According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, "Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs in the USA." Flea dermatitis occurs when a dog is hypersensitive to flea bites. Hot spots and rashes most likely occur and the itching will make your dog scratch to the point of skin irritation and breaks. Left untreated, this can lead to hair loss and infection. Fortunately, flea dermatitis is treatable at home with good results.
Things You'll Need
- Flea shampoo
- Home flea spray (or flea bomb)
- Flea powder for carpets
- Flea medication
- Topical anti-Itch cream or spray
- Topical antibiotic cream
- Flea comb
Instructions
Get Rid Of The Fleas And Prevent More Flea Bites
The first thing you have to do is rid your dog and home of fleas. Fleas make their homes in carpets, rugs and bedding. Wash all your dog's bedding in the washing machine using hot water. Vacuum all rugs and carpets thoroughly and apply flea powder to them. Spray your house and areas of your yard where your dog spends time with flea spray to kill flea larvae as they hatch. If your house is infested with fleas, flea bomb the house.
Wash your dog with a good flea shampoo. While your dog is still wet and his fur is easy to part, check his coat with a flea comb to see if there are any live fleas, flea eggs or "flea dirt." Flea eggs and flea dirt look like black sand granules. If you see any, comb them out with the flea comb and immediately destroy the flea eggs by spraying them with flea spray and disposing of them in a plastic bag which you tightly tie closed. Do not flush them down the toilet, as the eggs can hatch and the pesticide can get into your town's water system.
Start your dog on a flea prevention medication. There are many over-the-counter options based on pyrethrin which come in the form of sprays, powders, flea collars and drops. Prescription oral medications are much more effective, though more costly. If your dog is highly allergic to flea bites or you live in an area with tall grasses or beaches, consider the prescription solution. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
Treat Your Dog's Hot Spots
Assess your dog's condition. If the affected areas look irritated but not severe, or even if your dog has scratched herself raw and broken the skin, you can most likely treat her at home
Make sure the area is clean and dirt-free. If the skin is irritated but not raw, apply the topical anti-itch medication to the skin and to any areas she is scratching or biting.
If the skin is raw and very irritated or the skin is broken, apply the topical antibiotic to the area. Also apply the anti-itch cream to any areas that your dog is scratching or biting.
If your dog persists in biting an area that is healing, you can buy a plastic collar at a pet shop or from your veterinarian. She won't love this, but the colar will allow the area to heal by keeping the dog from constantly biting the area or licking the medicine.
If the area appears highly irritated or does not improve in a few days, take your dog to the vet. Your vet may put her on a course of steroids to help reduce the inflammation, relieve the itching, and accelerate the healing process.