Actions to take if dogs are allergic to flea bites

Allergy is the body's hypersensitivity to antigens. The disease manifests itself when an allergen penetrates into the blood through the mucous membranes, skin or respiratory system.

Allergies can develop in humans and any animal, including dogs. Pets often suffer from dermatitis caused by a flea bite. The saliva of parasites contains substances that provoke hypersensitivity reactions.

These include rash, swelling, sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy skin.

Failure to treat these symptoms often leads to the development of more dangerous skin diseases. Sometimes the animal dies due to anaphylaxis, cardiac or respiratory failure.

Therefore, when an allergy appears, it is important to immediately get rid of fleas and carry out comprehensive anti-allergy therapy.

Symptoms and behavior of animals

Manifestations of flea allergy can be noticed by the rapidly changing behavior and condition of the pet. Symptoms of flea dermatitis in dogs:

1. Severe itching. The dog itches continuously, which leads to redness of the skin and the appearance of abrasions and open wounds on it.
2. Dandruff. Small white flakes can be seen on the fur.
3. Unpleasant odor emanating from the body and mouth.
4. Lack of appetite.
5. Digestive system disorders: frequent constipation or prolonged diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
6. Formation of edema on the mucous membranes.
7. Dryness and flaking of the skin.

The pet's behavior changes radically: it becomes lethargic, refuses to go out, ears droop, and constantly wags its head.

Symptoms of the disease

In total there are about two thousand species and subspecies of fleas. Most of them are parasitic throughout the body, however, a few varieties live exclusively on the face, on and around the ears. Usually, it is almost impossible to notice these tiny creatures with the naked eye, unless the condition of the infected animal has become critical.

As noted earlier, many skin diseases are caused by flea attacks. According to French researchers in 1992, the breeds most susceptible to the saliva of these bloodsuckers are:

• setter;
• fox terrier;
• chow-chow;
• Pekingese;
• spaniel.

There are other equally allergic dogs, such as pit bulls and sharpeis.

The clinical manifestations of parasite infection will depend not only on the sensitivity of the animal, but also on the number of insects on its body. The main signs of infection are:

• restlessness, irritability, barking, whining;
• dry skin, the appearance of peeling and crusts;
• itching, accompanied by endless scratching and licking of the affected areas;
• alopecia, bald patches, excessive hair loss;
• scratches, papules, weeping eczema;
• formation of fibrous nodes in the back, lower back, inner thighs and abdomen;
• hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin;
• the pet noticeably loses weight and looks bad;
• in some cases, a worried dog refuses to eat and appears lethargic and lethargic.

It is important that even single bites provoke a strong allergic reaction, for example, while walking on the street. Only in 30% of cases do animals experience a slow increase in symptoms.

Self-diagnosis

The owner can determine the presence of an allergic reaction to parasites in a dog independently through a thorough examination. Fleas choose to settle on the rump, stomach, root of the tail and inner thighs. When an allergy develops, the animal begins to intensively scratch these areas. Having parted the fur, the owner will find a large number of fleas and nits. The latter are not difficult to identify: they look like a small black dot and can be easily removed from the animal’s fur with your fingers. Female fleas, engorged with blood, are brown in color and have a large body.

The combination of a large number of parasites, constant itching in the animal and the presence of inflammatory foci with purulent contents on the body indicate that the dog is allergic to flea bites.

There are situations when a dog has only a few parasites on its body; the rest hide in carpets and upholstered furniture, periodically attacking the animal. Even if the owner has no doubt that the pet is allergic to flea bites, before starting treatment, it is necessary to show the animal to a veterinarian to clarify the diagnosis.

Types of allergies

What types of allergies are there? There are several ways to classify allergies. Some examples of such classifications include:

• Allergen – flea allergy, food allergy
• The route by which the allergen enters the body is an inhalation allergy, skin contact allergy, or food allergy
• The time it takes for the immune system to respond—immediate-type hypersensitivity, also called anaphylaxis or shock, and delayed-type hypersensitivity
• Clinical signs - allergic dermatitis or allergic bronchitis
• Hereditary forms - atopic or seasonal allergies

What is a flea (flea bite) or insect allergy and how is it treated?

