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Dog
Hair Loss - information, causes, symptoms and treatment
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Avoid
the Fleabag: Hair Loss in Dogs and Flea Prevention.
We
are all familiar with the term ‘fleabag’. It is not used in
a positive light. If referring to a human as a fleabag, it
is more likely connected with negative connotations. Following
on from this, it is no surprise that fleas are highly despised
and are parasitic. Whilst we might think that a few fleas
on a dog are harmless, this could not be furtherer from the
truth.
Fleas
and Allergy Dermatitis
Fleas
are parasites. As such, they require a host to live and, in
return, cause harm to their host. To lay eggs and survive,
female fleas need fresh blood. In regards to allergy dermatitis
as a result of a flea bite, it is not the flea itself that
creates the reaction; it is the flea’s saliva. Once bitten,
dogs with flea allergies relentlessly scratch, bite and gnaw
at the flea bitten area. This reaction can last many days,
and the itching can result in infections.
Prevention
and Lifecycle of a Flea
To
prevent flea infestation and potential hair loss in your dog,
it is necessary to possess knowledge of the lifecycle of a
flea. Breaking the flea’s lifecycle assists in winning the
fight against flea infestation, and it also leads to a more
relaxed, happier, and less itchy pet. Half of the flea’s lifecycle
is spent in the egg stage. Only five percent is spent as an
adult; thirty-five percent as larva; and, ten percent as pupa
(cocoon). As such, just eradicating the adult is probably
not going to make a dent in the infestation.
The
dog owner must find methods of eradicating as many parts of
the lifecycle as possible. Because the adult fleas are present
on the dog and ninety-five percent of the flea’s lifecycle
is not as an adult, prevention must include treating the environment
in which the dog and flea live. That is, if just the animal
in question is treated (e.g. flea shampoo), the dog owner
will see no change in flea numbers and irritation. It is important
that bedding and the floor is treated. Vacuuming and washing
is vital. There are a myriad of products on the market that
assist the dog owner in getting rid of fleas, such as: destroying
adult fleas; preventing the flea from developing into adulthood
(only works if the flea is out of its cocoon); and, treatments
that prevent eggs from hatching.
Once
the flea problem is under control, dog owners can only then
really being to address the issue of hair loss. The cause
of the allergy should be eradicated. The good news is that
there are many treatments on the market. Finding the one that
is right for you and your dog is the responsible thing to
do.
