Scratching doesn't always mean fleas
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Q: My dog is constantly scratching. What should I do? I don't think she has fleas?
A: There are multiple things that can cause irritation to your pet's skin. If you are not seeing any fleas, which are the number one cause of irritation, your pet may have allergies. But fleas are hard to locate. To really check your pet for fleas, use this trick. Get a light colored sheet and lay it on the floor. Place your pet on top of the sheet. Rub your dog all over, pushing the hair in the opposite direction of which it naturally grows. Look at the sheet; do you see a lot of black speckles or any dead fleas? Then your pet does have fleas!
If not, you really might be dealing with an allergy.
Pets have allergies just the same way humans do. They can get an allergic reaction from something they ate, something they inhaled or something they touched.
Food allergies are a delayed reaction that is caused by eating the same source of protein for a long time, usually three or more years. Inhaled allergies are usually immediate. A contact allergy can be either immediate or a delayed reaction. Sometimes a dog will come lie y on something like grass or plastic kennel floor for months before a rash is visible. Other times you can change laundry detergent and your pet's favorite blanket will become its worst nightmare.
Your veterinarian can perform a couple of tests to rule out other problems like mites and yeast infections before diagnosing an allergy. In most cases, antihistamines and long acting steriods can be used to manage common allergies. Other cases that are more severe might require allergy testing. This is very similar to the testing done in human medicine where they prescribe allergy shots, specific to your pets needs.
Depending on your pets needs and your budget, your veterinarian can help pick the proper treatment plan for you and your pet.
Dr. John Beck has a veterinary practice at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Victoria. Submit questions to Dr. Beck at drjohnbeck@hotmail.com.
