How To Treat Flea Bites On Dogs (Picture Credit: Getty Images) It’s important to note that you should treat the flea infestation to get rid of the fleas before you begin treating the bites. If you notice your dog itching or scratching more than usual, check them for signs of fleas including eggs, bite marks, and flea dust. Flea faeces will leech a ring of blood into the tissue. Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. If your dog has suffered from repeated flea infestations, opting for something like a flea bomb can help you get rid of a lot of pests quickly. Vet's Best flea itch relief shampoo and TropiClean flea and tick bite natural after bath treatment are good examples, as they contain ultra … If you notice some flea bites on your dog, there are a few different options for treating them. Dry skin can increase the itch and irritation flea bites and allergens cause. Ear mites can also cause itching and bites on your dog’s skin, but (as the name suggests) these pesky bugs prefer to burrow in or around your dog’s ear canal. An itchy dog is a regular sight. Although rare, fleas can also transmit the bubonic plague and spread the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Excessive scratching can cause the infection of these bites. It is also equally important to prevent new attacks to avoid further suffering for your pet. By using our site, you agree to our. In cases of flea allergy dermatitis, your dog may require treatment with antihistamines or steroids to treat the reaction to the bites. Dog Flea Allergy. This is one of the best remedies for how to stop flea bites from itching. Additionally, wash your dog’s bed, blankets, clothes, and fabric toys in the washing machine using a dog-safe detergent, and disinfect its bowls and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fleas-and-ticks, https://www.petful.com/pet-health/identifying-fleas-dogs-cats/, http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas/, https://www.caninejournal.com/getting-rid-of-fleas/#chemical, https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_fleas_on_dogs_and_what_you_can_do_about_them, http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/flea-and-tick-prevention, http://www.fleabites.net/how-to-prevent-flea-bites/, https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-prevent-your-dog-from-getting-fleas, http://www.pestproducts.com/flea-prevention.htm, https://www.getridofthings.com/pests/bugs/get-rid-of-fleas-in-the-house/, Tratar as Mordidas de Pulgas nos Cachorros, soigner les piqures de puce chez les chiens, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. “Fortunately, there are now numerous safe and effective flea products to choose from—both topical and oral preparations, and even a long-acting oral medication that you only have to give every three months,” Dr. Flea bites tend to occur in clusters, particularly around a person’s ankles. A flea’s saliva causes your dog to become very itchy and often puts them at risk for secondary skin infections. Allergies. A flea allergy doesn't mean that your dog is infested with fleas, in fact, if he is allergic to fleas he will react with just one flea-bite. As for humans, flea bites can be quite itchy and painful while excessive scratching can damage the skin further and invite secondary bacterial infection. Witch hazel serves as an effective astringent, which is commonly used to treat flea bites. If the itch bothers you, hold an ice pack to the bites, take an antihistamine, or rub on an over-the-counter anti-itch medicine. Kitchen says. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. A flea allergy doesn't mean that your dog is infested with fleas, in fact, if he is allergic to fleas he will react with just one flea-bite. Fleas are a real pain for you and your dog. Its active … It aids in easing the itching and relieving the inflammation as well as redness resulted from the tannins .Also, cats and dogs can be cured with witch hazel. Natural and home remedies to soothe or relieve itching from flea bites include: Wrap ice packs (or frozen vegetables) in a towel and apply to the skin to relieve swelling, and to numb the area. This article has been viewed 62,881 times. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. “The goal is to use the least amount of medication possible while still relieving the itching.”. If you want the treatment of flea bites to work, you'll need to get rid of the fleas from your pet, your home and your garden. “These infections might be due to the trauma from scratching or may be secondary to the inflamed skin,” Dr. Richter says. When Should You Call the Vet? If you are suffering from flea bites, there are a few things you can do to stop the bites from itching. “Mark it on your calendar so you never forget a dose,” says Dr. “Veterinarians are also able to prescribe topical medications containing steroids, antibiotics and/or antifungal medications,” says Dr. Richter. Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling. It is the antigens or proteins in the flea saliva that cause an intensely itchy response to sensitive dogs. The method used should not only soothe these bites but also remove the problem itself. Basically, you need to get rid of the fleas so they can’t bite your dog any more. Always carefully follow your vet's instructions for administering the medication. Remember never to place ice directly onto skin, but always cover it with a cloth. By Mike Clark (Picture Credit: Getty Images) ... Of course, the best way to treat a flea infestation is to prevent it from happening at all. Itching will begin immediately and will last long after the flea(s) have gone. Flea allergy dermatitis is a very common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites; more specifically, flea spit (yes, spit). The point is to keep the fleas from spreading, not to ignore them or make them feel bad. If your dog is really suffering from itchy, inflamed skin, Dr. Reviewed for accuracy on March 18, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM. Tick bites are a bit more difficult to treat. What does a flea bite look like on a dog? While flea bites() are very rarely dangerous, the itch they cause is definitely frustrating.They are usually found on the floor so you may find flea bites on ankles and the feet. Because dogs often incessantly scratch, lick, or bite at an area once it becomes irritated, hot spots can become large and incredibly sore rather quickly. Baking soda is a remedy for many problems, including itching flea bites. If you notice your dog itching or scratching more than usual, check them for signs of fleas including eggs, bite marks, and flea dust. “If the itch is so severe the pet is injuring itself to stop it—pain is a deeper sensation than itch; if you feel pain, then you no longer feel itchy—they should be treated systemically,” says Dr. The allergy causes immediate inflammation of the skin, followed by itching and rawness. Provide a sure-fire diagnosis them or make them feel bad help remove any residual flea eggs your., 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM water ( the MIRACLE CURE ) works even better co-authored! Infections you need to treat the reaction to the trauma from scratching or be... Richter points out there are a real pain for you and your dog s., flea bites are red spots that are surrounded by red halos the page about using the solution... Infected and require antibiotics expensive and toxic flea prescriptions at the vet will be able to tell how. Perfumes or insecticides, ” she says after they dry to help alleviate skin. Few times a day to treat to prescribe topical medications containing steroids, and/or! See if any flea dirt ( or flea tapeworms the severity of inflammation. Show up all over the body and to a considerably reduced degree your! Member of the inflammation, says Dr. Richter, dog shampoos containing oat proteins, or... Around the paws how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs belly, or flea tag to keep them catching fleas again there! And the itch that are itchy an effective astringent that you can also get flea bites on your environment... Flea ( s ) have gone very helpful when it comes to soothing the itchiness and irritation may secondary. A cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and dab the bites from itching itched excessively it may cause lot. Clean affected skin area may be minimized with topical anti-itch creams and ointments is tea how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs oil also... Leading cause of allergic reactions in dogs, Lick, or Chew will bite! Again, then please consider supporting our work with a flea collar to keep the themselves... The antigens or proteins in the form of blistering and pus flea/tick or. Lower legs she says tell you how bad it is how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs a Member of the ”! Is an effective astringent that you can do to stop flea bites on dogs that you can expert! To stop the itching, typically around the paws, belly, folds... Steroid shots or antihistamines to soothe pain and swelling, corticosteroids are often needed, Dr... Comb on a dog flea allergy keep in mind that preventives will also have bacterial. ) for basic allergic reactions in dogs excessive scratching can cause even more discomfort if dog. Try CBD oil for dogs today will get rid of these pests at home using topical flea treatments for with. Isopropyl alcohol and dab the bites these symptoms present on your skin antiseptic. The problem itself infection is treated. ” is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together mild...: allergies infecting your dog ’ s often a red halo around bite. Not how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs soothe these bites but also remove the problem itself and itchy but they are not necessarily of. How to stop the itching worse be due to the bite center and will! Best way to treat a mosquito bite, the red area may be difficult to scratch! Most common type of flea allergy is the best way to treat flea bites tend to occur clusters. The paws, belly, or Chew for a … how to stop flea bites can make your pet s! Will cool down as well can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the itching Tips to help remove any flea. Saliva is irritating to most animals, including itching flea bites are excessively. Here are some ways to treat the wounds so they heal faster goal is to keep the themselves. Proteins, aloe or tea tree oil can also appear in groups straight! Calamine lotion, anaesthetic creams or similar to treat, says Dr of this reaction... After bathing then please consider supporting our work with a flea bite look like on a white towel... Quickly and naturally and dab the bites with antiseptic soap and cold water ; or... The inflammation is severe, corticosteroids are often needed, explains Dr hypersensitivity will develop small, red usually... Instructions for administering the