More Common Than Expected: Flea Allergy In Cats & Dogs

The most common flea species affecting dogs and cats is the cat flea ( Ctenocephalides felis ). The entire development cycle to hatching adult (adult) fleas takes from three weeks to a year. Oviposition begins 24 hours after the ingestion of blood from the host. The female flea can lay 20–50 eggs per day for up to 100 days. Eggs laid on the host then fall to the ground. Three larval stages subsequently develop in the environment. The last larval stage pupates and an adult flea hatches from it. The development cycle must be included, particularly in therapy.

Not every animal develops a flea allergy. Animals suffering from another allergy such as B. atopy (allergy to environmental allergens such as pollen and house dust mites) suffer, and have an increased tendency to disease. It is estimated that 80% of all atopic dogs will develop a flea allergy after repeated exposure to fleas over some time. Flea allergies are triggered by proteins from flea saliva that get into the epidermis and dermis.

The more frequently an animal is exposed to fleas, the greater the likelihood that it will develop a flea allergy. The greater the individual hypersensitivity, the more frequently an allergic reaction to flea bites occurs. Non-allergic animals are hardly bothered by flea bites. At best, there is a brief skin reaction. In the case of a flea-allergic dog, on the other hand, a flea bite is enough for a clear allergic reaction in the form of itching.

The most common symptom of a flea allergy is severe itching. The characteristic distribution pattern affects the caudal (rear, towards the tail) half of the body:

• back end,
• rod,
• caudal surface of the hind limbs.

The primary lesion is small, red, itchy papules (small, red bumps on the skin). Scratching and biting lead to further skin changes such as reddening, hairlessness, and hot spots. A hot spot is a weeping and often very painful lesion that develops “overnight”.

The preliminary report and the clinical picture provide decisive information:

• Is the animal free to roam?
• Does the animal have contact with other animals?
• What is the distribution pattern?
• Is a flea preparation administered? Is it administered regularly?

Finding fleas or flea droppings on the animal is proof of flea infestation, otherwise, indirect clues should be sought. As already mentioned, the main focus should be on the back line of the animal.

Therapy includes the rapid killing of adult fleas with an adulticide. Numerous active ingredients are available for this purpose, which are administered as a spot-on, collar, or tablet. To relieve the itching, a cortisone preparation can also be given for about a week. If a secondary bacterial infection is already present as a result of the itching-related self-injury, the use of a topical or systemic antibiotic makes sense.

Successful treatment of flea allergy requires the complete elimination of the flea population. Therefore, it is important to include environmental treatment in the treatment plan to kill all developmental stages.

It is important to know: 1-5% of the flea population is on the animal, and 95-99% of the flea population is in the environment. This shows the importance of environmental treatment.

Flea larvae are negatively phototropic and positively geotropic, meaning down and into the dark, away from light, surfaces, and heat. The environmental treatment should therefore not take place on surfaces. Therefore, foggers, i. H. Room foggers that wet surfaces are not very suitable. Sprays, on the other hand, can be sprayed under carpet runners, in parquet cracks, on and under upholstered furniture, and in dark corners. This information should be given to the owner.

In addition to adulticides, there are so-called insect growth inhibitors that prevent the development of a new flea population from flea eggs or larvae.

Insect growth inhibitors are divided into two groups :

1. Juvenile hormone analogs (eg, methoprene, pyriproxyfen) affect the hormonally controlled maturation of flea development stages. They are not lethal to adult fleas but prevent the larvae from molting and pupating, i. H. the flea does not become adult.
2. Chitin synthesis inhibitors (e.g. lufenuron), which are used for oral or parenteral use in animals. They do not have an adulticidal effect, so they are not fatal to adult fleas either, but prevent the larval stages from developing further. The flea shell is made of chitin. The chitin synthesis inhibitor prevents the development of a flea skeleton and thus a new flea population in the area. It can be said that the flea becomes infertile because adult fleas can no longer develop from the eggs.

Ideally, insect growth inhibitors and adulticides are administered in combination, especially in a multi-animal household. Mechanical cleaning using thorough vacuuming followed by disposal of the vacuum cleaner bag also helps to reduce the number of fleas.

Since a new infestation with fleas can occur at any time, an individual flea treatment program must be put together for each patient. This includes an adulticide all year round.

In the case of recurring flea infestations or animals with a flea allergy, further de,velopment should be inhibited using insect growth inhibitors. The insect growth inhibitor is always to be seen as a supplement to the adulticide and the environmental treatment. It helps to prevent the establishment of a flea population in the animal’s environment in the long term.

Frequently Asked Question

Can you be allergic to fleas?

Flea allergy, also known as flea saliva allergy or flea allergic dermatitis, is triggered by flea saliva when a flea bites. It is the most common allergic disease in dogs and cats. The most common flea species affecting dogs and cats is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis).

What does a flea allergy look like?

Visible symptoms of flea saliva allergy can be found on the cat’s skin. Symptoms can include inflammation, redness, and bald patches. In addition, the cats often lick their fur to calm the itching. Bacterial secondary infections can also occur.

What helps against flea saliva allergy in cats?

Controlling the itching and the affected areas is the main focus when treating the allergy. Special anti-itch preparations are often used. In addition, infections should be treated. As the disease progresses, thorough flea control and ongoing prevention are crucial.

What to do if a dog has a flea bite allergy?

When treating allergies, the focus is on controlling the tormenting itching. Special cortisone preparations and antihistamines are used here. Anti-itch and skin-soothing shampoos also bring relief.

How long does a flea bite on a dog itch?

Flea bites itch for quite a long time, but less than 2 weeks. With a flea saliva allergy, however, the itching can degenerate and last forever.

What can you do about dog fleas?

The best natural flea control remedy is lemon juice. along with some vinegar, the parasites can be easily killed. Boil half a liter of water. Cut a lemon into small pieces and add them to the boiling water.

Are flea bites dangerous to humans?

Flea bites in themselves are not dangerous, apart from being very annoying. And due to the constant scratching, the skin is injured. From that moment on, you should keep a close eye on the spots. There’s always a chance that the sores will become infected, and that’s not pleasant.

How dangerous is a flea bite?

Flea bites in themselves are not dangerous, apart from being very annoying. And due to the constant scratching, the skin is injured. From that moment on, you should keep a close eye on the spots. There’s always a chance that the sores will become infected, and that’s not pleasant.