What is Flea or Insect Bite Allergy and how is it treated?
Flea allergy is the exaggerated inflammatory response to a flea bite or other biting insect. Flea saliva is the most common allergen. It is a common allergy of dogs, although only a minority of dogs becomes allergic. Most dogs experience minor irritation from flea bites. The flea or insect bite allergic dog will react to a single bite with severe local itching. He will bite and scratch himself and may remove large amounts of hair, especially in the tail-base region. Secondary bacterial infection may occur in the broken skin. The area most commonly involved is over the rump in the tail-base region and the hind limbs. Because one flea can be a problem for the allergic dog, strict flea control is essential. This is difficult considering the life-cycle of fleas, but with modern medications and home treatment options, you should be able to provide a flea-bite-free environment for your dog (see Fleas for additional information). Your veterinarian can give you tips on protecting your dog from