An insect sting allergy is an exaggerated inflammatory reaction to an insect sting. Arachnids such as spiders and mites, as well as insects including fleas, flies, flies, horse flies, mosquitoes, ants, bees, hornets and wasps, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.

Flea saliva is the most common insect allergen in dogs and causes flea allergy dermatitis. Most dogs experience minor local irritation from flea bites. But a dog sensitive to flea bites will experience severe local itching. A dog with flea allergy dermatitis will bite and scratch itself. This can cause her to lose a lot of hair, especially around the base of her tail. Secondary bacterial infection may develop in areas of damaged skin.

Because one flea can be a problem for a dog with flea dermatitis, strict flea control is necessary. This is difficult given the flea life cycle, but with modern monthly preventative measures and home treatment methods, you can provide a flea-free environment for your dog. Your canine dermatologist can give you tips on protecting your dog and other pets from fleas. When strict flea control is not possible or in cases of severe itching, your veterinarian dermatologist may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids) to block the acute allergic reaction and provide immediate relief. If a bacterial infection is present, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.

What is atopy or atopic dermatitis and how is it treated?

The term dog inhalant allergy is often used as a synonym for atopy or atopic dermatitis. The main inhalant (airborne) allergens are tree pollen (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollen, weed pollen (ragweed), mold, house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollen. However, others, such as mold and house dust mites, are present year-round. When people inhale these allergens, the resulting allergies mainly manifest as upper respiratory symptoms: runny nose, runny nose, and sneezing (hay fever). Although allergy symptoms sometimes include allergic rhinitis or bronchitis, in most dogs, inhalation allergies involve itchy skin (pruritus). Because of these clinical signs, the condition is also called inhalant allergic dermatitis. The dog may rub its face, lick its feet, and scratch its armpits (armpits).

Most dogs with air allergies begin to show signs between one and three years of age. Affected dogs often react to multiple allergens and often experience concurrent flea or food allergies. If offending allergens can be identified using intradermal allergen tests (IDTs) or blood tests, the dog should be protected from exposure as much as possible. Since most of these allergens are found in the environment, repeated attacks are likely. The symptoms of atopy can be controlled, but permanent cure is not usually possible.

Treatment largely depends on the length of the allergy season. This may include one or more of the following three treatments:

Anti-inflammatory therapy

Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids or antihistamines, quickly blocks the allergic reaction in most cases. In some cases, adding fatty acids to the diet may improve response to steroids and antihistamines. Newly approved drugs such as oral cyclosporine are also very useful in treating atopy and have fewer long-term side effects than corticosteroids.

Shampoo therapy

Frequent bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo can soothe itchy, inflamed skin. Bathing also washes away allergens in and on the fur that may be absorbed through the skin. Some medicated shampoos also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that may benefit your dog.

Hyposensitizing or desensitizing therapy

If specific offending antigens are identified during allergy testing, the dog may be prescribed allergy shots. In this treatment, very small amounts of antigen are administered weekly. The purpose of repeated dosing is to reprogram or desensitize the immune system. Success rates depend on this treatment. Approximately 50% of treated dogs experience significant improvement in their clinical signs, while approximately 25% of dogs experience a decrease in the amount or frequency of corticosteroid use.

What is food allergy and how to treat it?

Dogs can develop food allergies or food hypersensitivities to almost any protein or carbohydrate component in food. It most often develops in response to proteins in food. The most common food allergies in dogs are: dairy, beef, wheat gluten, chicken, chicken eggs, lamb and soy. Food allergies can develop at almost any age, but are most common in dogs over one year of age. Food allergies can cause any of the previously discussed clinical signs, including itching, digestive problems, and respiratory problems. A dog can have several types of allergies at the same time, such as food allergies and atopy, which makes accurately diagnosing the causes of itching in a dog quite difficult.

