In cats with FAD, however, the immune system identifies allergens in flea saliva as foreign and dangerous to the body, leading to a more severe skin reaction. Read on to learn what flea allergy dermatitis is, how to recognize it, common treatment options, and how to best prevent it.
Flea-naive dogs exposed intermittently to flea bites develop either immediate reactions (within 15 minutes) or delayed reactions (after 2448 hours), or both, as well as detectable levels of circulating IgE and IgG antiflea antibodies (1, 2, 3).
Flea allergy dermatitis in cats is the most common skin disease in felines, especially in the southern United States, where the environment is more favorable for fleas. In this article, our vet experts explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment of flea allergy dermatitis in cats.
When a flea bites a cat to consume a blood meal, some of its saliva is injected into the skin. Cats usually experience only minor skin irritation in response to flea bites. However, in a cat with flea allergies, the antigens in flea saliva cause an intensely itchy response.
Flea allergy dermatitis requires fast action. Discover the best medications, shampoos, and prevention strategies for your pet.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWH-DermNetNZ-FleaBites-01-99fc4b8a7b7a41a8a6ca3a58f6a05dbf.jpg "Flea Bite Allergic Reaction")
