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.
Holiday travel plans with your pets?
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A little preparation can go a long way toward making the trip more enjoyable for everyone, especially pets who may find changes in routine or unfamiliar places stressful.
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From keeping your pet comfortable on the road to making sure they have everything they need, we’re here to help you prepare for your next trip together.
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Visit us in-store or online to shop travel essentials for your cat or dog today! 🚚 🛍️ 🐈 🐕
#mudbay #holidaytravel #pets
What would the holidays be without a Fluff & Tuff toy for your dog under the 🎄tree?
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Fluff & Tuff’s holiday toys are here! Find a new playtime favorite with Franklin Raccoon, Bonnie the Bunny, or the festive Peppermint Bone.
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Looking for a gift that gives back? This year’s Charity Toy, Santa Sprite, does just that: Fluff & Tuff donates 100% of its profits from this toy to help dogs waiting for their forever homes.
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Shop Fluff & Tuff this holiday season in-store and online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #holidays
Keeping your cat active and mentally stimulated is important. That’s where the PAW PAW PAW POW 💥 Cat Enrichment Toy comes in! Featuring two bases with wand attachments, this toy lets two cats play at once, if they’re willing to share. 😉
It also includes three interchangeable toy attachments and catnip spray to encourage play and keep the fun going. Perfect for indoor enrichment during colder days or whenever your cat is ready to play.
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Find the PAW PAW PAW POW Cat Enrichment Toy in-store or online at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #cats #play
Pumpkin Spice for your Pup!
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Lord Jameson Pumpkin Spice Organic Dog treats are soft, chewy, and made with quintessentially fall flavors: organic pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger, plus organic oats and dates, all rolled in organic coconut for a treat your dog will love.
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Shop Lord Jameson in-store or online this fall 🍂 at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #pumpkinspice #dogs #fall #healthypets
The holidays are almost here, and we’re getting ready! 🛷 ❄️
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Our Distribution Center is abuzz with holiday preparations as Muddies get this season’s new arrivals and returning holiday favorites ready to ship to our stores starting this week. 🚚 🎄
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We can’t wait to welcome you and your pets into our stores and kick off the holiday season at Mud Bay! ⛄ 🎁
#mudbay #holidayseason #pets
🎉 FREE HALLOWEEN COOKIES FOR YOUR DOG! 🎃 👻 🐕
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That’s right! Starting this Friday, October 30th, your dog can enjoy a free Bosco & Roxy’s Halloween cookie with any in-store purchase of a dog product at Mud Bay! Choose from three fun cookies: Creepin’ It Real 🕷️ Witchful Thinking🧙or Bat to the Bone 🦇Pick your favorite and bring home a little Halloween treat!
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Available in-store only through November 8th, or while supplies last. Limit one free cookie per visit. No minimum purchase amount required!
#mudbay #trickortreat #BoscoAndRoxy #Halloween
Holiday Pet Advent Calendars are now available in-store at Mud Bay! Now is the perfect time to grab one for your cat or dog, or as a gift.
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We have fun options from Bosco & Roxy’s, Lazy Kitty, and Spunky Pup that will bring festive excitement throughout the Holiday season.
#mudbay #holidayfunforpets
Give your cat a taste of Halloween 🎃 with Shameless Pets Catnip Is My Boo! These crunchy, star-shaped treats combine chicken and catnip for a tasty seasonal treat.
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Made in the USA and free of corn, wheat, and soy, they’re also baked using renewable solar energy, and the bag is made with 88% post-consumer materials.
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Shop Shameless Pets Catnip is My Boo at Mud Bay in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🚚
#mudbay #cattreats #halloween
The Mud Bay Halloween Giveaway has now concluded!
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Thanks to everyone who entered to win.
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Winners have all been selected at this time. Have a Happy Halloween!🐕😻
🍂 Fall is here, and that means shorter days, but you can still keep your pup active and engaged at mealtime and light up those darker evening walks. Plus, there’s always room for a little fishy 🎣 treat to chew on before you snuggle up this cozy season.
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Join Milo as he shows you part of his daily routine. Shop some of Milo’s favorites seen here in-store and online at Mud Bay. And if you can’t make it in-store, we can deliver everything right to your door with Mud Bay Same-Day Delivery. 🛍️ 🚚 🐕
#mudbay #fall #healthypets
Join Archie on a spooky 👻 🛍️ shopping adventure as he finds some festive favorites just in time for Halloween.
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You can shop like Archie for your pup at Mud Bay, and if you can’t make it in-store, we will deliver all the Halloween fun right to your door with Mud Bay Same Day Delivery. 🚚 🐕
#mudbay #halloween
Wet Noses Soft Baked Pumpkin 🎃 Dog Treats are made with human-grade ingredients and produced in Monroe, Washington, right here in the PNW. Made with only 9 simple ingredients, including pumpkin, flaxseed, and peanuts, you can break them up for training as a tasty reward or use them daily just to show your pup some love.
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They are easy to digest and make a perfect fall treat to add to your pet pantry. 🛍️ 🚚 You can shop Wet Noses Soft Baked Dog Treats in-store or online today!
#mudbay #wetnoses #pnw #falldogtreats #healthypets
