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Home / Other Pests / Fleas
Flea Bites
Flea bites result in red spots surrounded by reddened haloes. They are extremely itchy and cause great discomfort. Fleas often target the legs and feet of human victims and may infest the entire bodies of domestic house pets. Many wildlife species carry fleas as well. If these animals are associated around ones home, fleas may migrate to pets and humans. Flea saliva can cause allergic reactions such as FAD in some pets and increased scratching can result in hair loss and secondary infections. In more severe cases, affected skin thickens and sores appear.
You should be sure to consult a veterinarian before beginning any treatment of your pet's flea bites. Bathing your pet with specially-formulated shampoos can prevent secondary infections. Cold water alleviates inflammation, while warm or hot water exacerbates itching. Fresh aloe vera juice can soothe skin and a diet rich in fatty acids such as flax seed may have an anti-inflammatory effect.
If these treatments fail, your veterinarian may request to see your pet to determine next steps. Steroid creams and antihistimatines are available by prescription and may help to alleviate your pet's symptoms.
If you are the victim of a flea bite, wash the bite and then use an antiseptic and apply an icepack. You should resist the urge to scratch. Calamine lotions can be used to treat the itch, or a pharmacist can be consulted for details about antihistamines which may prove effective. Should your bite wounds excrete puss, contact your doctor immediately.
Treating flea bites merely addresses one symptom of an infestation. Extermination methods should be conducted in conjunction with bite treatment in order to ensure eradication. Contact your local pest control expert to discuss options.
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