What treats cat flea allergy dermatitis itching and skin sores?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Justin Plunk, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 13th, 2017

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing your cat, it is difficult to say if additional treatment is needed in order to clear up an infection that may be present. A skin infection can occur secondary to flea bites because dogs and cats will lick, scratch, and bite at their skin enough to cause sores known as excoriations. Additionally, the fleas, even when under control, can leave an itching sensation for a few days. Unfortunately, there isn't an over-the-counter recommendation to be made here, so if you notice any sores or continued itching, I would recommend having him seen by a veterinarian for assessment and treatment(s) that may be indicated. Also, there may be another issue going on if the fleas have been eradicated from his environment for a while. If you haven't done so, vacuuming carpets, couches, and bedding where he spends his time is important as the fleas we are able to see are but 5% of what is in the environment, and you could have a bunch of flea eggs, pupae, and larvae waiting to hatch, become adults, and continue their reproductive cycle. Hope this helps!

  

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on August 12th, 2019

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are medications such as Apoquel or prednisone which may help with the itch. 

 There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. 

Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). 

If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests.

 Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

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  Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 30th, 2017

  Poor Callie! It only takes one flea bite to cause an allergic reaction in an animal that has allergies to fleas. She also could have a secondary bacterial skin infection and may need an antibiotic to treat. Have her examined by a vet to see if an antibiotic would help. A short course of a corticosteroid may also help with the itching and make her a lot more comfortable and your vet can prescribe.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful