Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by the saliva from the bite of a flea. The condition often causes intense itching and skin problems.Pet Education: Flea Allergy Dermatitis or Flea Bite Hypersensitivity

Symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis include itching, thinning or loss of fur, hot spots, sores and skin that appears red and inflamed.Pet Education: Flea Allergy Dermatitis or Flea Bite Hypersensitivity

There are a variety of methods used to treat flea allergy dermatitis such as topical medications, flea control, antibiotics and glucocorticoids.Merck Veterinary Manual: Fleas and Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Introduction

Another common complication caused by the presence of fleas in animals is tapeworms. Tapeworms live in the digestive system of an animal. A flea acts as an intermediate host for a tapeworm. The larval flea swallows the tapeworm's eggs. The animal swallows the flea, which now contains the tapeworm, as it licks or grooms it's fur. The tapeworm egg then hatches inside the digestive system of the animal. It attaches to the small intestine of the animal. As the tapeworm grows it sheds eggs, which will pass out of the animal, and be consumed by fleas, perpetuating the cycleMar Vista Animal Medical Center: The Common Tapeworm(Dipylidium caninum)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think your pet has flea allergy dermatitis, please consult your veterinarian.

• DogTopics: Flea Allergies in Dogs

• JustAnswer: Our English Bulldog Has Allergies as do Most Bulldogs (August 25, 2008)

• Save A Bull: Natural Flea Prevention and Control for Dogs (July 4, 2008)

• PugsLife: Pug Skin Diseases (December 4, 2007)

• Go Pets America: Shiba Inu Flea Allergic Dermatitis (May 12, 2006)

• Dog Channel: Dog Skin Conditions: Allergies

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