{"id":28551,"date":"2022-10-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartzdevelop.wpengine.com\/?p=28551"},"modified":"2023-02-24T15:18:25","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T15:18:25","slug":"flea-allergy-dermatitis-what-is-it-and-how-to-care-for-your-dogs-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/flea-allergy-dermatitis-what-is-it-and-how-to-care-for-your-dogs-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"Flea Allergy Dermatitis: What is It and How to Care for your Dog's Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Flea

Allergic dogs are more likely to develop FAD, and experience more severe symptoms.<\/p><\/div>\n

FAD is an itchy, inflammatory skin condition that is caused by fleas feeding on your dog. It is most often seen in young adult dogs between the ages of 2-5 years, although it can occur at any age. Not all dogs will develop FAD from contact with fleas, however, for those that do, the number and severity of symptoms will vary.<\/p>\n

Fleas prefer warm and humid environments, and flea populations generally peak during the summer and fall months. However, in states where the climate is consistently warm and humid year-round, flea infestations can be a constant threat. As flea populations fluctuate, so does the incidence of FAD.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for susceptible dogs and their owners, FAD is easily diagnosed, responds quickly and well to treatment, and is completely preventable.<\/p>\n

How FAD Develops<\/h3>\n

To survive and reproduce, adult fleas must feed on the dog. To do this, they bite into the dog\u2019s skin and feed on the dog\u2019s blood. With each bite, the flea injects a small amount of saliva into the skin. The saliva contains specific proteins (allergens) which can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs that are sensitive to these proteins. This allergic reaction is very similar to what happens in people after a mosquito bite. The mosquito\u2019s saliva causes a local reaction in the skin which results in an itchy, red bump. Some people are more reactive than others, and may experience greater itching and inflammation at the site of the mosquito bite.<\/p>\n

As with people and mosquito bites, some dogs are more sensitive to flea bites, especially if they are prone to allergies, or have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis<\/a>. Allergic dogs are more likely to develop FAD, and experience more severe symptoms than nonallergic dogs. Even one flea bite can trigger severe itching in a very reactive dog. Symptoms associated with this allergic reaction may appear immediately within a few minutes, or be delayed and show up 1-2 days later.<\/p>\n

Diagnosing FAD<\/h3>\n

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is usually diagnosed by the combination of the presence of adult fleas or flea droppings (also called \u201cflea dirt\u201d or frass) found within the dog\u2019s fur and\/or environment, and clinical signs involving the skin.<\/p>\n

Presence of Fleas and Flea Dirt<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. The first step in diagnosing FAD is to check for the presence of adult fleas on the skin or within the fur coat of the dog. Fleas can be tricky to find, especially if there aren\u2019t that many of them to start with, or they blend in and are difficult to see against the background of a dark coat. Finding fleas on your dog is not a requirement in order for your veterinarian to diagnose FAD.<\/li>\n
  2. \n
    \"Flea

    Fleas can be tricky to find, but not a requirement for your veterinarian to diagnose FAD.<\/p><\/div>\n

    The second step is to check for evidence of fleas by looking for flea dirt in the dog\u2019s coat, on bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, or anywhere the dog has spent time. Flea dirt consists of specks of dried blood that the flea has eliminated and when placed on a wet paper towel will change in color from black to dark red as the blood rehydrates. A fine-toothed flea comb is the best tool for examining and parting the fur to look for fleas and flea dirt on your dog.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Dermatological Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Clinical signs associated with Flea Allergy Dermatitis can vary between dogs and may range from occasional scratching in the nonallergic dog to extreme itching and discomfort in the allergic dog. FAD is usually seen in specific areas on the dog where fleas are likely to infest and feed. These areas include a large triangular region covering the lower back and abdomen, tail base, and upper thighs, as well as around the neck and ears.<\/p>\n

    The classic signs of FAD include:<\/p>\n