Flea Allergy In Dogs

Flea allergy dermatitis FAD is the leading cause of itching in dogs.

Flea allergy in dogs. It is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs in the US. This will lead to additional irritation which should be treated to prevent complications. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites specifically the saliva of the flea.

Symptoms of Flea Allergies in Dogs. Adult fleas require a blood meal in order to reproduce. Affected pets can have an extreme allergic reaction to certain proteins in the fleas saliva which the flea injects into the pets skin during biting and feeding.

Your doctor may call this flea allergy dermatitis FAD or fleabite hypersensitivity. Cats also develop FAD which is one of the major causes of feline miliary dermatitis. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin infections.

Well look at the signs of canine flea allergy so youll be on the lookout for them when flea season starts in your area. Topical therapy such as a soothing shampoo to reduce skin irritation Steroids to help break the itch-scratch cycle Antibiotics to help with secondary skin infection or hot spots. The lesions are usually small red bumps that may be crusted.

The prevalence of flea allergy dermatitis FAD depends on geographic location and ranges from one of the most commonly diagnosed allergic dermatoses seen in both dogs and cats or not occurring at all in areas that do not have fleas. A dog flea allergy is the most common type of all canine allergies. It can occur at any age but usually develops when dogs are young between one and five years of age.

In most parts of the country fleas are a seasonal problem but in temperate climates they can be a year-round pest. Most of the fleas that occur today are cat fleas which is why some dogs can be hypersensitive to them. FAD is most prevalent in the summer although in warm climates flea infestations may persist throughout the year.