Food allergies usually do not respond well to corticosteroids or other treatments. Treatment requires identifying the offending component(s) of the diet and eliminating them. The most accurate way to test for food allergies is to do a diet challenge using a hypoallergenic diet. This diet is also known as an elimination diet. Since it takes at least eight weeks for all other foods to be eliminated from the body, the dog must be on a special diet exclusively for eight to twelve weeks. If the response to this testing is positive and your dog's clinical signs improve, your veterinarian dermatologist will advise you on how to proceed.

It should be emphasized that if the elimination diet is not followed exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian dermatologist or nutritionist, it will not constitute a valid test. All foods other than those prescribed, as well as treats and flavored vitamins should be discontinued for the duration of the diet. There may also be problems with certain types of chewable tablets or medications. Your veterinarian dermatologist will discuss the specific diet and any restrictions recommended for your dog.

What is contact allergy?

Contact allergies are the least common type of allergies in dogs. This occurs as a result of direct contact with allergens such as pyrethrins found in flea collars, pesticides used on the lawn, grasses, materials such as wool or synthetic materials used in carpets or bedding, etc. Contact allergies can develop at almost any age.

If your dog is allergic to any of these substances, skin irritation and itching will occur in the areas of contact, usually the feet and belly. Removing the allergen (as soon as it can be identified) often solves the problem.

How dangerous are flea bites for humans?

Parasites are able to coexist with a person in his home for years. In addition to painful bites and unpleasant red spots, fleas can transmit dangerous infectious diseases. Their treatment can take a lot of time and a large amount of money. Here is a list of the most dangerous viruses ever carried by fleas:

• Typhus : the infected person has a high fever, vomiting, and aches.
• Brucellosis : the disease seriously affects the human nervous system, the temperature rises. Often the disease develops into more acute forms. This leads to arthritis and disruption of the reproductive system.
• Anthrax : the patient's body becomes covered with non-healing ulcers. The infection affects internal organs and is fatal.

They say that fleas can carry the pathogens of dermatitis , hepatitis and encephalitis . An attack by parasites can trigger allergies .

Frequent flea bites have a detrimental effect on the nervous system . Because of this, constant phantom pain occurs. At this moment the person feels a sharp prick, but the bite mark does not appear. Some people even start to itch their entire body at the mere thought of insects. In this case, only complete disposal of parasites using specialized means and sedatives will help.

About fleas

For fleas, our home is practically a sanatorium. For dogs, these parasites are more annoying, disgusting and terrible than one might imagine. Despite their tiny size, these unpleasant insects are very tenacious, reproduce quickly and are very voracious. Feeding on the blood of wild and domestic animals, as well as people, they easily spread various types of infections and diseases. Fleas are more than just an itchy irritation, they pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of your four-legged friends.

So what's so scary about these fleas? The appearance of these nimble, high-jumping and annoying flat insects at high magnification is more similar to alien monsters from horror films, but their bites are much more dangerous. It’s not so much a pity for the blood that one flea takes from its owner, although, of course, it’s a pity! The consequences of their bites are so annoying. And if there are a lot of fleas and they attack for a long period of time, then the amount of blood lost by the animal may already be significant. Up to the development of anemia.

Danger and possible consequences

Allergies in dogs require immediate treatment, since the disease can cause a number of complications and serious consequences. Intensive scratching of the skin leads to the appearance of open wounds, in which a favorable environment is created for the development of pathogenic microflora that comes from the outside or is brought in by the parasites themselves. This leads to the appearance of purulent-inflammatory processes that provoke severe intoxication of the animal.

Late treatment of allergies can lead to dermatitis becoming chronic with frequent outbreaks of relapses. A weakened animal’s body and a depressed immune system can lead to consequences such as heart or respiratory failure. Untreated parasite allergies often lead to the death of dogs.

Formation of wounds due to flea bites.

How to remove fleas from puppies

You should not allow fleas to appear on your puppy. His immune system is still extremely weak, so the consequences of parasite bites can be severe. This can affect both the health of the pet and its further development. Before using any product, you should consult a veterinarian, because many drugs are approved from 6-7 months.

If you purchase shampoo, it must be intended for puppies, as indicated on the packaging. Other drugs should be made only on a natural basis.

Allowed for puppies from 1.5-2 months:

• shampoos – Doctor Zoo, Beafar, Phytoelite, Celandine;
• collars – Hartz, Beafar;
• drops – Celandine, Frontline spot;
• spray – Bars, Stronghold.

Main symptoms

Flea allergy is a pathology that occurs quite often. This is a reaction to allergens present in the saliva of insects. The main features of this type are:

The environment also often causes allergies in living beings. These are flowers, fibers of natural materials, mold, dust mites. If the allergen is always in the house, then the pet’s reaction will be constant. In other cases, the disease manifests itself seasonally.

There are two types of environmental allergies:

• Atopy is a hereditary tendency to allergies to the external environment. This is the most common type. Mostly seasonal atopic dermatitis is observed. Seborrhea and dry skin appear.
• Contact allergy. Formed due to the interaction of a dog with an object where the allergen is located. Usually seen on the paws, face, and stomach lining.

What is flea allergy dermatitis in dogs?

Fleas eat their first blood on the host (your dog) within minutes of contact. When a flea feeds, it injects its saliva into your dog's skin.

This saliva contains enzymes, peptides and amino acids. It also contains histamine-like compounds, which cause the dog's immune system to release.

Flea saliva can cause an inflammatory reaction in animals that are sensitive to it. Some dogs experience hypersensitivity to it within 15 minutes, while others have a delayed reaction that takes 24-48 hours.

Dogs with atopic dermatitis are more likely to develop flea allergy dermatitis.

Features of the course of allergies

The reaction to flea saliva in dogs is related to the season of the year. Most often, an allergy outbreak occurs in spring and summer. Signs may appear immediately after the bite or be sluggish, it all depends on the degree of sensitivity of the body. But in most cases, reactions occur due to numerous bites and prolonged presence of parasites on the animal’s body.

The first sign is itching, which can last from several hours to 2 days. Other symptoms:

• deterioration of skin condition;
• changes in general condition and behavior: appear after several weeks or months, depending on how sensitive the animal’s skin is.

In order to detect the disease in time and prevent the condition from worsening, you need to immediately respond to the appearance of prolonged itching in your pet. Timely examination and provision of veterinary care will help save the dog not only health, but also life.

Mechanism of infection

Did you know that, according to numerous testimonies from veterinarians, in 90% of cases, the majority of skin lesions in their patients are caused by representatives of the blood-sucking order? For some reason, many owners zealously deny the presence of fleas on their four-legged pets, which causes bewilderment among experienced specialists. Owners of small dogs, who “relieve themselves” in a litter box at home, like cats, especially suffer from this misconception. In their opinion, if a pet practically never appears on the street, then this unpleasant problem has nowhere to come from. It's time to dispel dangerous misconceptions.

The flea is a hematophagous insect and, as you probably know, they feed not only on the blood of animals, but also on people. Sensitive tiny insects are able to penetrate apartments and houses:

• from the street;
• from the entrance;
• through windows and cracks.

For the most part, you don't have to be the owner of a furry friend to attract a flea's attention. Without even meaning to, you yourself bring a parasite into your home, for example, on your clothes or dirty shoes.

As a rule, blood-sucking insects hide:

• in sofas;
• mattresses;
• in dust;
• under the parquet;
• in tile cracks;
• behind the baseboards;
• behind the wallpaper and in other secluded corners.

Almost the entire population of tiny bloodsuckers consists of larvae. For a whole year they exist unnoticed in human homes, waiting for their finest hour. And although the main period of outrage of insatiable creatures is considered to be spring, summer and autumn, it is the long stay in the pronymph (pupa) stage that makes these insects very viable and increases the likelihood of flea infestation even in winter.

