The raised and itchy bumps from flea bites that torment cats with flea bites aren’t the only possible issue when a cat has fleas. If there is an allergic reaction to the histamine-like compounds in flea saliva, then the animal will have flea allergy dermatitis, and it is one of the primary causes of feline military dermatitis. Cats that get fleas for the first time and develop flea allergy dermatitis from the bites can get it especially badly with pruritus (chronic itching) and reddened skin lesions.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

Flea allergy dermatitis is more common for dogs than it is for cats, and it poses the same problems. The summer season is when either a dog or cat is most likely to be bitten by fleas. With flea allergy dermatitis in dogs, the animal will be restless and uncomfortable, often scratching and chewing or nibbling at the skin. For dogs, there is also more of a chance of erythema, skin hyperpigmentation, and papules with crusts on them. Dogs are especially affected by flea dermatitis on their rump and tailhead areas.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis Cat Treatment

The first thing you need to do if a cat has flea allergy dermatitis is to ensure that you get rid of fleas as quickly as possible and then start the cat on a flea and tick preventative medication that will give them year-round protection. For relief from the skin irritation and lesions caused by the flea bites, you may want to give them an NSAID depending on what your veterinarian recommends for flea allergy dermatitis cat treatment. If lesions become broken skin and secondary bacterial infections occur, then you’ll likely have to put them on an antibiotic too.

Treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

Most dog owners will already have their pets on flea and tick medication that they only need to give their pet once a month to prevent fleas. However, if a dog does get fleas, the same treatment approach will apply. A steroidal anti-inflammatory like Prednisolone can be used to reduce itching and the severity of skin lesions. Some dog owners will prepare a dog flea allergy dermatitis bath by adding citrus and oatmeal to the water to provide relief from the skin irritation. There may also be moisturizers you can use with treatment of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs, and some are moisturizers mixed with hydrocortisone for itch relief.