If you have a pet, you probably know that fleas can be common and annoying problems when it comes to animals. These little pests multiply fast and feed off of your dog or cat’s blood. There are many pet health problems caused by fleas and one of them is called flea bite allergy. Flea bite allergy, also known as flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis, is quite common in both cats and dogs. This condition develops when a flea bites your pet and your dog or cat is allergic to the flea’s saliva. What makes the condition even more frustrating is that it only takes one bite for your pet to show some form of irritation.
How Allergies Flea Affects Your Pet
Flea allergies can be quite miserable for your pet. As stated above, it only takes one bite for your pet to show irritation. This condition will cause intense itching and if left untreated, your dog or cat may scratch itself until areas on its body become raw. It is not uncommon for these pets to scratch themselves until they bleed. If your pet creates sores when scratching, these open lesions could become infected creating even more problems. Additionally, fleas can cause other serious problems such as severe anemia and tapeworms. As such, it is essential for you to rid your pet of these parasites right away.
Common Symptoms of Allergies Flea
Common Symptoms of Flea Bite Allergy in Pets: *Fleas, *Flea dirt (small black droppings), *Intense Itching, *Excessive Scratching, *Hair Loss and/or Bald Spots, *Sores Cause by Scratching, *Smelly Skin, *Inflamed Skin. It is essential to note that since flea bite allergy can occur with just one bite from a parasite, you may not notice any fleas or droppings. However, if you see your pet constantly scratching itself, it may have flea allergy. Additionally, sores will typically appear above the tail, on the groin, on the hind legs and on the head.
Treatments for Allergies Flea
The only way to prevent flea allergies in dogs and cats is to kill any existing fleas and prevent them from returning. There are many products that can help you accomplish this. Additionally, for your treatment methods to be effective, you will need to treat your home and yard as well as your pet. Some of the flea prevention medications your veterinarian may recommend include Advantage and Frontline. There are also many shampoos, dips and sprays on the market that you may choose to use as well. If your pet has any open sores, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. Finally, antihistamines or steroids can help relieve itching.
Breeds Affected
Any pet can contract fleas. In fact, these parasites can be found most anywhere in the world, and they are not specific to any breed, age or type of animal. However, there are a few conditions that can make a pet more vulnerable to flea allergies, and they are as follows: Genetic Predisposition to Flea Allergies, Exposure to Fleas, Failure to Keep Animal Flea-Free, Failure to Treat Home and Yard Properly, Excessively Hot and Humid Living Environment.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
