Fleas & Flea Allergies: San Antonio Pets & Vets

With this recent bout of rain and now a hot/humid San Antonio environment – fleas will continue to be a big problem.

Flea control is a hot topic currently for our San Antonio veterinary clinic. In fact, Flea Allergies are a major cause of the skin problems we are treating currently. Many dogs and cats are presenting with red, itchy, crusty, scabbed skin and our veterinarians are diagnosing and treating Flea Allergic Dermatitis.

Of course this diagnosis of Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) often stimulates quite a debate between our veterinarians and the human family of the itchy dogs. This is because most of these itchy dogs develop rashes, scabs, and crusts and the pet owners have not seen or personally been bitten by a single flea.

A dog with flea allergies only needs ONE flea to bite him/her. When the flea bites, it injects saliva under the skin of your dog. IF your dog is allergic to the saliva of the flea, your dog will have a skin reaction. The severity of this reaction is relative to how allergic/sensitive your dog is to the flea saliva. For some dogs – well, it’s no problem. And other dogs – they turn into a nasty pile of hot spots.

So how do we treat this dermatitis? Our compassionate team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians can explain the best practices for flea control around your house. And most importantly, our veterinarians will make sure you leave our veterinary clinic today with the best medications to remove the fleas and resolve your dog’s rash and itch.

We will devote future posts to specific flea control strategies and flea meds that we will use on your pet. Of course we are here to help you with any pet related questions. Give us a call at 210-654-7117!