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De Anza Veterinary Clinic
408-996-1411
Where your pets health is our top priority!
Veterinary Care for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Rabbits, Ferrets & Rodents
General Information
Flea Allergy
- When a flea bites your pet, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin. Many animals are allergic to this saliva. In highly allergic animals, the bite of one flea can initiate severe itching that lasts for days past the time of the actual bite.
- Biting and scratching around the rump and groin area is the most common sign of flea allergy. hair loss, scabs and “hot spots” (raw, oozing patches) often occur secondary to flea allergy. You may not be able to find fleas on your dog very often or at all, since most of them are in the environment. The presence of flea dirt (feces) on an animal confirms flea infestation.
- Allergies can not be cured just controlled, therefore successful control of flea allergy requires the elimination of fleas from contact with the affected dog.
Facts on Flea Control
- Because of the life cycle of the flea, you must treat not only your pets, but your house and yard as well to control the infestation.
- In general, flea collars are not effective. Fleas have become resistant to most of the insecticides used in collars, and they are not protective for the rear 1/2 of the animal.
- Scientific studies have shown that brewer’s yeast and vitamin B tablets are NOT effective as flea repellents in animals. Likewise plant extracts such as eucalyptus, pennyroyal, and garlic are not effective. Ultrasonic collars do not appear to be of value.
- Flea soaps and shampoos kill the fleas that happen to be on your pet at the time, but there is no residual action. As soon as the hair coat is dry more fleas will jump on your pet from the house or yard. Therefore, they are not effective unless used WITH other measures.
- Oral or systemic insecticides such as cythioate (Proban) or fenthion )Pro-spot) may be effective. Flea allergy and scratching may not be controlled because fleas must bite and take a blood meal before dying. Only pyrethrin flea products can be used with Proban and Pro-spot.
Medical Treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Cortisone-like or antihistamine anti-allergy medication may be necessary while increasing flea control for comfort and resolution of allergic skin disease.
- Medicated shampoos are sometime necessary for specific associated skin conditions
- Antibiotics are indicated with secondary skin infection.
- Hyposensitization (allergy shots) have not been effective for control of flea allergic skin disease with antigens (flea extract) presently available.
Flea Control
Flea control on your pets
- Flea shampoo then dip (every 7-14 days) or use spray or powder as needed (twice a week). Treat all your pets at the same time.
Flea Control in the House
- Throw out or empty the vacuum cleaner bag, or vacuum some flea powder or moth balls into the bag.
- Wash your pet’s bedding (frequently)
- Premise Sprays. These are sprays you apply to your pet’s bedding, dog houses, carpets, rugs, and in the garage or basement. Every 1-3 months year round.
Flea Control in the Yard
- Spray entire yard every 1-3 months, year round.
- Continue the treatment even though you do not see fleas, because a new population of fleas will develop if the program is interrupted.
Medical Treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Anti-Allergy medication may be necessary for comfort and resolution of allergic skin disease.
- Medicated shampoos are sometimes necessary for specific skin conditions.
- Antibiotics are indicated with secondary skin infection.
- Fleas bite both dogs and cats and are passed back and forth between these animals. Besides causing severe itching, fleas can transmit parasites such as tapeworms.
- Fleas suck blood when they bite. This can cause anemia if the blood loss is severe. This more often is a serious problem in the very young, old, small or debilitated pets.
- Fleas FEED on our pets but still spend most of their of time hiding around the house and yard laying hundreds of eggs which hatch weeks to months later, thus providing a constant suppy of fleas for your pets.
- In just 4 weeks, a single pair of adult fleas can produce an infestion of more than SIX THOUSAND eggs, larvae, and adults!
De Anza Veterinary Clinic
408-996-1411
Where your pets health is our top priority!
Veterinary Care for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Rabbits, Ferrets & Rodents
Flea Control in the yard, Flea Control in the house, Flea Control on your Pets, and Medical Treatment of Flea Allergy are services that De Anza Vet Clinic, Cupertino offers. Start an effective flea treatment today. Call to schedule an appointment
Serving Cupertino, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Saratoga and Santa Clara with veterinary care for your pets.
Flea Control for Dogs & Cats
