For a pet owner, when your dog scratches, more often than not you would brush it off as a normal habit of your dog.
Like humans, dogs scratch off something that is itchy. And it’s a natural response to a stimuli.
During the summer months, you will notice that your dog may be scratching more than usual. Because parasites are taking advantage of your willingness to go on a vacation during the hot days and cool off to a far off place. Kidding.
But yes, fleas and ticks are on the rise during the summer. It is in these hot months that they get busy and increase their numbers. Working hard to make sure that they do not starve during the cooler months – remember the ant and grasshopper story?
Anyway, your dog may be trying to get rid of the itch by scratching themselves. But there are dogs that can be allergic to fleas. And you have to be aware if your dog may be one.
Dog Flea Allergy: It’s More Than The Usual Itch
What does it mean to have dog flea allergy?
When a flea bites the dog’s skin, this will cause an itchy feeling to your furbaby. And the dog scratches it off to get relief. But if your dog has flea allergy, one flea bite is felt as if there were ten fleas biting at the same time. Imagine if there are more fleas on your dog?
Now, you have to understand that it is not just the bite that triggers the flea allergy. Dogs are reactive to the flea saliva. So the lingering itchy feel is caused by the leftover saliva on your dog’s skin.
If left untreated, you will know that your dog has flea allergy when there is appearance of red spots, bald spots and even wounds. Because of non-stop scratching off the itchy feel.
For pet owners who have more than one dog, you can differentiate which dog have flea allergy. One dog may have scabs already but the others do not have.
Dog Flea Allergy: You Can Help Get Rid Of It
As a pet owner, one of your responsibilities is keeping your dog healthy and that includes free from ticks and fleas.
The best way to keep your pets from dog flea allergy is to avail of flea and tick preventives in the market today. Then from time to time you have to check the crevices in your homes to be sure that the fleas and ticks are not hiding there.
Fleas, during their egg, larvae, pupae and juvenile stages stay in the environment. They attack your dog during their adult stage. Lay their eggs on your dog and let it fall onto the ground for another life cycle.
But if it so happens that your dog is scratching more, then you have to bring your pup to the vet. Your vet will help you determine if your dog has flea allergy and recommend the right flea and tick preventive. It is not easy at is sounds but dog flea allergy can be taken cared of.
Ask your Veterinarian on what are the available Tick and Flea Treatment in the market today and is best for your dog.
Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC
“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client