Flea Allergy Dermatitis

What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

Flea allergy dermatitis as the name implies is an allergy which affects both cats and dogs. It is a skin condition which occurs when a flea bites a cat and the cat is hypersensitive to the flea's saliva. Flea saliva contains many antigens which some cats and dogs are very susceptible to. Your cat does not have to have many fleas because just one bite from a flea can trigger an allergic reaction. Flea Allergy Dermatitis is a very itchy and painful disorder and is the most common allergy in cats and dogs.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is often seasonal with it occurring more often in the warmer summer and fall months. It occurs in direct relation to the period of time when fleas are most prevalent. In warmer countries Flea Allergy Dermatitis can persist year round as fleas tend not to die off in winter. Cooler temperatures and low humidity tend to inhibit flea development.

What are the Symptoms of Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

What is the Treatment for Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

It is probably quite obvious that you need to get rid of fleas from your cat. Just one single flea can cause terrible symptoms. Fleas must not only be removed from your cat but also from your house and environment so that the cat is not re-infested. Top spot flea treatments such as Advantage, Revolution or Front Line can kill fleas within hours. Using flea collars and insecticide shampoos is generally a waste of time and money.

You must be absolutely dedicated to the task of removing all fleas from your cat and the cat's environment. It is important to treat all of your pets and your home on the same day.
Read more about how to Get Rid of Fleas on your Cat and in your House 
This article, explains simply how you can get rid of fleas from your cat and the environment.

Antibiotics and antifungal medication my be prescribed by your vet to treat the secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Your vet may put your cat on a short course of prednisone to relieve the inflammation. Sometimes antihistamines are prescribed.  However, the only long term treatment for flea allergy dermatitis is total flea control and not allowing one single flea to come in contact with your cat.

Desensitizing shots tend not to work well with Flea Allergy Dermatitis.

This article is for information purposes only and is in no way intended to replace veterinary advice