Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Changing weathers, rising average temperatures and unpredictable seasonal variations not only affect human health. They have repucussions on the pet and community animal health too. Flea Allergy Dermatitis is an example of a issue dogs and cats deal with all year round - although the phenomenon is more common in summers. 

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), as the name suggests, is caused by a dog’s or a cat’s coming into contact with Fleas. As Fleas tend to thrive in high temperatures, this a common problem that pets have to deal with more often in the summer. However, fleas are a round-the-year-problem that pets and pet parents deal with. 

What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

FAD is a hypersensitivity reaction to flea saliva from flea bites. Flea saliva contains proteins that trigger an overactive immune response in some pets, where just one bite can trigger intense itching, inflammation, and secondary skin infections in allergic pets. Unlike normal flea irritation, FAD is an allergic skin disease, not just a result of flea infestation.

What to look out for as a pet parent:

• Summertime woes: Fleas reproduce rapidly in heat making this allergic response much more common in summer. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. This means that their reproduction cycle is faster, and the smallest contact can prove problematic to both pet and pet parent.
• Outdoor Exposure: Any season in which dogs and cats spend more time outside, can increasing contact with flea-infested grass or other animals. This means that it’s always a good practice to keep your pet protected, and their flea medication updated.
• Humidity Boosts Larval Survival: Moisture in the environment helps flea eggs and larvae survive and hatch faster. Pets that live close to the sea, in areas that receive regular or heavy rainfall, and pets that step out during rainy season will need extra care.

Even indoor-only pets aren't completely safe, as fleas can hitch a ride on clothes or on other pets.

Symptoms

The most important aspect of tackling a flea related issue is observing symptoms and knowing when your pet needs you to take immediate action. Here are some of the symptoms that you are likely to observe:

• Intense itching and scratching
• Red, inflamed skin—especially at the base of the tail, thighs, or belly
• Scabs or “hot spots” from excessive licking
• Hair loss or a thinning coat 

The flea bite causes salive to set up and antigen-antobody reaction. This causes discomfort in the pet, making them scratch the area. This causes excoriation and inflammation. Bacteria then invade the area causing pustuules. 

In cats, clinical signs can vary based on the degree of sensitivity. The first sign is the formation of a papule which is a primaryh sign of a rash. This often becomes crusted and can be found in the back neck and face areas. Look out for licking, scratching and chewing localised on the area of the rash.

How is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed?

Clinical signs often indicate that your pet suffers from FAD. Itching and hair loss from the middle of the back to the tail base and down the rear legs (the flea triangle) are often associated with FAD.

If your dog and cat show symptoms:

1. Visit the vet - A skin exam and flea comb test are usually enough.
2. Skin cytology - may be used to check for secondary bacterial infections.
3. Allergy testing - can rule out other causes if needed.

What does treatment involve?

Since the ingestion of flea saliva causes an allergic response, it is important to prevent fleas from biting your pet. Strict flea control is essential. Even if you do not see fleas on your pet, it is important to continue rigorous flea treatment and maintain environmental control. Most flea infestations occur in warmer weather but can happen year-round. For a dog and cat with FAD, flea prevention (using modern oral or topical medications) is the best form of treatment. Speak to your veterinarian about the best option for preventative treatment for fleas, as there are many choices available.

Prevention Is Key

• Use year-round flea control - not just in summer.
• Vacuum your home and wash pet bedding regularly.
• Treat all pets in the household to avoid re-infestation.
• Talk to your vet about flea control products that are safe and effective.

Key Points

• Many dog and cat parents expect that treatment will immediately eliminate a flea infestation. However, that is not possible due to the existing biomass residing within the premises, with complete elimination often taking 1–3 months.
• Effective long-term flea control necessitates preventing fleas from reproducing.
• Once the infestation is eradicated, most pet parents stop administering flea products. Lifelong flea control is highly recommended to prevent re-infestation.

In Short

FAD is an allergy caused by fleas, in both dogs and cats. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Intense itching and scratching
• Red, inflamed skin—especially at the base of the tail, thighs, or belly
• Scabs or “hot spots” from excessive licking
• Hair loss or a thinning coat

FAD requires is based handles when through prevention, however, if symptoms become evident veterinarian intervention is essential.

---