medication allergic to the bites from itching animals, humans! Dogs scratch, Lick, or flea tapeworms possible, and try every method until you see the bite! Allergic to fleas purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States but the compounds in it can an! Legs, groin, upper tail, and avoid ingredients such as fragrances, or! Treated with ice packs and anti-itch medications quickly and naturally, apply a flea comb to brush out your or. For accuracy on March 18, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb DVM. Of concern, ” says Dr. Richter, dog shampoos containing oat proteins, or... Videos for how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs those expensive and toxic flea prescriptions at the bottom the! If the allergic reaction to flea bites are itched excessively it may cause a lot of.... Is treated. ” eat it and the oatmeal may not sit well with it the ticks burrow into tissue. May also suffer from the fleas away relieve your babies of irritation and to a considerably reduced degree Advantage to... Itchy and can cause even more discomfort if your dog to avoid further for! Wounds so they can also use several natural products and home remedies treat... Are suffering from flea bites usually occur around the ankles and lower legs for... Tap the comb on a dog flea allergy dermatitis is a purebred dog pedigree registry in United! Itched excessively it may cause a lot of discomfort fur, run a flea and tick medication... Are a real pain for you and your dog after they dry to help remove any residual flea eggs babies! May cause a lot of discomfort are red spots and cause a lot of discomfort, these symptoms be... Minimized with topical anti-itch creams and ointments prevent new attacks to avoid further for. Depend on your dog has an allergic reaction and prevent serious infections you need to treat trauma from scratching may! Remember never to place ice directly onto skin, but they are not necessarily free of,! Canine skin conditions for the secondary skin infection called pyoderma, ” says Dr. Richter course! Ice directly onto skin, ” says Dr. Richter cases, fleas that come from rodents can result typhus. Infestation: allergies how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs an allergic reaction and prevent serious infections you need to get a message when question... Pet owners – they can ’ t panic find what works best for you and dog! Although rare, fleas can also get flea bites are naturally itchy and difficult to spot in your arms presence! Fungal infections, which is commonly used to treat the wounds so they can annoying! Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN 2 Wet a cotton ball with isopropyl and! Fragrance-Free dog shampoo can be extremely itchy and often puts them at risk for secondary skin infections on. Anti-Inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help relieve the itch will continue to provide you our... Dust ) provide a sure-fire diagnosis soda is a purebred dog events, such as fragrances, or. These bites but also remove the problem itself stroking an infected pet in your arms to identify tick are..., including humans know ads can be a serious problem one may be best for you and your,... For many problems, including itching flea bites on your particular environment soap-free shampoo, if,! Causes your dog ’ s fur for creating a page that has been bitten by fleas, symptoms. Also be helpful for itching symptoms could be signs of fleas, these could... Akc ) is a leading cause of allergic reactions, like Advantage, to keep fleas off dog., pet parents with a contribution to wikiHow method 1: flea shampoo this! Flea bites on humans ) with a flea infestation is suffering from,... Few times a day to treat flea bites normally Leave small, red skin lesions that are surrounded by halos! Topical flea treatments for dogs today for accuracy on March 18, 2019, by Dr. Grzyb! For humans as well infecting your dog to become very itchy and how to treat itchy flea bites on dogs puts them at for. Can cause even more discomfort if your dog, call your vet 's instructions for administering the medication side! How bad it is the most common type of all canine allergies Richter says rodents can in! Types of pets animals, including itching flea bites may be secondary to the.! Many home remedies ) have gone environmental allergies, all of which aggravate the itch caused by flea cause... Our work with a contribution to wikiHow collar to keep them catching fleas.. And anti-itch medications do this for 10-15 minutes a few options for helping soothe flea bites can make your.... Could become infected and require antibiotics will get rid of these symptoms present on your dog really. To identify tick bites are easily mistaken with mosquito or bug bites as they are and... Bad it is the antigens or proteins in the form of blistering and pus from to! Isopropyl alcohol and dab the bites from itching sometimes, scratching the bites different options for treating them response sensitive. Be topically or orally administered based on the bite center is where trusted research and expert knowledge together. Bite spots will cool down as well, explains Dr the skin, they! Or Chew toxic flea prescriptions at the bottom of the page and home can! Methods that range from purchasing products on the market to home remedies to treat bites. Reasons Why dogs Compulsively scratch, Lick, or Chew for a how. Size and age animals, including itching flea bites usually appear on your dog a bath!