Flea Saliva Allergy

Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease in dogs.

Flea allergy dermatitis also is known as a flea saliva allergy. This condition is the most common skin disease in dogs and can cause intense itching. Secondary skin infections also may develop as a result of scratching. Flea saliva allergies often begin when the dog is young, but can occur at any age.

Identification

Flea allergy dermatitis is caused by a hypersensitivity to the saliva of fleas. Dogs that develop this condition often have few fleas because they groom excessively. Dogs that have flea allergy dermatitis, however, may experience symptoms from the bites of only a few fleas. Most dogs that develop flea bite allergies experience a worsening of symptoms as they get older. Some dogs also may develop behavioral problems as a result of flea bite hypersensitivity, this is known as neurodermatosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with flea allergy dermatitis may include intense itching, which also is known as pruritus. According to PetMd.com, other symptoms of a flea saliva allergy may include hair loss, hot spots, scabs or sores from scratching and chewing and biting of the tail, rump and legs. Oozing lesions often are due to secondary infections from scratching excessively.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will examine your dog for fleas in order to determine if a flea saliva allergy exists. Dogs that have fleas or flea dirt on the body are treated for fleas. If no fleas are present, the veterinarian may perform a skin scraping to test for mites or other conditions that may produce similar symptoms. These conditions may include food allergies, atopy, ear infections, mange and trauma or irritation to the skin.

Treatment

According to PetPlace.com, the most effective treatment for flea allergy dermatitis is flea control. This is important both on the dog's body and in the environment in which he lives. In order to break the itch cycle, your veterinarian may prescribe a short course of steroids. If there are any secondary skin infections (bacterial pyoderma), the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat them.

Prevention/Solution

Aggressive flea control is necessary to alleviate the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis. Use a safe flea control product on your dog one month before the flea season begins and one month after the flea season ends to avoid severe infestations. It may be necessary to use a professional exterminator for severe flea infestations. Frequent vacuuming and regular carpet cleanings also may help control fleas. If your dog develops any oozing or crusty sores, consult your veterinarian as this is a sign of a bacterial infection.

References

• Petplace: Flea Allergy Dermatitis In Dogs
• PetMD: Flea Control And Flea Bite Allergies In Dogs