what to do when a dog has lost almost all their hair and is allergic to fleas?

When Your Pet Has a Flea Allergy

Fleabites brand nearly pets itch. But some dogs and cats are allergic to the pests. Your dr. may call this flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or fleabite hypersensitivity. If your pet has a flea allergy, "even 1 or ii fleabites can make your pet miserable," says Carol Osborne, DVM, a veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Veterinary Centre in Chagrin Falls, OH.

Many cats and dogs are allergic to fleas. In fact, FAD is the most common peel disease in dogs in the U.S. Flea allergies often spike in the summer, and pets that have seasonal allergies are more likely to take an allergic reaction to fleabites. Simply any pet tin can get FAD.

Plenty of things can help.

Spot the Signs

When a flea bites your domestic dog or true cat to draw blood, it injects saliva into your pet's peel. Flea saliva is irritating to most animals, including humans. But the compounds in it tin can trigger an allergic reaction in some pets.

Everyday itching from a fleabite isn't the aforementioned thing every bit a flea allergy. If your pet has FAD, the itching will exist intense and last longer.

"Your pet may itch for up to 2 weeks later on a seize with teeth, and the itching will be severe and even dissentious to your pet's pare," Osborne says.

Other signs of FAD include:

• A rash on your pet's skin or raw, irritated, or haemorrhage areas on your pet'due south body. Dogs usually have information technology nigh their back legs, stomach, or tail area. Cats are more than likely to have it nigh their neck and confront.
• Pilus loss, peculiarly in areas where the bites happened
• Small red or pink raised bumps that may expect similar pimples
• Abiding itching, bitter, clawing, or grooming

Help Your Pet Become Relief

This isn't a i-and-done kind of thing. It'south a process.

Step 1: See your pet'due south veterinarian. Don't assume that because y'all tin can't see whatsoever fleas, your canis familiaris or cat doesn't accept a flea allergy. Often, animals with ane groom themselves constantly. They may remove any fleas from their bodies -- just the allergic reaction from bites can last for weeks.

"If your canis familiaris or cat is scratching itself, get to a vet right abroad," says Ari Zabell, DVM, a veterinarian and customer advocate at Banfield Pet Infirmary in Portland, OR. "Fleas and flea allergies are mutual, only it could also be another health problem, like a tick bite. Information technology'due south important to get the right diagnosis before your pet starts handling."

A vet will check your pet'south fur and pare thoroughly. They'll check for fleas and "flea dirt," which is flea poop that looks like pepper flakes. It oftentimes turns ruby-red when information technology's wet. If the vet suspects another crusade for your pet's itching, they may order sure claret or skin tests to be sure. They'll also make sure that your canis familiaris or true cat doesn't have whatsoever open wounds.

"If a pet is itching or chewing on itself a lot, bacteria or yeast tin go into the skin and cause an infection," says Elizabeth A. Layne, DVM, a clinical instructor of dermatology and allergy at the Schoolhouse of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Step 2: Break the cycle. Putting an end to your pet's flea allergy means getting rid of fleas. Though they're more common in warmer months, fleas tin can alive year-round indoors. In one case they lay eggs, new fleas hatch and so lay more than eggs, which means your pet is constantly exposed.

"Using year-round treatment with a flea preventative medication can help break the cycle and prevent future allergic reactions," Layne says.

Spot-on (or "topical") medications and oral meds impale developed fleas. Some flea collars work well, as well. Talk to your pet's veterinarian virtually which handling is best for your pet.

Medication is simply half the battle. Fleas don't actually live on animals. They live in carpets, bedding, and other surfaces in your home and jump onto your pet to eat. That's why it'due south important to wash your bedding, your pet'south bedding, and your throw rugs with detergent and warm water.

To remove fleas, flea eggs, and larvae, vacuum your carpets, larger rugs, and chair and sofa cushions. Empty the vacuum pocketbook or canister after. Brand sure to do it outside, or they could become dorsum into your living space.

Yous may also consider using flea spray on your carpets and upholstered furniture. Be sure to keep your pets and your family unit away from sprayed areas until they've dried.

"Having fleas in your firm doesn't hateful our home is dirty or yous're a bad pet owner," Layne says. "Fleas are attracted to food sources, which is whatsoever cat or dog."

Step 3: Ease the itch. Your pet's veterinary will recommend a topical, oral, or injected medication to ease your pet'due south itching and inflammation. If your canis familiaris or true cat has an infection, the veterinarian may also prescribe an antibody or antifungal medicine.

Yous may have heard that human antihistamines tin care for pet allergies. Maybe, but probably not.

"The trouble is, they're oft not strong enough to ease inflammation for many pets with a flea allergy, and they don't work at all for many animals," Zabell says. "Talk to your vet earlier using them for your pet."

At dwelling, 1 of the easiest means to assist ease your dog or cat'due south irritation is to give them a bathroom with cool water.

"Unless your pet hates water, this tin aid by making their skin feel better and removing some fleas," Zabell says.

Step 4: Avert irritants. Don't use flea shampoo or other topical flea products without talking to your pet's veterinarian showtime.

"Flea shampoos and sprays can contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make a rash or wounds worse," Layne says.

You may accept seen onion or garlic tablets marketed for pet flea relief, just they tin be toxic to dogs and cats. Skip essential oils and products that incorporate them, as well.

"They can be very irritating to an fauna's skin, especially for a pet with a flea allergy," Layne says.

Step 5: Stay in touch with your pet's veterinarian. "Regular checkups are especially of import for spotting infection and making sure your flea and allergy treatment plans are working," Zabell says.

If you accept a question between scheduled visits, don't hesitate to call your vet.

"When it comes to your dog or true cat'southward wellness," Zabell says, "it's meliorate to exist safe than sorry."

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Source: https://pets.webmd.com/features/flea-allergies

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