Itch Be Gone! 4 Ways To Help Your Dog Cope With Flea Allergies
Does your dog react to even the smallest flea bite? If it does, it might be allergic to flea saliva. Each time fleas bite, they inject a small amount of saliva under the skin. Each bite will turn into a red sore and your dog's skin will develop an itchy rash if it is allergic. With serious allergies, your dog may actually scratch or chew itself until it develops bloody spots all over its body. To ease the discomfort of flea allergies, you can use the following simple methods.
Soak Them in Cool Water
If your dog is allergic to flea bites, you'll know almost immediately when they've been bitten. They'll start scratching frantically at their skin. As soon as you see the itching begin, soak your dog in a tub of cool water. The cool water will relieve the itching and reduce the inflammation associated with flea bites. Leave your dog in the cool water for about 15 minutes.
Soothe Them with Oatmeal Baths
Severe allergic reactions may need more than a cool soak. That's where oatmeal baths come in handy. Colloidal oatmeal will relieve the painful itch that often accompanies flea allergies. Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and add about a cup of colloidal oatmeal to the water. Colloidal oatmeal has a fine, powdery consistency that won't clog your drains. Have your dog soak in the water for about 15 minutes. Repeat once a day until the bites have healed.
Vaccinate Against the Allergies
If your dog's flea allergies are severe, they may require allergy shots to alleviate the problem. Your veterinarian will be able to provide your dog with a series of allergy pet vaccinations. These allergy vaccinations allow your dog to build up a resistance to the allergy, which means they will no longer suffer when they come in contact with fleas. In order to receive the maximum benefits, be sure to provide your dog with the entire series of shots.
Reach for the Lemons
If your dog loves to go outside, it's going to come in contact with fleas. You can help keep the fleas away with this natural flea repellent.
Supplies You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Spray bottle
- Pan
- Water
- Lemon
Directions
- Fill a pan with water.
- Cut your lemon into several small pieces and place them in the pan.
- Place the pan of water on the stove and bring the water to a full boil.
- Allow the water to continue boiling for about 15 minutes.
- Leave the lemon water to sit overnight.
- Pour the water into your spray bottle.
- Spritz your dog with the spray several times a day to keep fleas away.
Flea allergies can make your dog downright uncomfortable. Use the suggestions provided above to help alleviate the problem.
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