Dog Dermatitis

When a dog is bitten, proteins (antigens) in the insect’s saliva can cause an immune system reaction: the release of immunoglobulin that in turn causes itching.

Depending on the type of cell involved (mast cells, basophils, or T-lymphocytes in the blood) and the type of chemicals released, the irritation can begin immediately, in five-to-six hours or in 24-48 hours or a combination of the three.

Small red raised bumps on the base of the tail and along the outside of the back legs, selfinduced scratches, and thickened skin on the base of the tail are all signs of chronic flea allergy. Your vet can confirm the diagnosis with an intradermal skin allergy test.

Treatment

You have a flea control products from herbs and electronics to biological controls. Powerful chemicals such as Dursban and diazinon and systemic insecticides such as the ingredients in Proban, Prospot, and Spotton seem to be on the way out. Insecticides can build up toxic levels in the dog if not used extremely carefully. Some products repel fleas, some kill adult fleas, some kill larva or eggs, and some prevent fleas from growing and reproducing.

Garlic and brewer’s yeast are popular flea repellents with some but there are no tests that indicate these diet supplements are effective. Many dog owners believe they work, however.

Electronic flea traps are sometimes used to attract and kill the pests before they attack the dog but they do nothing about fleas in the yard or flea eggs or larvae in the house.

Flea collars have mixed results. They depend on the chemical involved, the size of the dog, and the density of the dog’s coat.