As you have already understood: fleas are extremely tenacious and dexterous creatures. If a doctor suspects a tailed couch potato is infected with parasites, do not be reckless and deny the diagnosis.

Which breeds are more susceptible

Flea dermatitis can occur in any dog, without exception, regardless of gender, age, or breed. The severity of the disease depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the rate of progression and the severity of the allergic reaction.

Dermatitis caused by flea bites is most often diagnosed in representatives of short-haired breeds - dachshunds, Labradors, bulldogs, boxers, Rottweilers, German shepherds.

Treating the premises where the animal lives

If a dog has fleas, it is necessary to treat the apartment where it lives and its sleeping place. If only the animal is treated, the insects may return when the drug wears off.

Apartment processing

The room is processed in the following ways:

1. Chemical. These are solutions, powders and sprays containing insecticides - fipronil, permethrin, organophosphorus compounds. Solutions are used to treat surfaces, powders are poured where fleas can live - in all corners, in furniture, under window sills and baseboards. Aerosols have a faster effect, but only with direct contact with parasites. The most effective products are Phenaxin powder, Karbofos concentrate, Raid and Raptor sprays.
2. Mechanical. Insects die if all the doors and windows in the house are opened for several hours in frosty winter. But in this case, damage to engineering communications may occur. If it is precisely established where the fleas live, it is recommended to scald the area with boiling water.
3. Professional. In this case, they call specialists who treat the room with cold or hot fog. The smallest drops of insecticidal solution can penetrate into the most inaccessible places, destroying all insects.
4. Folk. To get rid of parasites, use pine sawdust, kerosene, wormwood, etc. Insects die only after treatment with kerosene; other methods are used as additional ones. Plants are used to prepare decoctions and infusions, then wipe all surfaces in the room with the liquid several times a day.

Actions for anaphylactic shock

A large accumulation of parasites on the body and numerous bites can provoke anaphylactic shock, leading to the death of the animal without proper assistance. In this condition, the dog must be urgently taken to a veterinary clinic. If you can’t do this quickly, you can save your pet’s life by providing the correct first aid:

1. If the dog is conscious and able to swallow, it should be given an antihistamine. The medicine will help reduce the intensity of symptoms.
2. Breathing is accompanied by gurgling sounds - a sign that the lungs are filling with fluid. If the animal is conscious, it must be taken by the hind legs and lifted, holding in this position for 10 seconds.
3. The dog is not breathing - artificial respiration is required. The pet should close its mouth and inhale air quickly and rhythmically 2 times into its nose. In 1 minute you need to take 15 to 20 breaths into the nose until the animal begins to breathe on its own.

Anaphylactic shock in a dog. After all the manipulations have been completed, take the pet to the hospital. At the veterinary clinic, the animal is administered anti-shock and potent antihistamines, and symptomatic therapy is provided if necessary.

Larvae

The larvae appear 14 days after the flea lays its eggs. A person will not be able to notice them, since they are very small in size.

What does a flea larva look like:

• small size – 0.5-1 mm;
• white.

Newly hatched larvae avoid sunlight. They feed on waste from other fleas, particles of human and animal skin. They can be confused with fly larvae, since the slightly grown ones resemble worms.

They develop after hatching from the egg for about 20 days. They have to go through several stages of pupation before they develop into real fleas. After three weeks, they can already mate and leave offspring.

It is extremely rare to find a larva on an animal's fur. This only happens when the dog's body is oversaturated with these parasites. The photo below shows flea larvae.

Prevention

It is quite simple to protect your pet from infection by insects of any kind, if you do not forget to carry out regular preventive treatment of the dog and the room in which it is kept.

