Flea Bites on Dogs

Flea infestation is quite a common thing if you have a pet cat or a dog. Fleas are dark colored insects that thrive on the blood of humans and animals. A major disadvantage of fleas is that they multiply and spread very quickly. Therefore, if your pet comes in contact with another animal carrying fleas, there are high chances of transmission of the fleas.

Itchiness is the classical symptom of flea bites on dogs and cats. The itchiness depends on the sensitivity of the pet's skin and varies accordingly. Irritation, itchiness and discomfort is greater in case of dogs with sensitive skin. Therefore, flea control for dogs with sensitive skin is extremely essential. Let us know more about flea bites. Read more on fleas.

Flea Bites on Dogs

One should not get confused between flea bites and bed bug bites. Flea bites are like small red bumps that are surrounded by red halo. If the dog is bitten only by a single flea, there will be a smaller spot. If your pet has a sensitive skin, flea bites may even result in deeper wounds, red inflamed patches and hair loss. Flea bites on dogs are seen mostly around or under the tail. Read more on dog fleas.

Flea bites can also result in a disease in animals known as flea bite dermatitis. The saliva of the flea contains chemicals that can cause allergies and reactions on the pet's body. The symptoms of flea bites dermatitis is severe itching, swelling, red rash and thickening of the skin. Excessive itchiness can result into sores which can further get exposed to other infections. In order to avoid this, immediate treatment for flea bites on dogs and cats is essential. Read more on dog allergies.

Treating Flea Bites on Dogs

• If you see prominent rashes or red spots on the dog's skin, it is better to take him to the vet. The vet will prescribe some medications to reduce itchiness. One should remember not to take flea treatment medications without the vet's prescription.
• The best thing to overcome itchiness caused due to flea bites is to bathe the dog in cool water. Do not use hot water as it can lead to more itchiness.
• Rinsing your pet in a flea dip is also one of the effective means of alleviating pain from flea bites.
• Adding flax seed oil in your pet's food can have anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, the juice of aloe vera is also effective in healing flea bites. Applying fresh aloe juice will be helpful as it has a soothing effect.

Fleas on Dogs: How to Prevent it?

• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is very important to prevent flea infestation. Therefore, regular vacuuming of the carpets and rugs in the house, cleaning the bedding and surrounding area of the pet is essential.
• Pets should be kept in hygienic conditions to prevent fleas from thriving on their coats. Flea combs or flea shampoos should be used to get rid of fleas. In order to kill fleas, you can even make use of home remedies like using citrus fruits in water to clean the pets.
• Once you find out that the area is infected with fleas, you must use pesticides for immediate pest control. Along with your home, disinfecting the garden, lawn, garage and porch is equally important as pets also spend a lot of time there.

Read more on:

• Fleas on Dogs
• Flea Control

Remember that healthy pets are less susceptible to flea infestation, therefore, the owner must be particular about dog care and dog health. Flea bites on dogs can lead to other serious health problems. Hence, it is better if you identify flea bites on dogs well in time and get it treated.