Instructions
Before doing anything, tell your veterinarian about your pet's flea problem. Give the vet information about your pet's age and physical condition. Let him know if your pet is pregnant or nursing, if your pet is a puppy or a kitten, or if you suspect your pet will have a negative reaction to chemicals in flea killing products. Flea killing products contain toxic pesticides. After giving your veterinarian all the information he needs, take his advice on the best way to kill the fleas on your pet and in your home.
Use a pesticide recommended by your vet, only if necessary. Pay close attention to the instructions on the label, and pay particular attention to warnings that restrict use of the product on pets with certain health conditions and sensitivities to ingredients in the product. Avoid using pesticides on puppies and kittens, unless otherwise indicated. After applying the product to your pet, keep a vigilant eye for any negative reactions. If a negative reaction is experienced, quickly remove the product from your pet's coat by washing your pet with non-irritating soap and plenty of water. Save the box or container the product came in just in case your pet experiences an adverse reaction so you can refer to the instructions on how to remedy the problem.
Treat the inside of your home as well as your pet to kill fleas. Wash blankets and other washable cloth items your pet lies on in hot water to get rid of flea eggs, fecal matter, larvae and pupae. Fecal matter is what growing larvae feed on. Thoroughly vacuum all areas of the house your pet likes to stay in. Make sure you vacuum the cracks between the floorboards and underneath the baseboards. Also vacuum all the rugs in your home, as well as upholstered furniture. For a more thorough approach, steam clean your rugs. Remove fleas, flea waste and dried blood from your pet using a metal comb designed for flea removal and put the fleas in hot sudsy water to exterminate them.
Use an outdoor pesticide to kill fleas where pets play and spend time outside the home. Areas likely to be infested include the backyard and the doghouse. Pesticides in spray cans give the best coverage, but make sure you follow the directions on the product label for best results. Cover all areas, including areas where plants and bushes grow. Make sure the product permeates growing plants and the topsoil.
Best Way to Kill Fleas
Fleas are tiny bugs that feed off of the blood of dogs and cats, but given the opportunity, fleas will also ingest human blood. Once fleas infest your pet, they make their way into your home if you let your pet indoors, and they breed where your pet sleeps, in your pet's kitty litter box and in areas where you keep your pet's food dishes. Fleas are annoying pests that can cause health problems for you, as well as your pet. The best way to kill fleas involves a combination of methods.