Specific actions for prevention:

• Processing with special means . Use flea shampoo regularly when bathing. Once a month, apply drops or spray, or wear a special collar.
• Limiting contact with homeless people and obviously infected animals. Choose places for walking away from possible breeding grounds, which are trash cans and places where dogs constantly gather.
• Weekly wet cleaning of the house and monthly special treatment against parasites . Fleas often only feed on the host; they prefer to live and reproduce in more secluded places. Therefore, treatment with insect repellent compounds is carried out regularly. At home, a solution of vinegar or citrus fruits in water is perfect for this.
• When accepting a gift of another animal's belongings, find out whether the animal has ever been sick. In any case, subject them to heat or special treatment, since flea eggs may not be visible to the naked eye.

Regular high-quality prevention will protect your pet and family from parasites and significantly reduce the risk of contracting many diseases carried by fleas.

Top 4 best drops

Drops containing insecticides help achieve the best results in the fight against annoying bloodsuckers. Check out the highest quality, most effective and modern products:

• Bars AVZ. A universal remedy, suitable for both adult dogs and puppies. The protective effect lasts for a month. Does not cause side effects.
• Advantix for large breeds from Bayer. It does not penetrate into the pet’s blood, but remains in the sebaceous glands. Designed for large mature dogs weighing over 25 kg, as well as for growing young animals from seven weeks of age.
• Advantix for medium breeds from Bayer. Does not leave excess oil on the coat, protects against any midges and is considered a hypoallergenic product. It is better to use it together with a flea collar from the same manufacturer.
• Frontline Combo S Merial. It is also not absorbed into the blood and destroys eggs and larvae. Using a special bottle, it is convenient to apply the solution directly while walking.

It is important that after using antiparasitic agents, it is better to put a special collar on the animal, which will prevent the dog from licking the strong-smelling liquid.

Allergy treatment

Treatment methods are selected depending on the severity of the symptomatic picture. But the first thing the owner needs to do is rid the animal of parasites using special shampoos and drops. In addition to cleaning the dog's skin and fur from fleas, it is recommended to disinfect all furniture in the house, carpets and bedding that may contain them.

A diet is required. When feeding a dog with ready-made commercial diets, it must be switched to hypoallergenic food. If the pet is on a natural diet, the veterinarian selects the menu for her.

Drug therapy

When treating flea dermatitis, antihistamines are necessarily prescribed to inhibit the effect of the hormone histamine and relieve the signs of pathology. The following drugs are used in therapy:

1. Diphenhydramine. The drug eliminates inflammation and relieves allergic reactions.
2. Cyprodine. This is an oral medicine. Cyprodine eliminates fever and relieves severe itching.
3. Diprazine. Release form: tablets and solution for intramuscular administration.
4. Astemizole. The medicine should not be given to pregnant dogs.

If the allergy is advanced and antihistamines do not give a positive result, the animal is prescribed glucocorticosteroids. To restore the body depleted by allergies, vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and supporting drugs that contain iron are used.

Folk methods of struggle

Along with taking medications, traditional methods of therapy can be used in the treatment of flea dermatitis. To speed up the healing process of the skin and relieve itching, it is recommended to treat the affected areas of the skin with decoctions based on medicinal herbs: chamomile, calendula, coltsfoot, comfrey and sage.

All decoctions are prepared according to the same recipe:

1. 1 tbsp. l. the selected herb is poured with a glass of boiling water.
2. The liquid is infused until it cools completely, after which it is filtered.
3. A cotton pad is moistened with the decoction. They treat the skin carefully, without pressing too hard.

Aloe heals skin well. It is recommended to grind the cut leaf of the plant into a paste and apply it to the skin for 30 minutes. Since aloe has a pronounced laxative effect, it can be used in areas where the dog cannot reach with its tongue.

Aloe juice purchased at a pharmacy can be added a few drops to your pet’s food. This will help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system so that the body can independently resist allergens, thereby reducing the intensity of symptoms of the disease.

Echinacea is another effective remedy for treating flea dermatitis in dogs. Gauze, folded several times, should be moistened in it and applied to the damaged area. Keep the compress for up to 30 minutes.

