You have noticed that your dog or cat is constantly scratching and biting at itself, but you can’t see any fleas. It could be that your poor pet is suffering from flea allergic dermatitis or FAD.
What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
Flea allergy dermatitis is when your pet suffers an allergic reaction from a fleabite. When fleas feed on dogs and cats, they release saliva with the bite, to prevent the blood from coagulating. The flea saliva is what causes the allergic reaction in some pets, and results in inflammation and itchiness and if left untreated, can become severe enough to cause self-mutilating behaviour and secondary infection. For pets that suffer flea allergy dermatitis, just one flea, or just one fleabite can cause an allergic reaction.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Suffers From Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
Some of the signs and symptoms you may see of your dog or cat if it suffers from FAD are:
- Excessive scratching and biting
- Over grooming
- Hair loss
- Sores or scabs
- Red or rash-like skin
- Hot spots
What Can I Do To Prevent Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
- Flea control is the main treatment for FAD pets. Ridding your pets and their environment of all fleas is crucial as it can take just one fleabite to cause an allergic reaction.
- Make sure to use flea control on all of your pets, even the ones that aren’t allergic or don’t appear to be scratching.
- Make sure you select a flea control product that kills fleas on contact, before the fleas get a change to bite (eg Frontline ©). There is no point in using a product that kills fleas after they ingest the product, and after they have bitten your pet. The veterinary staff at your local clinic should be able to advise you on the best product for you and your pets needs.
- Make sure to continue flea control throughout the year, and throughout your pets entire life, to prevent reoccurrence.
- In some severe cases of FAD, secondary infection can occur. If this is the case, your pet may need to visit the veterinarian for medications to treat the infection.
What If My Pet Is Still Scratching?
Irritated, inflamed or itchy skin is not always the result of flea allergy dermatitis. It may be due to another allergy such as a food allergy or a reaction to something in the garden, or it may be due to a completely different skin condition.
If your dog or cat is over grooming or scratching and biting at itself, and it is already on a quality flea control, or hasn’t improved after flea control treatment has been implemented, consult your veterinarian.
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