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What Is Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

Anna B. Smith
Anna B. Smith

Flea allergy dermatitis is a skin condition that affects dogs with an allergy to flea bites. The skin of the host animal reacts negatively with a chemical deposited there while fleas are feeding on it. The animal shows an excessive tendency to scratch and may develop a small rash near the back, tail, and underbelly. Treatments for this condition involve protecting the animal from future flea infestations, thoroughly washing the coat and skin, and applying topical ointments. Veterinarians can administer more intensive therapy by injecting the animal periodically with cortisone.

This skin irritation is caused by a chemical naturally found in the saliva of fleas. Their saliva contains chemicals that are similar to histamine in structure, such as amino acids, phosphorus, and some aromatic compounds that can react with an animal's skin. The result is a rash and severe itching sensation. Flea allergy dermatitis is typically only diagnosed in pets between one and three years of age, and is almost never experienced by those younger than six months. The condition tends to lessen and dissipate with age.

A flea.
A flea.

Pet owners can look for certain common signs in their pet's behavior to determine if it has flea allergy dermatitis. Most pets who suffer from this allergy begin by scratching continuously. They tend to focus on the neck and behind the ears, as well as on the back just above the tail, and the joints where the legs and torso meet. The need to scratch can become so intense that many pets will pluck out their hair, creating what veterinarians refer to as a hot spot, revealing a bald patch of skin that is prone to scabs, sores, and infection when left untreated. Many pets will also exhibit a rash of small, red welts on the underbelly, the inner thighs, and near hot spots.

Over-the-counter antibiotic creams can be used to initially treat a flea bite.
Over-the-counter antibiotic creams can be used to initially treat a flea bite.

Treatment for flea allergy dermatitis can include medicated shampoo, anti-itch creams, oral medication, and cortisone injections. Any pet showing signs of this allergy should be treated with a flea deterrent, such as medicated drops, immediately. Specialty shampoos can be purchased that are formulated to neutralize skin reactions that result from insect activity, and do not negate the effectiveness of topical flea drops. Over the counter anti-itch and antibiotic creams can be applied for immediate relief to any skin areas the pet may have chewed bare of fur while scratching. Oral medications and cortisone injections should be discussed with and administered by a trained veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is flea allergy dermatitis and how does it affect pets?

Continuous scratching is a common sign of flea allergy dermatitis.
Continuous scratching is a common sign of flea allergy dermatitis.

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a hypersensitive reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching and discomfort in pets. When a flea bites an animal with FAD, the pet's immune system overreacts to the proteins in the flea's saliva, leading to skin inflammation, hair loss, and secondary skin infections. It's one of the most common skin diseases in dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats?

Oral flea medications are a type of dog flea treatment.
Oral flea medications are a type of dog flea treatment.

Symptoms of FAD in pets include excessive scratching, biting, and licking of the skin, especially at the base of the tail. You may also notice red, inflamed skin, scabs, and hot spots. Hair loss and thickened skin can occur with chronic conditions. These signs typically indicate a severe itch response to flea bites.

How is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed in pets?

Diagnosis of FAD typically involves a thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian. They may look for signs of fleas or flea dirt (feces), and the pattern of itching can be indicative of FAD. Intradermal allergy testing or blood tests for flea allergens can confirm the diagnosis, although the presence of clinical signs and response to flea control are often sufficient.

Can flea allergy dermatitis be cured?

While there is no cure for flea allergy dermatitis, it can be effectively managed with strict flea control on the pet and in the environment. Regular use of vet-recommended flea preventatives, treating all animals in the household, and cleaning bedding and carpets can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

What treatments are available for flea allergy dermatitis?

Treatment for FAD involves a two-pronged approach: controlling fleas and managing symptoms. Flea control includes topical or oral medications and environmental measures. Symptom management may involve corticosteroids or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itchiness, as well as antibiotics or antifungal medications if secondary infections are present.

Are certain breeds or animals more susceptible to flea allergy dermatitis?

While any dog or cat can develop flea allergy dermatitis, some breeds may be more predisposed to developing allergies in general. However, the condition is more related to exposure and individual hypersensitivity to flea bites than to breed. Pets with compromised immune systems or those living in warm, humid climates where fleas thrive are at greater risk.

Discussion Comments

MissDaphne

@ElizaBennett - Yes, you do see flea allergy in both cats and people. I used to have a cat that was allergic to flea bites. He was an indoor cat, but we also had a dog that went outside. We treated and treated them both, but we just couldn't control the fleas well enough to keep our kitty comfortable. We had to choose between them! It was absolutely wrenching. (I know, it wasn't Sophie's Choice or anything, but neither of them had done anything wrong, so I just felt so guilty.)

We finally decided to keep kitty and get another indoor cat to keep him company. Reluctantly, we "re-homed" our pup, but luckily some friends of ours (who had become very fond of her while visiting) agreed to take her in and they all seem very happy with the arrangement. Now our poor allergic kitty is in much better shape. (We still treat both cats monthly to control those fleas that come in from outside.)

ElizaBennett

Does flea allergy dermatitis affect cats and/or people, too, or is it exclusively a dog problem? My cat seems really sensitive to fleas. (She never goes outside at all, but we do, of course, and I guess they come in with us sometimes and get on her.)

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    • A flea.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      A flea.
    • Over-the-counter antibiotic creams can be used to initially treat a flea bite.
      By: Coprid
      Over-the-counter antibiotic creams can be used to initially treat a flea bite.
    • Continuous scratching is a common sign of flea allergy dermatitis.
      By: pattie
      Continuous scratching is a common sign of flea allergy dermatitis.
    • Oral flea medications are a type of dog flea treatment.
      By: absolutimages
      Oral flea medications are a type of dog flea treatment.