![]() Serum chemistry tests to evaluate the overall health of the dog and to evaluate the function of vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. ![]() This type of white blood cell may be found in increased numbers in some animals with parasitic infections. Occasionally, a high percentage of circulating eosinophils may be seen in the blood smear. A complete blood count (CBC or hemogram) to identify infection or inflammation and anemia, which can be seen in severe flea infestations.These tests insure optimal medical care and are selected on a case-by-case basis. Your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests to exclude or diagnose other conditions. The sarcoptic mange mite can be very difficult to find and several skin scrapings may have to be collected. Skin scrapings examined under the microscope to detect mange mites (sarcoptes, cheyletiella, demodex).Fecal flotation tests to determine the presence of concurrent gastrointestinal parasites or identify tapeworms, which are transmitted via fleas.A thorough physical examination, including examination of the skin.A complete medical history including questions about itchiness, areas of involvement, prior history of skin problems, diet, response to therapy, and any concurrent medical conditions.Frequent grooming of your dog with a "flea comb" may be helpful to remove fleas.ĭiagnostic tests often are performed to confirm a diagnosis of flea allergy dermatitis and exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. See your veterinarian promptly if your dog develops acute skin lesions (acute moist dermatitis) as a result of biting or scratching at fleas. Use a professional cleaning or exterminating service in difficult cases. Use frequent vacuuming and carpet cleaning strategies to remove eggs and larvae from the dog's indoor environment. ![]() Use an effective safe flea control product on your dog on a regular basis beginning one month before the flea season starts and continuing up until one month after the flea season ends. A newer therapy called Oclacitinib (Apoquel) has been very effective in control of itching in dogs with flea allergies.If your dog is intensely itchy, a short course of steroids may be necessary to break the itch cycle and make your dog more comfortable. Antibiotics and antifungal drugs may be necessary to treat secondary skin infections triggered by the flea allergy. Treatment of secondary skin infections.The most important part of treatment is preventing flea bites with aggressive flea control on your dog and in the environment. Treatment of flea allergy dermatitis involves three phases: For example, scratching or biting due to flea irritation can cause a "hot spot" (acute moist dermatitis) and secondary bacterial skin infection (pyoderma) can follow.ĭiagnosis of flea allergy is made based on history, clinical signs and a positive response to flea control. Some pets may have more than one medical problem. Trauma or other cause of local skin irritation.Other disorders that must be excluded are: Hot spots on the hips or face, which is severe skin damage from scratchingįlea allergy dermatitis is a common cause of itchiness and scratching in dogs, but other medical problems can lead to similar symptoms.Oozing lesions (lick granuloma) from chewing.Chewing and biting of the tail, rump, back legs and occasionally front legs.The adult flea spends most of its life on the host, while the immature stages (eggs) are found in the environment. ![]() Humidity is more important than the temperature. Optimal conditions include humidity of 75 to 85 percent and temperature of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This life span is influenced by environmental conditions and can vary from two to three weeks up to a year. Any animal can become allergic to fleas, although some dogs are more attractive to fleas than others.įleas are bloodsucking insects with a life span of 6 to 12 months. However, a couple of flea bites every two weeks are sufficient to make a flea allergic dog itchy all the time. Oddly enough, most animals with flea allergy have very few fleas – because they are so itchy, they groom themselves excessively, eliminating any evidence of fleas. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin infections. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. ![]()
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