Flea Allergy Dermatitis In Dogs
Updated on march 1 2019.
Flea allergy dermatitis in dogs. But some dogs and cats are allergic to the pests. This will lead to additional irritation which should be treated to prevent complications. The flea allergy dermatitis will manifest through swelling and will cause itchiness so the dog will lick and chew the affected area. Flea allergy dermatitis fad or flea bite hypersensitivity is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs in the usa.
If your pet has a flea allergy even one or two fleabites can make your pet miserable says carol osborne dvm a veterinarian at chagrin falls veterinary center in chagrin falls oh. Flea allergy dermatitis is also known as flea bite hypersensitivity. Your doctor may call this flea allergy dermatitis fad or fleabite hypersensitivity. Both dogs and cats can develop fad.
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a flea bite that manifests in a pet s skin. It is the antigens or proteins in the flea saliva that cause an intensely itchy response to sensitive dogs. It is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs in the us. Flea allergy dermatitis fad is a leading cause of allergic reactions in dogs.
Cats also develop fad which is one of the major causes of feline miliary dermatitis. Affected pets can have an extreme allergic reaction to certain proteins in the flea s saliva which the flea injects into the pet s skin during biting and feeding. Fad is most prevalent in the summer although in warm climates flea infestations may persist throughout the year. Itching and hair loss in the region from the middle of the back to the tail base and down the rear legs the flea triangle is often associated with fad.
It can result from very minimal and intermittent exposure to fleas. It is characterized by severe prolonged itching in both and often incessant grooming in cats. And although flea allergies in dogs usually develops when dogs are young less than 1 and up to 5 years of age a dog flea allergy can begin at any age. Flea allergy dermatitis is most common in the summer months although in warm climates such as florida where i live flea issues and a tendency towards allergies in general may persist throughout the year.