Flea Allergy Dermatitis:  Flea Bite Hypersensitivity, Flea Allergy

Affected Animals:  Any breed or sex of dog and cat can be affected. The average age for flea allergy is three to five years. Cats also can be allergic to fleas.

Information and Overview:   Dogs and cats that have flea allergy dermatitis are hypersensitive to the saliva a flea passes into the dog's skin when it bites. The bite from a single flea will have a minimal affect on a normal animal, but dogs and cats with flea allergy will experience immediate itching, redness and swelling. It is the animal themselves, and not the fleas, that typically do the worst damage. When a cat or dog scratches its fleabites excessively, hair loss and skin abrasions can result. Some animals will develop circular, red, painful sores called "hot spots" that can occur anywhere on the skin, but commonly are seen along the back and tail base. The most common canine and feline allergic skin disorder, flea allergy only can be resolved by preventing the animal from being bitten by the flea and removing all the fleas from the environment. There are medications available, however, that will alleviate the itching and discomfort until complete flea control is achieved.

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