Flea Allergies and Dermatitis

Fleas might be very small but they often cause big problems in dogs. Their saliva alone contains 15 different substances which can cause allergic reactions. The antigens found in flea saliva can cause dogs to become allergic to flea bites. As a matter of fact, more than 40% of dogs today have allergic reactions to flea bites. Dogs can develop flea allergy dermatitis or hypersensitivity. It is important to consult the veterinarian for problems like this, but there are also steps which you can take to treat this problem. 

Life Cycle of Fleas

Fleas are small parasitic insects which can jump 150 times more than their body length. They live on warm-bloodied animals and they drink the blood off their host which is most often dogs and cats. Fleas like to live in warm places which also have high humidity. According to the Dog Owners’ Guide, they have a life expectancy of 50 days. A female flea can lay as many as 2,000 eggs in that short of a time. When the female flea lays eggs, it falls wherever the animal lies or sits. The eggs hatch and become larvae and the larvae spins a cocoon or pupa. It then becomes a six-legged insect and it begins the life cycle again. 

Symptoms of Flea Allergies

If your dog becomes allergic to flea bites, it will cause the dog’s skin to become itchy and irritated. The dog will continue to scratch areas where it has allergies. Some symptoms of flea allergies are red bumps, a thick layer of skin which is usually located on the tail or the back. Dogs with fleas also have black specks of dirt on their bodies and when it is wet, it becomes red. These are flea feces.

Solution to Flea Allergies and Flea Bites 

There are various shampoos today which are especially made to treat flea problems. Flea shampoos can kill adult fleas and some even provide future protection from fleas. There are also topical medications like drops which are safe to use on dogs. It is important that the dog’s environment be also cleaned to prevent fleas. Clean the dog’s bedding and spray insecticides regularly to remove fleas, as well as their eggs.