Dog has classic case of fleas

QUESTION: I’m worried about my dog, Magnum. He is a two-year-old Rottweiler. He was totally healthy until lately a weird behavior has showed up.

He lies down peacefully and all of the sudden he jumps and bites his back end like crazy. Now his back end is covered with scabs. I did some research online, and found that it is common with fleas. However, I have never seen fleas on him. Do you have any other idea?

Kyle, West Kelowna. ANSWER: I believe what you are describing is typical for fleas.

I am not able to diagnose the dog only based of what you said. Skin issues are one of the most complex issues in veterinary medicine, so an exam by your veterinarian is recommended.

However, you mentioned that you’ve never seen a flea on him, hence you ruled out the possibility of fleas.

This assumption is not necessarily true. First, your dog’s breed is typically black, so it will be quite hard for you to see the flea on your dog. Another important fact is, that some dogs are allergic to fleas.

With dogs that are actually allergic to fleas, even one flea can elicit a significant systemic reaction.

In many skin problems, regardless of the initial cause, most of the damage is done later by the dog picking on the wounds again and again and causing self traumatic lesion that is known as a hot spot.

I strongly recommend you seek veterinary advice for this matter.

Your veterinarian will help your dog get out of the destructive loop he is found in right now, along with trying to isolate the specific cause.

In any case, flea control is very easy to apply even as a preventative measure, so I would encourage you to apply that.

Also, it is important to know that fleas and worms are linked to each other in their lives cycle, so it is also recommended to deworm your dog.

QUESTION: I suffer from anemia and starting to suspect that my dog has it as well. Can I give her my own iron supplement? It’s a non -rescription supplement that I buy over the counter? Maria, West Kelowna ANSWER: Anemia is a condition of a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weakness.

In general, anemia can result from three different mechanisms: blood loss; destruction of the red blood cells by the body, as a part of autoimmune disease or different intoxications; or insufficient red blood cells production, partly due to iron insufficiency.

In humans, the most common reason for anemia is insufficient iron intake in the diet, hence, one can readily purchase iron supplements over the counter.

Dogs and cats that are fed by a commercial pet food — dry or raw, will rarely suffer from an anemia due to a nutritional basis.

In fact, most cases of anemia in pets are due to destruction of the red cells due to several different reasons. Chronic blood loss is the second most common reason for anemia in dogs.

You didn’t mention why you suspect anemia in your dog, or any other information on his condition.

Unfortunately, there is no advice I can give you on how to treat your dog at home without a veterinarian exam and tests.

I do not think that using your iron supplements for your dog is a safe approach to help your dog.

For better safety, I encourage you to take your dog to the vet in order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment if needed.

Dr. Noa Oz is a veterinarian at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital.