(THESE ARE NOT MY WORDS)

What is flea bite dermatitis?

Fleas are an extremely common parasite among dogs and cats.  Some pets suffer very little from the bites of these creatures but a number of less fortunate pets develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, leading to a severe skin reaction known as flea bite dermatitis. Fleas bite their host animal and suck the blood for nutrition, leaving saliva behind under the pet's skin.  Recent scientific studies have shown that flea saliva contains around 15 different allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive dogs and cats.

The common problem of flea bite dermatitis affects both cats and dogs of all ages, genders and breeds. In pets with this condition, the flea bites themselves generally become red, swollen and severely itchy. This leads to chronic inflammation and scratching of the skin as well as ongoing discomfort for your pet.

How do I know whether my pet has flea bite dermatitis?

Dogs and cats with flea bite dermatitis generally show signs of chronic biting, scratching and rubbing their skin, especially around the base of the tail.  This may, in turn, lead to hair loss and thinning of the coat. The skin may appear red and inflamed.  A flea allergy will also be noticeably seasonal and cause worse symptoms during summer and fall when fleas are most prolific.

How is flea bite dermatitis usually treated?

To get to the root cause of this condition it is important to rid your pet of fleas entirely. Many flea-control products available in pet-stores including flea collars, sprays and shampoos are very effective when used regularly. 

For treating your pet's skin that has already suffered the ravages of flea bite dermatitis, topical hydrocortisone products are usually used for dermatitis, but these can cause adverse side-effects, especially when used regularly.