Flea dermatitis in dogs, cats: symptoms, treatment, photos

Flea dermatitis in pets is, in fact, an immediate type of allergic reaction. The reasons for the development of such a reaction are caused by fleas, which parasitize the hair and skin of the animal, especially on cats and dogs.

Fleas are parasites that are not particularly picky when it comes to choosing their prey. Even humans are no exception, but mostly fleas prefer to parasitize on natural hosts.

For example, a dog flea prefers to settle on a dog and subspecies close to it (wolf, fox, etc.), delivering torment and disrupting its life rhythm. Sometimes flea dermatitis can get complicated, so timely treatment is required.

The development of flea dermatitis in dogs

Flea dermatitis in dogs occurs in 4 out of 5 cases of allergic reactions. The possibility of fleas in dogs is not a secret for anyone, but not many people know that these insects are capable of carrying various infections, including helminthic infestations. In addition, the insect's saliva contains enzyme substances that thin the blood, allowing the parasite to saturate and lay eggs. Due to the structure of the flea's body, it is difficult to see it on a dog, especially in long-haired breeds. The most favorite places of localization of fleas on the body of a dog are places with high humidity (abdomen, tail, groin and sacral areas, as well as the area of ​​the ears).

A four-legged pet with increased skin sensitivity, even after a single bite, is capable of react with an acute reaction, however, getting rid of the insect cannot give 100% positive result. This is primarily due to the fact that a flea can go through 4 stages (laying eggs, larvae, pupal formation and adulthood, in the photo).

Larvae and eggs can remain on those objects with which the sick animal came into contact, so the parasites can reappear, even if the pet did not leave the walls of the room. Therefore, in order to prevent further complications, dermatitis in a dog should be treated comprehensively. It is important to carry out wet processing of the room in order to maximally protect your pet from re-infection.

An interesting fact is that a female flea during its existence is capable of laying up to 400 eggs. After being saturated with blood, the insect, as a rule, leaves its host and looks for another prey. This can lead to the potential spread of concomitant infections, so it is recommended not to start the disease and treat it as directed by your veterinarian.

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The development of flea dermatitis in cats

This type of disease in cats, just like in other animals, is, in fact, a reaction allergic type to flea bites, or rather to their saliva, which contains at least 15 varieties of allergens. Each such species is capable of provoking a negative reaction in a cat.

Flea dermatitis in cats is difficult for the pet owner to detect because of the regular grooming (grooming of the cat) all evidence of the presence of fleas is destroyed. For cats, especially those with an allergic predisposition, 2-3 insect bites within a week can lead to the development of secondary infectious processes.

This disease affects all breeds of cats, regardless of gender. However, it should be noted that dermatitis is most often observed among animals older than 1 year. In young individuals, the disease is much less common, but in this case complications are possible, since the kitten's body cannot cope with the intoxication process, which can be fatal.

The incidence of dermatitis increases during the warm season. The symptoms of flea dermatitis in cats are often blurred, depending on many factors, including the presence in the body of a cat of chronic diseases, body weight and individual characteristics organism.

Diagnostics

Flea allergic dermatitis can be diagnosed with a visual examination by a professional doctor. When examining the skin, flea bites and delayed larvae are found, but very often the symptoms of flea dermatitis can be similar to other diseases, therefore, for a more accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to conduct a series of diagnostic examinations.

First of all, a laboratory blood test is carried out, since in this case the hematological picture of the blood changes sharply. Flea dermatitis, especially its advanced form, provokes erythropenia and leukopenia. These conditions are accompanied by severe exhaustion of the animal, and if appropriate treatment is not started, the animal may die.

Symptoms

Typical manifestations of flea dermatitis in cats and dogs are expressed by the following conditions:

• the appearance of excruciating itching, which makes the animal itch endlessly, injuring itself with teeth and claws (pictured);

• baldness in places of strong scratching (pictured);
• inappropriate behavior (the pet may be restless);
• in especially severe cases, there is vomiting, loss of appetite, digestive disorders;
• when scratching, the animal inflicts injuries on itself, which provokes the development of a bacterial infection, suppuration and long-term non-healing ulcers;
• characteristic signs of flea dermatitis are increased dryness of the skin, the appearance of seborrheic scales and small papules on the skin. It is important to note that the symptoms of dermatitis can spread throughout the cat or dog's body, leaving the lower legs and muzzle intact.

Flea bite intoxication can increase gradually, and in some cases, it develops rapidly. Especially often acute symptoms of the disease occur in animals with hypersensitivity of the skin, but such a reaction is quite rare.

Flea dermatitis treatment

It must be remembered that the treatment of flea dermatitis in animals is carried out only after a specialist examination, who develops an individual treatment program, taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal and the severity states. The owner should remember that with the development of hypersensitivity to flea saliva, a complete cure for dermatitis is impossible. In this case, it is necessary to directly treat the manifestation of flea dermatitis and fight parasites.

• For the destruction of insects, treatment with insecticidal preparations is carried out, which are most often produced in the form of drops applied to the withers of the animal (Bars, Barrier, Frontline, etc.);

• It is important to note that it is not recommended to treat allergic symptoms in animals using antihistamines, as they are not effective enough. In veterinary practice, glucocorticosteroid drugs (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, etc.) are most often used, which are highly effective. Hormonal agents eliminate the inflammatory process, relieve acute symptoms and suppress the immune response to the antigen;
• glucocorticosteroids can be used both externally and internally. The course of treatment is at least 7-10 days, then the dosage is gradually reduced;
• in addition, if there are indications, treatment with Kapstar, which belongs to insect control drugs, can be carried out. It is recommended to mix capstar into pet food or put it under the tongue. The action of the tablets begins after 30 minutes. The mechanism of action of the drug is aimed at the destruction of blood-sucking insects, which die as a result of the entry of a chemical into their blood with a bite. The therapy must be continued until the insects are completely destroyed.

For preventive purposes, animals are advised to wear flea collars. In addition, it is necessary to regularly sanitize the premises where the pet lives with the help of aerosol insecticides. Young puppies and kittens with blocks should be combed out every other day with a fine-toothed comb, after disinfecting the accessories.

In addition, it is recommended to observe the regime of keeping and feeding the animals. Large crowding leads to the rapid spread of the infectious process, and disturbances in the diet provokes an allergic reaction, which, with a combination of factors, can lead to the development of a flea dermatitis.