My dog has a flea allergy but what can be done about it?

Question

she is a malamute and has her winter coat but on her back if I seperate her skin, I see crusty skin and the undercoat I guess, can come off very easily if I pick on it.

I got her from the shelter this way so its not something she has seen the vet about.

I was told alot of dogs have flea allergies. Does this mean she is going to lose her coat or just have little clumps of hair fall out? Trust me, she has plenty.

BTW.. she doesnt have fleas. Is there some sort of bath or meds I can give her so her skin isnt dry? Its only in some spots on her back, fortunately.

And thanks to everyone's answers, I hate picking best answer, ugh.

Answer 1

my cat had a flea allergy, it irritated her so much she literally licked a patch of hair off and made the skin really sore. she didnt have fleas either, it just took one passing her by and having a little nibble to set her off!
i used frontline on her for many years, and it really worked very well. wash and gently dry and wounds or sore skin and try to discourage licking. your vet will be able to reccommend something to use, but please dont buy cheap products from pet shops, they dont work and cost you more in the long run. enjoy your rescue dog, i'm sure you will have lots of fun together x

Answer 2

Daily grooming ( brushing, combing ) will certainly help with dead undercoat, and any leftover scabbing that has occurred. Any shampoo for dry hair (like you would use for your own ) is fine to bathe her in to help with the dry skin. Many dogs become dry indoors when the heat comes on, during winter or in dry climates, just like people. If you are sure she has no fleas, her allergy should not be as apparent. Perhaps what you are seeing is residual, from when she did have fleas, and a good bathe with a shampoo for dry hair will help get rid of the flakes, and leftover scabs you are seeing. Be sure to brush/comb her very well before you bathe her, and after she has dried as well. A good vigorous brushing every day will stimulate the oil glands in the skin, and keep her from being so dry. Malamutes require allot of grooming on a daily basis to keep them in top condition. Good luck to you and your dog. Please put her on Frontline during your flea season. This will insure she is flea free.

Answer 3

First see a vet to find out what the problem is. You can't treat it until you know what it is! If she really doesn't have fleas then it isn't a flea allergy (although if the dog is allergic to fleas it only takes 1 to set her off). If you're not already treating her regularly for fleas, with proper stuff, the likelihood this is what it is though.

This could also be ringworm, mites, allergies, hormonal problems - see a vet.

Chalice

Answer 4

Make sure you wash her very good in a good shampoo & conditioner. After three days put Frontline Plus or another flea control on her. Make sure you do this because it will control the flea bites. She may have what is called a Hot Spot. My dog is agerigic to fleas(go figure) & I have to make sure he stay clean & put flea control on him. I also put oil on his dry food. about a couple of table spoons. This will help with the dryness of the skin. If it has gotten to the point where there is red dots..or a red rash take her to the vet. This will mean it is infected & she needs a shot. also I put the non smelly gold bond on the itchy spots. I hope this helps. I know you are worried about her. It about drove me nuts.

Answer 5

Yes Flea Allergies are a very common thing in dogs.
It doesn't mean she will lose her coat.
It means medication from your vet and also special shampoos to relieve the itch and sooth the skin.
Contact your vet as soon as possible and he/she will prescribe something to make your dog's life more comfortable.
It will be a life thing but once you keep at it, your dog's coat should do just fine.
Hope this helps.

Answer 6

frontline usually sorts the problem out