Treating Flea Bites on Dogs With Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a steroid with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. It that can be used as a topical ointment or medication to treat flea bites. If your dog has fleas, he'll scratch continuously and bite and chew his paws. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites, and will develop bad irritations which are intensified by the excessive scratching.

Flea Bite Dermatitis

Flea bite dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the fleas, which is transferred with the bite. If your dog is sensitive, he'll be allergic to the bacteria in the flea saliva and will have multiple local irritations. The irritation will be even bigger after the dog scratches, chews, bites or licks the area. In severe cases, the scratching will cause hair loss.

The dermatitis looks like a red spot with a darker halo. You can notice these on the stomach area of your dog. Excessive scratching can cause the infection of these bites.

To get rid of this allergic reaction and prevent serious infections you need to treat the bites.

Hydrocortisone Treatment for Flea Bites

Hydrocortisone is a steroid that can help ease the itchiness and reduce the swelling and the redness of a flea bite. It's available as medication and as a cream. If the bites are severe, hydrocortisone can be administrated orally. Side effects include water retention and increased appetite.

The cream is recommended in all cases of allergic reaction to flea bites. It will be easily absorbed by the skin and will soothe the area and speed up the healing. Hydrocortisone concentrations may differ. Talk to your vet and he will recommend the right type of cream.

There are also hydrocortisone shampoos available in pet stores. You can replace your old pet shampoo with this new one, to prevent further irritations.

Natural Alternatives to Hydrocortisone

If you prefer natural treatment methods, you can use eucalyptus leaves to soothe the itching. These will help heal the bites and their powerful aroma will also keep the fleas away. Alternatively, use eucalyptus essence or Borax, which is a cleansing agent that can help relieve the pain and soothe the irritations.

Get Rid of Fleas

If you want the treatment of flea bites to work, you'll need to get rid of the fleas from your pet, your home and your garden. Use an anti-flea shampoo to get rid of the fleas on your dog, and add a flea collar to keep the fleas away. Clean your home and garden with powerful insecticides and make sure your dog doesn't have access to the treated area, to avoid possible allergic reactions. Remember that carpets and drapes can be a good hiding spot for fleas, so clean these thoroughly.

Fleas are parasites that feed on your dog's blood and may cause health and hygiene problems. If your dog is allergic to flea bites, you need to treat the bites and get rid of the fleas. Hydrocortisone steroid cream is a fast and safe method to heal the bites.

 

Comments