Getting (and Keeping) the Upper Hand on FAD
Healthy Dogs | September 20, 2022
For more information about cats and fleas, click here.
For more information about dogs and fleas, click here.
Anyone who has pets knows what a scourge fleas can be—they’re easy to get, hard to eliminate once entrenched and can make life miserable for afflicted animals and their owners. Today, we’re going to focus in on one particularly pernicious side-effect of flea bites: Flea Dermatitis.
Flea allergy dermatitis (or flea dermatitis or FAD) is a disease which causes a hypersensitive reaction in a host animal after being bitten by a flea. A protein in the flea’s saliva that is injected during the bite is what actually causes flea allergy dermatitis. An animal (or person) who has become sensitized can experience symptoms all over their body—even parts that have had no contact with fleas—after just one bite. This sensitivity can also remain for weeks, long after the original flea contact has passed, and become instantly active again following another exposure.
Symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis include redness, swelling and itching, both at the site of the bite as well as all over the skin, sometimes with a distinct focus along the back and at the base of the tail. A pet’s scratching and chewing because of itchiness may lead to hair loss, skin abrasions, scabbing, and hot spots.
The key to beating flea allergy dermatitis is as simple sounding as eliminating any contact with fleas. In reality, that can be a complex issue. Two ways to consider a plan are: first, protecting the animal from fleas that may be encountered outside; and secondly, making your home a “safe zone” from any type of flea presence.
Personal Protection for Your Pet
For pets who go outdoors—especially in warmer months—some type of flea prevention or repellent may be a necessary step. Mud Bay offers several options of topical preventatives and repellents, consisting of natural products as well as those containing chemical pesticides. When considering what solution would work best for you and your pet, it is ideal to consult with your vet, as different animals have different needs. As a general rule, natural remedies will need to be reapplied with greater frequency, which could be a consideration, especially when camping, hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities.
A very important thing to keep in mind is making certain that whatever treatment solution you select is appropriate for your dog or cat. There are some treatments for dogs that are extremely toxic to cats, so make sure you read the label carefully to be certain what you are using is safe for your animal.
Creating a Safe Zone in Your Home
With flea allergy dermatitis, even one flea bite can trigger a lingering response, so the ultimate goal is zero opportunities for your pet to have any flea contact. Making your home a “Safe Zone” from fleas is paramount in protecting your pet.
Start with brushing and grooming your pet, and checking for any fleas or flea dirt (or “frass”). Frass is the small red or black specks that look like pepper flakes or dark dandruff. If you see either frass or fleas, then you know that you still have work to do to eliminate the flea problem. It is important to continue regular grooming until your dog or cat is completely free from these signs of fleas.
Then, it’s time to look around the house and see where your pet likes to hang out. Beds (human and otherwise), couches, favorite chairs and those special places where your pet likes to jump up or lay down are all candidates for flea activity. First, wash any fabrics or linens and vacuum areas clean. Then, apply a flea repellent of your choice.
Because fleas have several life stages—eggs, larvae, adults—you will need to be vigilant, especially if they have established a foothold in your house. Failing to eliminate all of the flea life stages and break the cycle will mean that the fleas will reappear. Groom, clean, apply repellent and repeat. It may take several weeks or even months before the flea issue is completely resolved.
A vitally important thing to consider is if you have a multi-pet home that whatever treatment type you select is safe and appropriate for all of your animals. We discussed before how some dog treatments can be toxic to cats, and, similarly, some pets may have different conditions that make a treatment that works well for one animal inappropriate for another resident.
With a little forethought, effort and patience, you can help your pet avoid the scourge of flea allergy dermatitis —and keep your home flea-free. As always, it is important to work with your veterinarian, both consulting on what products to use in your home and on your pet, and also if your pet is showing any signs of distress from flea bites or flea allergy dermatitis.
It’s never a bad time to chill. 🧘♀️ 🐾
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Swell`s My Chill Time Premium Dog Gelato is made with functional ingredients like chamomile and passion flower tea, which help your pup stay cool, calm, and collected when summer activities makes thier day-to-day a little more stressful. Plus, it includes blackberries, 🥥 coconut milk, ginger, beets, and 🍯 🐝 honey, which are great for digestion and antioxidant support.
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Swell Premium Dog Gelato is not only a tasty treat on a hot summer day, but it also helps keep your pup living their best life and staying CHILL. Shop My Chill Time from Swell in-store or online at Mud Bay this summer. 🌞
#mudbay #swelldoggelato #swell #dogs #chill
Adventure-ready and made for the water, the Ruffwear Float Coat helps keep your dog comfortable during every swim.
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The Float Coat offers a secure, telescoping neck closure that adjusts to fit a variety of dog sizes, while the lightweight foam panels support natural movement and buoyancy in the water, keeping them comfortable and safe.
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Plus, it offers a super handy, low-profile handle that makes it easy to lift your pup out of the water, and reflective accents that add extra visibility for long days at the lake, beach, or river.
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Bring your pup in-store or shop with us online for the Ruffwear Float coat today!
#mudbay #summer #adventures #ruffwear #doglife
🌞 🎆 🎉 Summer brings celebrations, late nights, travel and events that can leave your pets feeling uneasy.
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Mud Bay is here to help, offering products that bring calm and comfort to your cat or dog when things get noisy.
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We carry calming collars, tinctures, treats, and pheromones to help your pets handle everything summer brings—Shop Mud Bay in-store or online to find the right calmatives for your pets.
#mudbay #summer #keepcalm #healthypets #calming
Fluff & Tuff`s #IGIVEAFLUFF is Coming Soon!
