Hi, is there much difference in the way a dog acts (itching wise) to fleas vs. Allegies? I am watching a dog who is quite itchy, but has no flea dirt or other indication of fleas. He also had a bath with non dog shampoo recently.
thanks,
Err sometimes
I am posting because my dog is highly allergic to fleas. So it’s fleas. Well allergies. But it’s fleas. But it’s allergies! etc. For him, he scratches and get inflamed where fleas tend to cluster.
One vet told me a very red anus indicated food allergies. :eek:
Since you are not the owner but petsitting, you can buy OTC oatmeal shampoo. Look for soap free. “Soothing” on the label is great! May give the puppers some temporary relief. Next step would be Benadryl but I would NOT try that without owner’s express permission.
One difference between flea-scratching and itchy-allergy-scratching is sooner or later, with allergies, they begin licking and chewing. That’s when things get very nasty, because when they’re focused on that, they will tear the skin up even to the point of bleeding. If you don’t see fleas or - more importantly - flea dirt, and the dog’s scratching all the time, it’s probably an allergy. Most dog allergies are to pollen, flea salivia, and other external environmental factors. I’d keep a close eye on it - an allergic dog tormented by the itching can open a raw, oozing hot spot in under an hour.
The most important detail is WHERE is the pup itching? FAD(flea allergy dermatitis, or flea issues) tends to be isolated to the back end, above the tail, along the back of the hind legs, etc. While allergies, either inhalant vs. food, will tend to involve other areas, mainly the head/ears or feet.
Katherine
Vet Tech
I dont have the answer to whether or not its flea’s or allergies… however my Dad’s German Shepard had terrible allergies- mostly food related - but even with a grain free diet he was still having some allergy issues.
We even went so far as to try Benadryl which helped also but was only temporary. (Yes we took him to the vet)
Finally I suggested trying the Canine Platinum Skin and Allergy and he is a different dog… no more itching, scratching and general misery.
