News & Updates  Flea Allergy Dermatitis  Pet Dental XrayFlea
allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the leading cause of itching in
pets. Adult fleas require a blood meal in order to reproduce,
where eggs are laid in the environment. However, they do not
usually remain on the dog and cat except when they are feeding.
When fleas feed, they inject a small amount of saliva into the
skin. Proteins in the saliva cause an intense itch response to
sensitive pets. In an allergic reaction, the immune system
overreacts and produces antibodies to a substance that it would
normally tolerate, starting the inflammatory reaction in the
skin.  Dogs and cats with flea allergy dermatitis do not have to
be infested with fleas to be itchy. In fact, a single flea bite
can trigger an inflammatory cycle resulting in itching for days.
Pets will lick, chew, or scratch the affected sites. This
results in hair loss typically extending from the middle of the
back to the tail and down the rear legs. The scratching and
licking can cause open sores a