It is important to remember that traditional methods cannot be used as the only method of treating flea allergies in dogs. Such treatment is only an addition to the main drug therapy.

What to do at home

Treatment of flea dermatitis occurs through the use of medications. Traditional medicine can be used, but they cannot completely replace therapy prescribed by a veterinarian. Self-medication is very dangerous for a dog’s health.

The treatment process is long and will require a lot of patience from the owner.

Among traditional medicine methods, the most popular and effective is a solution of soapy water with essential oils (cedarwood, tea tree, lavender). The components are mixed in equal parts with soap foam, and the solution is applied to the wool. Treatment time: before and after bathing.

Great importance should be given to the dog's nutrition during the treatment of flea dermatitis. Your four-legged pet should be fed with special premium food marked “Hypoallergenic”. It is also allowed that during illness the pet will receive only natural food, including foods that it has never tried before, for example, duck, venison, fish.

It is advisable to include potatoes and pumpkin porridge in the menu. Fermented milk products, beef, and wheat are excluded from the diet, which in 80% of cases provoke allergies in dogs.

During the period of treatment of flea dermatitis, it is necessary to strengthen the animal’s immune system, so it is necessary to consult with a veterinarian about choosing a suitable vitamin complex.

Short description

Fleas are wingless blood-sucking insects, covered with a protective, keratinized shell , having a body shape flattened on both sides. Currently, there are more than 2,300 varieties of fleas, but all insects that parasitize animals lead the same lifestyle, therefore, the methods of fighting them are the same .

Flea bites, unfortunately, affect not only animals on which parasitic insects live. A person is also susceptible to bites , which can cause a severe allergic reaction or dermatitis. If an infected animal lives in the house, then the nights can turn into hell not only for the animal but also for the person.

Flea treatment for dogs

How to get rid of fleas on a dog?

Once faced with a flea problem, owners hope to find the best flea treatment for dogs.

It is preferable to use drugs that, when applied to the dog’s skin, also help treat the environment and kill the flea population. What flea treatment for dogs has this “umbrella effect”? Such drugs include Stronghold in the form of drops on the withers. The drug is applied to intact dry skin at the base of the neck in a dose corresponding to the instructions for the weight of the animal every month. The drug is quickly absorbed from the skin, bathing with shampoo does not reduce its effectiveness, so the dog can be washed with shampoo within a couple of hours after applying Stronghold. The drug is not recommended for use in puppies under 6 weeks of age if the dog is hypersensitive to Stronghold. Treatment of pregnant and lactating females with Stronghold is permitted, but it is recommended that it be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Many, even experienced dog owners who regularly use the same flea and tick treatment for dogs, may encounter the problem of flea infestation in their dog, despite the treatment. Why is this happening? In some cases, the ineffectiveness of flea treatment is associated with an insufficient dose of the drug. Flea and tick medications for dogs should be used as directed. This is especially important to consider when treating puppies, whose weight can double during the period of action of the drug. Therefore, when treating puppies for fleas, it is recommended to use a drug that has low toxicity, the dose of which can be calculated based on the weight of the puppy by the end of the effect of the drug against fleas and ticks for dogs. Another reason for ineffectiveness of drop treatments is incorrect application of the drug. Most topical products spread over the dog's skin; running spot-on through the coat is ineffective. In addition, a product that has proven to be an effective flea treatment for dogs for many years may become resistant to fleas after some time.

Simparika, produced in tablets, which is an active drug against fleas and ticks, will help solve the above issues. The drug is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is low-hazard in terms of the degree of impact on the dog’s body. The drug is in the blood in a protein-bound state at a therapeutic concentration for 35 days. Bathing your dog with shampoo does not affect its activity against fleas and ticks. Contraindications are increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug, age under 8 weeks, as well as severe renal and liver dysfunction and infectious diseases. As a rule, dogs voluntarily eat the tablet, since it has a liver taste that is attractive to the dog; eating the food does not affect the absorption of the drug.