Does my Dog or Cat have Flea Allergies?

For the most part, fleas are simply an annoyance for dogs. They cause them to itch and scratch, bite and chew and overall live a less comfortable life than is optimal. However, in some cases, fleas do more than irritating, they cause serious allergies. Knowing the signs to look for and what to do in the event of a flea infestation will keep your pet much happier and your home much more pest-free.

Advice about Flea Allergies for Your Veterinarian near Winston-Salem

While advice about fleas abounds on the internet, it’s important to speak to a veterinarian near Winston-Salem about your animal’s specific case. Forsyth Veterinary Hospital can help you identify whether or not your pet is suffering from a flea problem – or from other, similar conditions. Your veterinarian near Winston-Salem can also help you make an intelligent treatment plan that addresses not only this year’s fleas and flea dangers, but every year following.

In order to prevent flea infestations, it’s important that you regularly inspect your animal for fleas. If you don’t see fleas themselves, look for little black specks, which are their feces. Using a flea comb is important for dogs and cats with thicker hair because fleas hide down deep. Regular bathing is also crucial for prevention.

When to Visit an Animal Hospital for Veterinary Care

Fleas can cause serious problems, including itching in response to flea saliva, scabs, and bare patches in response to scratching and biting, or even tapeworms that result from ingestion of fleas. Sometimes your animal may be past the point of prevention and instead, needs immediate veterinary care.

If you’re wondering whether or not you need to visit an animal hospital for expert veterinary help, here are a few signs to look for:

• Obsessive itching
• Biting and scratching of the anal area
• Fleas or tapeworms
• Scabs or bumps on the back, neck or back side
• Pale gums or weakness (signs of anemia from flea predation)

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to visit an animal hospital and get the help your pet needs. Don’t wait.

Make an Appointment with Trusted Vets near Winston-Salem

Whether or not your pet is suffering from serious flea infestations, it’s a good idea to talk to your trusted vets near Winston-Salem and formulate a flea plan before they become a problem. If your pet is past the point of prevention and in desperate need of care, it’s especially critical you don’t wait, as that could lead to even more serious symptoms.

In either case, we invite you to call Forsyth Veterinary Hospital at 336-765-1225 today. We’ll make you an appointment, and make your furry friend as comfortable as possible, as soon as possible. We can wait to see you.