Summer brings sun, fun and long playful days. But, for your furry best friend the dog days of summer can mean misery!

The list of potential summer allergens and skin irritants is longer than many pedigrees, but fleabite dermatitis tops the list. Affected dogs and cats are born with a predisposition for a hypersensitivity to a protein enzyme in flea saliva. For these pets, preventative maintenance flea control is critical to health, comfort and well being.

Routine inspection of your pet’s skin for signs of fleas is a good habit. Look for flea-dirt, (little black specs resembling pepper) skin redness, hair loss and thickening of the skin on the rump, rear legs and tail. Pets that are scratching and biting at themselves should be examined closely.

There are many effective flea control products on the market for both the pet and premise. Most of these products offer residual protection for long-term flea control.

With hypersensitive pets, just one bite by one flea can cause a severe allergic reaction. Since identifying a single flea bite, without the other typical signs of flea infestation, can be a challenge for the most experienced eye, it is very common for these pets to go undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed. This skin condition often referred to as "hot spots", is actually an irritated fleabite or bites. Combating fleas on dogs and cats with this hypersensitivity to flea bites is just part of the total program. Treating the source of the itch (flea control) and comforting the symptoms of the allergy (scratch / itch cycle) requires different types of products.

An anti-itch shampoo and spray will give temporary relief to fleabite dermatitis by soothing itchy skin. These products aid in healing by breaking the scratch / itch cycle.

A medicated shampoo containing non-staining iodine will aid in the drying and healing of moist eczema and hot spots. The antibacterial properties of iodine will help prevent secondary skin infections. Follow up application of a medicated skin treatment lotion will help to dry and heal moist or seeping hot spots.

Dry, flaky skin will greatly benefit from a medicated; moisturizing shampoo and moisturizing spritz or rinse and will help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

Pets that are displaying a general allergic reaction to fleabites may appear uncomfortable; their skin may look pink and feel warmer than usual.

An oatmeal shampoo will reduce skin irritation and give relief to symptoms.

Read product labels carefully. Some products are developed for use on dogs only. Others are safe for dogs and cats. The professional staff at Feeders Supply are trained to assist you in picking just the right products to help you combat your pet’s summer itch.