Fleas carry disease and make dogs itch. According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, flea allergy is the most common cause of itching and scratching in dogs.
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Dermatitis
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Flea bite allergy causes dermatitis or inflamed skin. The rash might localized at the flea bite or cause an allergic reaction all over your dog. Untreated dermatitis leads to hair loss, hot spots, chronic scratching and infection.
Causes
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When the dog is allergic to saliva in a flea bite, the dog itches intensely. Dermatitis lasts up to two weeks after the flea bite.
Symptoms
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When your dog bites its back legs, groin or tail base, check for a rash or bumps on the skin. Hot spots, or inflamed sores, are common.
Home Diagnosis
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Inspect your dog for fleas at the tail base and the groin. Comb out any belly dirt or other dark spots. If the spots turn red when wet, they are flea.
Vet Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will verify chronic flea allergy by using a skin test.
Treatment
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Home treatment is effective. Success might be a simple medicated bath, or a combination of bath, flea preventive, antihistamine or injections and prescription drugs.
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