The truth about fleas: Dogs can have severe allergies
		by BUDDY AMATO
		The shocking truth about fleas and our canine companions is that 20 percent of dogs are allergic to fleas. 20%....causing them to not only suffer with severe itching but many other conditions as well. This form of allergy is known as flea allergy dermatitis. Common flea allergy signs your pet will show will not only be scratching, but excessive licking (especially on the paws), biting, chewing and shaking its head due to itches around the ears. Dog owners will want to be alert and wary if their dog is in distress; if it goes unnoticed, the dog can and will chew itself raw due to the severe discomfort of itching. Visual signs of flea allergy range from red irritated skin, hair loss, pimples, to flaking of the skin. Allergies can cause the skin to become inflamed and raise the skin temperature, making the dog prone to fungal skin diseases as well. Fleas have various chemicals in their saliva that stop the animal's blood from clotting while they are feeding off of it. This flea saliva is the main problem with dogs and allergies. If the allergy is not addressed and treated, the skin will eventually turn from an irritated shade of red to a much darker red which can also lead to sores on their tails, back and abdomen. The most common issue seen in dogs and a sure sign that something is wrong will be the hair loss and reddened skin. If you suspect your pet has fleas or an allergy, you should comb through the dog's fur to detect if any fleas are indeed present. If you do not find an actual flea, but instead discover brown particles in the fur, run water of the particle to see if it changes color. If the particle changes to red, you know you have a flea problem on your hands because you are finding flea feces on the animal. The feces of a flea are mainly blood; this comes out when you place them in water. The best way to treat the allergies of fleas is through medications as generally, dogs react well to flea treatments. Such medications consist of Advantix, Frontline Plus or you could use flea and tick shampoo. If these over-the-counter methods do not seem to be helping your dog, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet may suggest using anti-inflammatory steroids to relieve the animal of its symptoms. Flea medications will work but if the animal lives indoors, you will need to have your home exterminated so there are no more fleas that can affect your pet in the future. Did you know: That flea feces turn red when you put them under water? Flea allergies will cause your animal to lose spots of hair in the affected area if not treated? 20 percent of dogs deal with flea allergies? It can be considered animal cruelty if you do not treat your animal for fleabite hypersensitivity? Grandmaster Buddy Amato operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy, 589 Palmer Avenue, West Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom. For more information, call (732) 671-9555. Return to top More Columns Copyright Buddy Amato Amato's Goju-ryu Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more 589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734 (732) 671-9555