In this article on our site we deal with a common problem: flea bite allergy in dogs We say common because fleas are parasites with a 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 learning about this condition because it is very common and the symptoms are very bothersome. So keep reading to find out how to tell if your dog has a flea bite allergy.
Life cycle of fleas
Fleas are parasitic insects that can be seen with the naked eye. They have a flattened body to move better through the fur and are characterized by their high jumps. The adults climb on the dog and sting him to extract his blood, on which they feed. The female lays eggs in the environment, between carpets or cracks. These develop in several phases until they become adults and climb on another animal, restarting the cycle. From their way of life we extract important data such as the following:
- Some animals react to the parasite's saliva and this is how flea bite allergies are triggered in dogs.
- Eggs require a specific range of temperature and humidity that occurs inside our homes throughout the year.
- Any measure aimed at eradicating fleas must take into account cleaning the environment, since that is where eggs are found and immature stages.
- Flea bites cause itching. Allergy to this sting triggers a clinical picture that we will explain.
- We don't always see fleas but we can suspect their presence if the dog scratches. Sometimes we will only appreciate, on the body, black balls, like sand. If we wet them we will verify that it is digested blood.
Allergic reaction to fleas in dogs
An allergy is a reaction of the body to elements that, in principle, should not be considered harmful such as pollen, dust or food. Thus, some dogs react to flea saliva, triggering an easily noticeable clinical picture known as DAPP or flea bite allergy 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.
In cases compatible with the presence of fleas it is appropriate to deworm In dogs confirmed to be allergic, we must be strict with the deworming schedule. In the following section we explain the symptoms of allergy to flea bites in dogs so that they can be identified and treated as soon as possible.
FAD symptoms in dogs
Allergy to flea bites in dogs manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- Itching more or less intense.
- Granites red bulging.
- Due to scratching the hair falls out and wounds are caused, ranging from scratches to deep injuries that can end up becoming infected.
- The lesions are characteristic of the lumbosacral area, abdomen and groin, although, if left untreated, the damage spreads.
- Over time, the skin thickens and darkens.
To avoid complications, we must go to the vet to treat and confirm the diagnosis, since it is possible that it is another dermatological disease.
Treatment of flea allergy in dogs
Once this allergy is identified, we can administer products that eliminate all the fleas found on the dog in a matter of hours, but if there are symptoms such as wounds, infections or intense itching, it is likely that we will have to treat them, because they do not disappear with the eradication of the parasites. In addition, these antiparasitic products usually do not protect for more than 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 useless to eliminate fleas from the dog if we do not eliminate those that are in the environment. Thus, environmental control is basic to avoid allergy to flea bites in our dogs.
How to get rid of fleas at home?
Most of the flea population will be found in the ideal environment that is our home for them. Thus, to prevent allergy to flea bites in dogs, in addition to deworming the animal, it is essential that we maintain hygiene at home. We highlight the following recommendations to eliminate fleas from home:
- Vacuuming is better than sweeping, because in this way we absorb eggs and larval stages from the floor and carpets. Let's not forget to vacuum the dog's bed too.
- Frequently wash blankets and other clothing in contact with the dog.
- Steam Clean Carpets and Carpets.
- In times of higher incidence of fleas it may be necessary to use an insecticide, spray, making sure that it penetrates into carpets and rugs, or applied to the water to scrub, also taking into account the areas under furniture.
To vacuum more efficiently and eliminate fleas from your home, we recommend using a robot vacuum cleaner. Robot vacuum cleaners have the clear advantage of cleaning the floor of the home without having to waste time. Likewise, they offer excellent results thanks to their work programs and features, but which robot vacuum cleaner to choose? The ILIFE robot vacuum cleaners stand out for their vacuuming power, for having the ability to vacuum carpets, for having two side brushes in addition to the central brush and for sucking all kinds of of hair, parasites such as fleas and their eggs.
