We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring 2 beautiful Aussies named Chance and Bandit.
Chance and Bandit are Aussies, who are also brothers. They have a lot of energy and love attention, but they can also be very possessive and ornery at times.
Both dogs are very smart and love to run. Their instinct is to herd, so they do that to the cats of the house. LOL.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Fleas are the most common external parasite found on most K9’s worldwide. Flea Allergy Dermatitis, known as F.A.D. is the most dermatologic disease in domestic dogs. It can be a frustrating condition for dog owners and very uncomfortable condition for your K9.
Fleas will bite your K9 within minutes of contact. When a flea “feeds” on your dog it injects its saliva into your dog’s skin. This salvia contains amino acids, peptides, and enzymes. It also contains histamine-like compounds that trigger a release from the dog’s immune system.
Flea saliva can cause an inflammatory reaction in both cats and dogs. Some dogs can have an immediate hypersensitivity to the flea bite within 15 minutes. Other K9’s may have a delayed reaction that takes 24-48 hours.
Dogs with atopic dermatitis are more likely predisposed to developing F.A.D.
Remember, just because you don’t see the fleas, doesn’t mean your K9 doesn’t have them. A common misconception is that fleas are only a concern in the warmer month. This is not true. Fleas can live indoors as eggs, larvae, and pupae, both humans and K9’s can carry the fleas into their own home.
When your K9 scratches, licks or chews, it breaks the skin barrier and can open sores and scabs. The on-going chewing can cause on-going moisture that can lead to bacterial and yeast infections. We recommend speaking to your vet for the best treatment plan.
There are many fleas’ preventive products on the market. Please work with your veterinarian to pick the one best for your dog.
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