How to Treat Flea Dermatitis on Dogs With Over the Counter Medication
Flea dermatitis can be extremely itchy, making your dog very uncomfortable. According to PetEducation.com, there are over 15 antigens in flea saliva that can spark an allergic reaction in dogs. The severity of flea dermatitis can range from a single hot spot to a full body rash. It is important to know how to treat flea dermatitis on your dog with over-the-counter medications to help ease his discomfort.
Things You'll Need
- Cortisone cream or spray
- Antibiotic ointment or spray
- Over-the-counter antihistamines
- Flea shampoo
Instructions
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Steps for Relieving Your Dog's Flea Allergy Dermatitis
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Get rid of the fleas. The only way to entirely prevent flea dermatitis in your dog is to keep the fleas off himher. According to Recovery SA, the condition, "is characterized by severe, unremitting itching...Just one flea bite can cause intense misery to an affected animal."
Assess the severity of the flea infestation in your home. Try over-the-counter remedies like flea shampoo, carpet treatments, and insecticides in outdoor areas you dog uses. If these remedies don't work, consult your vet for prescription flea treatment options.
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Treat your dog's skin for itching. Observe to see if your dog is scratching, licking and biting his skin often. Buy cortisone cream for hot spots and rashes and apply it to your dog's skin several times per day. Mix antibiotic cream into the cortisone cream if you think your dog's skin is infected. Use cortisone spray if your dog has itchy areas with fur too thick for effective ointment applications.
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Medicate your dog with over-the-counter antihistamines. Make sure the medication you buy is only an antihistamine, with no other cold and flu medications included, as some of these can make your dog sick. The only active ingredient in the antihistamine should be diphenhydramine. Follow the instructions on dosage according to the weight of your dog. Mix the antihistamine powder into wet food three times per day as needed to give your dog relief from her dermatitis.
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Keep an eye on your dog's skin condition after you rid your home of fleas. If the condition is caused by a flea based allergy, his dermatitis should begin to improve. Continue to treat your dog for itching as necessary. If his dermatitis does not improve, use a flea comb to make sure the fleas are gone. Consider other possible allergies if your dog's dermatitis persists.
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Tips & Warnings
Always consult your veterinarian if your dog's dermatitis becomes severe or does not improve over a significant period of time, as this can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
