Flea Allergy Dermatitis Before And After Treatment

"Canine atopic dermatitis"

Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the more commonly diagnosed skin conditions for both dogs and cats. If your pet is scratching furiously at one or more areas of their body it may be more serious than you realize. An allergic reaction to a flea bite is a problem that needs attention.

Dermatits and pet allergy treatment

Symptoms include skin inflammation, itching, reddened skin and tiny bumps that appear on the animal's skin. You may even see some pustules and scabbed areas that are present.

For animals with severe reactions to flea bites there can even be open wounds that are created by intense scratching and chewing which causes hair loss.

Flea allergy dermatitis is also known by the acronym (FAD). A dog that has this type of condition will show an allergic reaction to the chemical compounds that are secreted during a flea bite. These compounds are secreted in the saliva of the flea and initiate the allergic response.

Flea bite dermatitis shows in loss of fur

An animal with flea allergy dermatitis will display a reaction to the bite of just one flea and this is why it is so important to keep your dog protected. Depending on the level of sensitivity if your pet gets even one flea bite it can create extreme discomfort, pain and itching.

Remember that the animal's immune system is reacting to the bite and this reaction can become fairly widespread even though the bite itself is very small and isolated.

Not all dogs and cats are sensitive to flea bites. Of course the bite of a flea can make them itch and be uncomfortable in much the same way as humans react to the bite of a mosquito. In order to prevent such problems from plaguing your pet you will have to make certain that you provide them with a flea-free environment.

The majority of FAD problems will occur during the warmer months, especially during the summer season. This coincides with the height of flea related activity. If you have a pet with flea allergy dermatitis you need to keep them free of fleas throughout the year, even during the winter.

Topical medications or pills are both highly effective products that are successful at eliminating fleas. Those home remedies, flea collars and "doggy shampoos" will only prolong the problem and cause more discomfort for your pet.

It is important to check your pets for any fleas after they have enjoyed outdoor romp or a play date with other four-footed friends.

Although the flea-preventatives you use are designed to kill fleas, your dog or cat may still suffer from a bite before the medication has a chance to get rid of the fleas.

Dogs and cats will try to bite and scratch the bite-area. This generally results in sores or “hot spots”. Usually you can see the hot spots easily because they tend to occur on the animal's legs or back.

Canine dermatitis after treatment

If these areas are not treated properly the animal will even engage in self-mutilation in a vain attempt to resolve the itching and inflammation. The skin can undergo an extreme amount of damage in a short amount of time.

In addition to the sores, bumps and crusted scabs the hair may fall out in clumps and you may even see drainage oozing from the skin or detect a foul odor when you are near your pet. Over time the animal may develop eczema type skin conditions and the loss of hair can even become permanent.

You will need to have your pet diagnosed by a veterinarian in order to find out if flea allergy dermatitis is the real problem. The bad news is that there is no cure for this condition, just symptomatic remedies and preventive measures. The good news is that this condition does respond well to proper treatment which includes the regular and routine use of flea prevention medications.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis to Misc