and
carpeting, drapes and household furnishings.
Medical Treatment
Your vet will determine if a dog already afflicted with an
antigen-mediated flea allergy needs medical treatment. Sometimes just
eliminating the offending antigen by eliminating the parasite is enough. If
not, expect that the patient may be treated with short-term steroid therapy
with a drug such as prednisone. This will effectively alleviate discomfort and
promote healing until the parasites can be eliminated from the body and
environment.
Flea control is paramount to your companion's health and
comfort. There are many effective products on the market today. With your vet's
help, choose one, use it properly and then just watch those fleas flee!
Remember, your pet is depending on you!
Paul Haines is the author of “My Life With Pets Blog” where
he shares his life experiences involving his family and pets. In addition to his blog, he is the creator
and owner of the website BarkAndSqueak.com.
BarkAndSqueak.com is an educational and fun site dedicated to all types
of Pets. You can visit the site at http://www.barkandsqueak.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment