Flea Bite Problems for Dogs

by Ron Kurtus (updated 18 January 2022)

Flea bites are a common problem concerning dogs during the summer.

Most dogs that go outside in areas used by other dogs or animals can catch fleas. When fleas are on your dog, the female fleas bite the animal to get blood needed for them to lay eggs. The bite can cause itching and cause your dog to scratch the area of the bite.

In some cases the dog may become allergic to the flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or biting around the area. This can even result in skin infections.

In cases of extreme flea infestation, young dogs can lose enough blood to become anemic. Tapeworms is another problem if the dog happens to ingest a flea.

Questions you may have include:

What is the most common flea bite problem?
What happens if the dog is allergic to fleas?
What are some extreme problems?

This lesson will answer those questions. Animal Health Disclaimer

Common result of flea bites

When a flea bites an animal or person, its saliva goes into the bite area. Reaction to the saliva can cause itching that may last for a few days.

Dogs, cats, and other animals will scratch, lick, and even chew on the flea bite area. For dogs, this area is usually around the tail, groin, backside, or around the neck.

The fleas bite to get blood needed for laying flea eggs on the host. Unless the fleas and eggs are eradicated, the cycle will continue. Once you get rid of the fleas on your dog—as well as in your house and yard—the scratching should subside.

Allergic reaction

Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to flea bites and the related flea saliva. This is called flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis. The resulting excessive scratching, licking, and chewing the area can cause painful sores and bacterial skin infections. Scabs and hair loss are often seen on your dog.

As few as one or two flea bites a week can cause the allergic reaction, and the symptoms will often persist even after the fleas have been eliminated.

When your dog's skin is inflamed because of flea allergy dermatitis, it can be vulnerable to infection. This can cause more scratching and chewing, leading to a vicious cycle that can compound the allergic reaction.

If you suspect flea allergy dermatitis, you should bring your dog to your vet and have the animal examined. Medication can relieve the malady.

Summary

Most dogs that go outside can catch fleas, then then bite the animal to get blood needed for the flea to lay eggs. The bite can cause your dog to scratch the area of the bite. In some cases the dog may become allergic to the flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or biting around the area. This can even result in skin infections.

In cases of extreme flea infestation, young dogs can lose enough blood to become anemic. Tapeworms is another problem if the dog happens to ingest a flea.

Be diligent about protecting your animal's health