The Flea Allergy in Dogs and Cats

Although so tiny and apparently harmless, fleas are dangerous because they multiply fast and once they got on the fur of the pet, they would not leave it by their own will. Consequently the flea allergy will last for a long time, causing troubles to both the dog or the cat and the owner.

Flea Allergy Symptoms

There are symptoms that will tell the pet owner that the dog or cat is developing a flea allergy. Some symptoms displayed by dogs in case of a dog allergy are slightly different to those showed by cats. Nevertheless, there are a few common symptoms which can lead you to suspect your dog or cat of a flea allergy: continuous itching, loss of hair, or occurrence of sores. Many times, pets affected by flea allergy will show depression signs where there are no reason for this ailment to appear.

Several specific symptoms in case of dog allergy are:

· Massive loss of hair: loss of hair is not uncommon in dogs during spring and fall, but when it is not uniform, and when you see big zones deprived of almost all hairs, that’s an alarm signal that something is wrong with your dog’s health, be it an allergy or some other skin disease;

· Presence of red and swollen sores: this is easy to check, but you have to use your hands, as there is a very small probability you’d detect the sores by visual contact only;

· Irritation and scratching in certain areas, such as:

  • Along the tail
  • On the rump area
  • All over the hind legs
  • The region of the groin, which is the sensitive area between the hind legs

    • Cats show pretty much similar symptoms in case of flea allergy:· Constant scratching in various parts of the body: it is normal for a cat to scratch herself more than a dog, but if you see her scratching almost all the time, then you need to get her tested for a flea allergy or other affections;· The formation of painful scabs in sensitive areas, such as:

  • The neck
  • The face
  • The groin

    • Flea allergy diagnosis can be done without skin tests and blood tests. If you see the fleas, the flea allergy is over the corner. Looking for fleas in the coat of the dog or cat is very easy to do, and it doesn’t require a vet to help you. Fact is that flea are black, and if your pet’s coat is also of a dark color, you won’t see the fleas.Don’t attempt to catch the fleas one by one, as they move very fast, so your success is hard if not impossible to achieve. There are other ways to kill them in block and ease your beloved pet from the allergy pains.

    Fortunately, there are proven ways to remove the fleas and allow the pet’s body to heal itself from the allergy:
    · Using flea combs – Flea combs are available at any pet shop or at your vet’s. Flea combs are designed with very small teeth, so that they can sweep out the fleas along with the flea dirt from the coat of the pet.

    · Bathing or immersing the pet in a recommended solution – The solution is usually a mixture of water and a detergent which is recommended by the vet. The detergent can immediately kill the fleas and loosen their hold on the skin.

    The pet owner will find the dead fleas floating in the bath solution. This solution may also turn reddish due to the presence of so much flea dirt. The biggest challenge here, in case of cats, is to persuade them to jump in the solution. Beware, as they can scratch you all over before you even notice.
    · Removing the fleas source - A good general cleaning will get rid off the source of fleas. Cleaning only the pet will not prevent the recurrence of flea allergy, because the fleas will jump on it again, with the first occasion.

    Remember that dogs and cats are as susceptible to allergy as humans, so treat the eventuality of a flea allergy with maximum responsibility.

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