Flea Control and Flea Bite Allergies in Dogs & Cats

Flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis is very common in dogs and cats. In fact, it is the most common skin disease for pets. Flea allergies usually develop when pets are young (less than one and up to five years of age), but it can begin at any age. A flea's saliva is actually believed to be cause for the pet's allergy or sensitivity.

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The flea life cycle includes the adult flea, eggs, larva and pupa. Adult fleas do bite, but cannot survive long if they are not on the pet. Once they lay their eggs they will fall off the pet. The rest of the flea's life cycle then occurs on the host pet.

Symptoms and Types

Flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis usually causes severe itching, also called pruritis. Since only one or two flea bites a week can cause pruritis, symptoms often persist even after some forms of flea control. Most dogs and cats will have symptoms that worsen with age, but symptoms are also often episodic. Cats, specifically, will sometimes suffer from behavioral problems as a result of flea bite hypersensitivity called neurodermatoses.

Most owners first notice frequent and severe itching and scratching, hair loss, and scabs on the pet. Many times the hind end is affected more than the front of the body or the head, however, flea allergic pets can have lesions anywhere on the body. Moreover, fleas or flea dirt may or may not be seen.

Diagnostics

By using a flea comb, fleas or flea dirt can be seen more readily. Skin tests for mites or bacterial skin diseases may also be recommended if the fleas are not seen. Sometimes the best diagnostic method is to just treat for fleas.

Treatment

Flea control and prevention is a must for pets with flea bite hypersensitivity. There are numerous options on the market that kill the adult fleas for a period of time, but all should be repeated (as indicated) for continuous flea control. They often are applied as spot-on treatments, which are topical treatments on a small area, usually at the top back of the neck where the animal is unable to reach and lick it off. Some oral products are also available. Flea shampoos can also be beneficial for young animals or for an acute flea infestation, but continuous management with one of the long-term products is essential.

Flea control for outdoor pets is virtually impossible. Although current flea control products available may be sufficient treatment, as long as the house has not become infested. There are many pet products that treat for fleas during their immature stages of life (i.e., eggs). However, if the house has a severe infestation, environmental treatment is necessary. Fleas may actually bite humans in the house if flea medications cause them to search for another host.

Dogs and cats that are allergic to fleas may require steroids or antihistamines to combat their sensitivity to the bites. Likewise, if a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics may be prescribed. Follow-up exams are often necessary to determine how treatments are progressing.

Living and Management

The most important factor in managing an animal with fleas is regular treatment doses on a timely basis. Because it takes only one or two bites for a flea allergic animal to start itching, it is best for the pet owner to be consistent with flea control products. Other factors like frequent bathing when using spot-on or other topical products are important when determining how long between product administration.

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