Table of Contents
Fleas?
What is a flea allergy?
What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
How to treat Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD):
How to prevent fleas:
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More than a quarter of a million dogs are allergic to fleas
- By Sarah
-
- October 28, 2025
- 2 MIN READ
Do fleas cause your pooch more hassle than just a bit of itching and scratching? Well if so, it’s a high chance they are having an allergic reaction. According to ESCCAP, (European Scientific Counsel Companion Parasites) just over 265,000 dogs are allergic to fleas*. Don’t panic though, we have all the information you need to gear up and fight those fleas, just keep reading!
Fleas?
Before you dive into the flea world, if you need a crash course on fleas, knowing how to spot them and key signs of an infestation - check out our guide here and then come back to read all the juicy info below.
What is a flea allergy?
As flea bites can cause discomfort to all animals, it’s probably best we get to the nitty gritty of what it means to be allergic to fleas. If your dog is just scratching after being bit and rolling around to get rid of the fleas - it is likely they are not allergic. However, if your pet has signs of alopecia, broken hairs, papules or excessive biting, licking and scratching the skin then they could be allergic to fleas. This allergic reaction is called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
What is Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
Flea Allergy Dermatitis is your pet’s immune system overreacting to the flea saliva (from the flea bite) and causing intense scratching. FAD is common in both dogs and cats but their symptoms can show up in different ways. Dogs with FAD tend to scratch, bite and lick their backs, tails, and legs. This can result in redness and inflammation in these areas, with possibly patches of hair loss. Cats with FAD scratch their upper body, at their ears, head, neck, and back. This tends to lead to deep wounds in their skin, especially behind the ears. Symptoms often last around 2 weeks, if you suspect your pet is suffering, contact a vet.
How to treat Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD):
If your pet is showing signs of FAD, book an appointment with your vet. They can prescribe your pooch anti-inflammatory medication to treat the problem straight away. With this, your vet might also recommend a natural and safe shampoo that helps reduce infection from any scratching and open wounds.
The best way to treat FAD proactively, is to prevent those pesky fleas from biting your dog in the first place. Spot on treatments that you apply routinely can allow complete and strict flea control by preventing fleas from attacking your pet regularly. The Itch Flea treatment for Dogs kills adult fleas within 24 hours and halts all other flea life stages in their tracks (plus it also kills ticks and lice). Through the Itch subscription service, your dog can receive monthly flea treatment through the post to ensure FAD never flares up!
How to prevent fleas:
We got you if you need to treat fleas on your pet, but wouldn't it be nice to say NO to having fleas in the first place? Here's our tips on how to prevent fleas:
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Use preventative treatments
Spot on treatments or oral medication can prevent fleas from jumping on your pets whatever the weather.
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Regular grooming
Brushing your dog at least once a week helps to keep your them clean and healthy but also gives you chance to spot any fleas early on.
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Cleaning
Wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and any fabric items they use in water at least 60°C to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
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Limited exposure to infested areas
If you let your dog anywhere that fleas may be present, such as a garage or basement, consider limiting their access or regularly treating these areas for fleas with a repellent spray like the Itch Flea House Spray for Homes.
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Monitor outdoor activity
When you take your pooch on a walk, be vigilant about where they roam. Try to avoid areas with known flea infestations, and always check your pet for fleas after you’ve been outside!
Where we got the facts from:
* ESCCAP, 2016, www.esccap.org
Tailored flea treatment for all dogs.
Whether it’s your Labrador, Cockapoo, Terrier, Spaniel, Collie, Golden Retriever, or any other breed, Itch Flea Treatment is suitable and tailored for all dogs.
Itch Flea kills all adult fleas on your dog in 24 hours and halts all other life stages. Delivered for free, every month, exactly when you need it.
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Flea
Treatment
How to get rid of fleas
Fleas – those pesky little insects that can turn our furry companions' lives (and ours) upside down. If you've ever experienced a flea infestation, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. These tiny creatures are not only a nuisance but can also pose health risks to both pets and humans. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of fleas, from understanding their origins to effective methods for getting rid of them. So, if you're tired of the itching, scratching, and constant battle against the blighters, read on to discover how to reclaim your home and your pet's comfort.
Flea
General
How to break the flea life cycle?
Fleas can turn into a massive headache for us, pet owners. Understanding the flea life cycle is crucial to effectively fighting off infestations and keeping your pets as well as your home flea-free. Scroll to see the flea life cycle, all four stages - egg, larvae, pupae and adult - and explore how you can break it to eliminate the pests.
Flea
General
When is peak flea season?
Peak flea season is from May to September in the UK. As the weather warms up, flea numbers go up. During the summer it is the most important time of the year to use flea treatment on pets. Preventative flea treatment means no flea bites on your pet and stops infestations in your home.
Despite peak flea season, fleas can still be problem in the colder months. This is because flea eggs withstand the cold a lot better. So fleas that lay eggs in late summer, tend to cause a flea infestation in homes during the winter. There is one way to tackle fleas effectively and safely. Keep reading to find out how to kill 100% of fleas and get rid of fleas throughout the summer!