Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the common terms availed in dog care and treatment. As can be traced from the name itself, this dog allergy is caused due to fleas. Now, since fleas attack the skin of canines, FAD is a skin allergy caused due to the flea saliva. Flea saliva contains different antigens that may create allergic reaction to sensitive canines. A single fleabite may start of a reaction in dogs and may result into severe skin conditions.

Flea allergy dermatitis can be termed as a summer disease as fleas can flourish in warmer climates. Countries with warmer climates can find this disease spreading throughout the year though we cannot discard its occurrence in winter months. Thus, we can easily claim that this allergy can take place whenever there are fleas. According to statistics, nearly 40% dogs are prone to fleabite allergies. The best way to prevent it is to get rid of flea infestations.

Symptoms of FAD:

• Itching
• Hot Spots
• Hair Loss
• Biting the bottom of the tail
• Red sores
• Scratching and licking the skin coat

Diagnosis of FAD:

By doing certain common tests, your vet can easily detect this allergy from other kinds of reactions like food, mites, ear infections and mange. His first point of detection is visual signs like redness, inflammation, hot spots, hair loss etc. He can easily identify it from the red flea dust or feces powder found on the pet’s body.

Observing the flea dust on flea comb and checking the skin condition is another way of finding out FAD. Intradermal skin testing is another method used to detect FAD. Bacterial and yeast infections are secondary conditions to flea allergies and they hint the chances of FAD.

Treatment of FAD:

To cure FAD completely, one must treat the pet, the environment and their other furry companions. The best way to deal with this kind of painful allergy is to prevent them. Several topical and oral flea preventives can be used to inhibit the annoying parasites. Most of them are monthly treatments while very few are short-term treatments that last just a day or two.

How can one select flea preventives for dogs?

• Level of flea infestation
• Pet’s sensitivity towards the ingredients
• Pet’s nature
• Pet’s location
• Through veterinarian guidance

By looking at all these aspects, you can zero down on the flea treatment that would be most effective for the pet. Now, let us get an idea about flea treatment for the environment and pet surroundings. The indoor environment is cleaned by vacuuming the home especially the pet area that includes his beddings, crate, litter box and feeding place. Make sure to dispose of the cleaner bags to block the fleas from reentering the house.

One can also use Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) or sodium polyborate powder or diatomaceous earth that makes the area flea free and prevents future infestations. Ask your vet about the ideal flea treatment for your home and yard. Beware about the choice, as uncontrolled use of pesticides is certainly not advisable and may harm the pet and home in the long run. So, go for a safe flea prevention program for your pet and home.

Conclusion: Precisely speaking, FAD prevention is better than its cure. For this, it is important to keep the pet and his surrounding devoid of fleas. Natural and chemical flea preventives are used to treat the pet as well as his surroundings. One should sort out the flea problem at the earliest to protect their pet from painful allergies like FAD. If you are a pet parent then prevent fleas as soon as possible. Remember, the sooner the better!

For more information about flea preventives and treatments, visit our online store and find the most effective flea treatments for your pet.