First, let's talk about the failure to properly apply
flea control products. Often owners
don't understand when and how to apply the topical flea control products. A good rule of thumb is to remember to wait
at least two days after a bath before applying the product and to wait at least
two days after applying the product before giving a bath. The products use the oil glands associated
with the hair follicles for absorption into the skin. Most shampoos strip these glands of their
oil. Therefore, waiting a few days after the bath will allow the oil glands to
replenish. By the same token, it takes a
few days after applying the product before it is completely absorbed into the
skin. Therefore, the product needs time to absorb before allowing your pet to
get wet. This two-day rule also applies
to swimming. If your dog is a frequent
swimmer, then I suggest using an oral flea control product and avoiding the
topical products altogether.
Another application error is failure to apply the
product directly to the skin. To apply
properly, part the hair, put the end of the tube against the skin, and then
squeeze out the liquid. Don't touch
it! I have had several clients who have
told me they "rubbed it in."
Don't! That only takes the
product off your pet and onto you. Also,
with cats, it is important to apply it to a part of the head they can't reach
with their tongues. Cats are notorious
for bathing the products off.
Another possible reason for your pet’s flea
allergy dermatitis is that some dogs and cat are extremely sensitive to fleabites. Some animals are so allergic that one fleabite
can cause them to itch for an entire week!
Therefore, you may never see the flea that is causing the allergy. It is essential to limit the amount of time
these animals spend outside in order to limit their possible exposure to
fleas. Also, it is especially important
to keep them on a flea control product all year round.
Finally, a common mistake I see pet owners make
is to only treat their outdoor pets and not the pets that live indoors. I see this most often with owners who have
indoor cats and indoor/outdoor dogs.
They treat the dogs for fleas, but not the cats. The problem with that
is the fleas will hitch a ride on the indoor/outdoor pet. Once they get inside, they will jump off the
animal that has been treated and onto the one that hasn’t.
Diagnosis of flea allergy dermatitis is pretty
straightforward. Typically, a distinct
pattern of hair loss and redness of the skin appears on the animal’s rump. The pets are usually very pruritic (itchy)
and will bit and scratch at the base of the tail. If your dog is showing these symptoms, then
it is almost certainly fleas. Look very
carefully, and you may spot one.
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