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Starting June 8th, National Best Friends Day, our friends at Fluff & Tuff are once again kicking off #IGiveAFluff to help put toys in the paws of shelter and rescue dogs who need them most.
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And we want you to be a part of it, and it couldn`t be easier to participate!
Here`s how it works:
📸 Snap a photo of your dog with their favorite Fluff & Tuff toy.
📱 Share it on social media using #IGiveAFluff.
🐾 Fluff & Tuff donates a toy to a shelter or rescue dog.
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Since 2015, with the support of pet parents like you and the generosity of Fluff & Tuff, over 22,000 toys have been donated to shelters and rescue dogs. Want to participate, but you need a Fluff & Tuff toy? Take a tip from Frank and stop by your local Mud Bay or visit us online. Click the link in our bio to learn more about #IGIVEAFLUFF
Canagan canned cat food is grain-free and made with your cat in mind, using high-quality protein from chicken, salmon, tuna, and more.
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It’s inspired by what cats are naturally built to eat, with a focus on animal protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
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It’s also an easy way to add moisture to your cat’s routine—something many cats don’t get enough of—which can help support your feline friend with kidney and urinary-tract health.
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🛍️ Shop Canagan Complete Cat Food in-store or online at Mud Bay.
Summer is coming, so be like Goose 🐕 and stay cool 😎 ❄️ on every outing with the Swamp Cooler Harness from Ruffwear.
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Whether she’s out on a trail or enjoying a long walk or run, this harness is built for warm-weather adventures, offering cooling comfort and secure control in one breathable design.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #adventures #pnw #dog #summeriscoming
Mud Bay Memorial Day Hours ⏰
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Today, Monday, May 25, all Mud Bay locations will be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Delivery orders placed after 2 pm on Sunday will arrive on Tuesday. Store pickup and Instacart will still be available. 🐈 🐕 🚚
#mudbay #holidayhours #healthypets #mudbaydelivery #pets
🐾🌷The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Collection
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Meet Harley, out in the tulip fields and ready for her next outing in the Front Range Flex Harness, Collar, and Leash.
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Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood or your next PNW adventure, this collection is designed for everyday use and changing conditions:
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Lightweight and built to handle wet conditions
Easy to clean, just hand-wash and air-dry
Made with durable materials for every outing
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Harley picked her look… now it’s your turn.
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The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Collection is now available at Mud Bay. Shop in-store or online today!
#mudbay #ruffwear #adventure #dogwalk #pnwdogs
This cheese-flavored 🧀 💊 pill wrap helps make giving medicine easier for both dogs and cats. 🐕 🐈 Simply tear, wrap, and serve. It’s quick and mess-free.
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The soft texture can be torn to fit any pill, and the cheese flavor makes each dose easier to give. Now with pumpkin, and always free from grain, gluten, and soy.
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Stashio’s is a woman-owned company from Minnesota that creates simple solutions for daily pet care.
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You can find Stashio’s wrap-ups at Mud Bay, both in-store and online.
#mudbay #stashios #wrapup #healthypets #pnwpets
Let your dog relax 💆 and unwind with a Puptail.
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After a walk, run, hike, or just because, this brunch-inspired Puptail is a fun way to help your pup slow down and take it easy. It’s easy to make and flexible, so you can mix and match to make it your own.
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Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Green Juju Golden Blend
- 1 tbsp blueberries
- 1 tbsp banana slices
- 1/2 cup Primal Raw Goat’s Milk Cranberry Blast
- Swell Dog Gelato Banana and Peanut Butter (for topping)
- Wagster Banana and Toasted Coconut Biscuits
- Green Juju Freeze Dried Vitality Blend
- Furvor Concentrated Beef Bone Broth (for ice cubes)
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Optional Extras 🐕 🐶
Blueberry and bone broth ice cubes
Wag and Bright Supply Co. Spirulina and Beef Collagen dog chew
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Directions
1. Add Green Juju Golden Blend as your base
2. Layer in blueberries and banana slices
3. Pour in goat’s milk between layers
4. Repeat layers as desired, then freeze or serve as is
5. Top with gelato, biscuits, and freeze-dried blend
6. Add ice cubes and extras for a cool finish
#mudbay #treatyoself #pup #summeriscoming #puptail
Furvor bone broth is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is up to 30 times more concentrated than regular broths. It provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and important nutrients to help your dog’s gut, joints, skin, coat, and overall health.
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The 20 oz bottle provides more than 20 servings, making it an easy way to add beneficial nutrition to your dog’s daily routine at home.
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If you’re out and about, Furvor’s single-serve pouches will help keep your dog hydrated, with a pep in their step wherever you go. They’re great for summer, hikes, walks, or days by the water.
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Just tear open, squeeze, and serve. You can mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or give it on its own. You can buy them one at a time or in a pack of six.
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Shop Furvor Bone Broth in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🐾
#mudbay #furvor #healthypets #pnwpets #bonebroth
Capstar Oral Flea & Tick Treatment
🐾When fleas show up, it helps to act quickly. Capstar is an easy-to-use oral treatment that starts working in about 30 minutes and can kill most fleas within the first few hours. It’s a simple way to bring fast relief and can be used alongside your dog’s regular flea and tick routine.
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Vetality Flea & Tick Monthly Topical Treatment
🐾 For ongoing protection, Vetality Avantect offers vet-quality coverage at a great value.
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These broad-spectrum topicals kill and repel fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes, while also targeting all stages of the flea life cycle. It also helps repel biting flies and kill lice. Available in four weight ranges and a four-month supply for continued protection.
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🛍️ Shop in-store or online today.
#mudbay #fleaandtickseason #healthypets #dogs #fleafree
