The Link Between Fleas and Allergies - What You Need to Know

The Link Between Fleas and Allergies – What You Need to Know

Fleas, which are tiny but never stop sucking blood, not only make our pets itch and feel bad, but they can also cause allergies in both animals and people. The link between fleas and allergies might surprise you, but it’s important to know about it if you want to keep your family and animal friends healthy and happy. In this piece, we’ll look at the complicated link between fleas and allergies and tell you what you need to know to keep your family safe.

Flea allergy dermatitis: Getting to the bottom of the problem

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the name for one of the most common allergic responses that fleas cause. FAD happens when a person or a pet becomes allergic to the proteins in flea saliva. When a flea bites to get blood, it injects its saliva into the skin of the person it is biting. When someone with FAD is exposed to these proteins, their immune system responds very strongly, causing a lot of itching, redness, and swelling around the bite site.

Flea allergy dermatitis has these signs:

  • Some of the signs of FAD, which can range from mild to serious, are:
  • Intense Itching: People and pets with FAD have constant itching, which often makes them scratch too much. This can cause scrapes on the face, hair loss, and other infections.
  • Red and swollen skin: The skin around the bite gets red and swollen, and small bumps or papules may form.
  • Hair Loss: Pets with FAD who constantly scratch and bite can lose patches of hair because of this.
  • Hot Spots: Constant scratching and burning can lead to hot spots, which are painful, wet, red areas of skin inflammation.
  • Secondary illnesses: Scratching can break the skin, giving bacteria a way in. This can lead to secondary bacterial illnesses.

How to Tell If You Have Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Finding out who has FAD is important if you want to help them right away. If you or your pet has any of the above signs, you should see a doctor or veterinarian right away. Your vet may do skin tests or blood tests to find out if your pet is allergic to fleas.

  • Prevention is Crucial: How to keep fleas away
  • Flea allergies are best stopped before they start. Here are some things you can do to keep your family and dogs safe:
  • Regular Flea Control: Always use flea control items that your vet has approved for your pets. These items help keep fleas from getting into your home and lower the risk of FAD.
  • Environmental management: Keep your living spaces clean and vacuum often, giving special attention to carpets, rugs, and pet bedding. The clothing for your pet should be washed often in hot water.
  • Fleas can live and breed outside, so keeping your yard in good shape can help keep them away. Cut down tall grass and get rid of trash to make it hard for fleas to live there.
  • Consult a Professional: If you think your pet has fleas or you see signs of FAD, you should talk to a professional pest control service and your vet. A comprehensive method is needed to get rid of fleas.
  • Cleanliness: Make sure you and your pets have good cleanliness. Fleas can be kept at bay by cleaning, bathing, and keeping your living space clean.

Stopping allergies in their tracks

To take preventative and preventive steps, it’s important to know how fleas and allergies are connected. Flea allergy dermatitis can be very painful for both people and their pets. You can effectively handle the risks that come with fleas and allergies by using consistent methods to get rid of fleas, by practising good hygiene, and by getting help from a professional when you need to.

Remember that getting rid of fleas isn’t just about making your pet feel better; it’s also about keeping your whole family healthy and safe. Keep an eye out for fleas, learn about them, and take action to create a flea-free setting that keeps your pets and loved ones happy and healthy.

Pest Control Oshawa. Professional pest control technicians operating in the Oshawa and surrounding area. Our technicians are licensed, insured and experienced and can deal with any pest control work. Call: 905-581-3789