Flea Bite Allergy in Dogs #Seresto

Everyone, no matter where they live, is now well into Flea and Tick Season - a time for prevention and close inspection after being outside.  Living in South Florida, it is Flea and Tick Season all year round which can be difficult for those dogs (and possibly me) who suffer from flea bite allergies.

What is a Flea Bite Allergy?

If a dog is hypersensitive to a flea bite, it can cause the dog's immune system to overreact, producing antibodies to ward off what it deems is a dangerous invader.  When an adult flea bites a dog, it injects saliva into the skin and the proteins in the saliva is what causes the intense itching associated with flea bite allergy.

This all can lead to a skin disorder called flea allergic dermatitis.  Believe it or not, but flea bite hypersensitivity and the resulting flea allergic dermatitis are the most common cause of itching in pets.  And guess what?  You do not have to be infested with fleas to suffer from this allergy.

A single flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction.

That is what my veterinarian once told my Ma when I was in the office for yet another bout of the allergic itchies.  He also said that Ma wouldn't have to see even one flea on me...the flea could just jump on, bite me and jump off (because it was repelled by a flea and tick preventive) and I could have a severe allergic reaction.

Are there treatments for Flea Bite Allergy?

I can tell you firsthand that when you are in the midst of Flea Allergic Dermatitis, treatment consists of an antihistamine to block the immune response as well as Corticosteroids (steroids) to decrease the inflammation and severe itching.  However, just like in humans, corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use since they can have some harmful side effects.

There are also allergy shots which can help desensitize a dog to the allergen.  They are given just like human allergy shots, over a period of time, but sometimes are required for the life of the dog.  It is said that they are successful for approximately half of the dogs suffering from this allergy.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

From what I know, the best treatment is prevention.  Continuous flea treatment, like what's provided by the new Seresto® collar, is essential for keeping fleas away to stop the allergic reaction.

The Seresto collar has sustained release technology which delivers the performance of a topical treatment in an easy-to-use collar for up to 8 months.  That's right...no need to remember monthly applications as the collar provides protection from fleas and ticks for 8 months.

I received the non-greasy, odorless and water-resistant Seresto collar, which is available in three sizes - Large Dog, Small Dog and Cat - and will be giving it a thorough test here in buggy South Florida.  The packaging says it repels and kills ticks as well as kills fleas that may try to bite me and give me a horrible allergy.  I will keep you updated!

What do you use for flea and tick prevention?  

Do you or a dog you know suffer from Flea Bite Allergy?

This post is sponsored by Bayer/Seresto and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Seresto product, but Oz the Terrier only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer/Seresto is not responsible for the content of this article.