The Best Fast Way to Kill Fleas on Pets

When your pet has fleas, you want to kill the fleas quickly. Fleas can transmit diseases and sometimes carry parasites such as tapeworms. There are many ways to eliminate fleas on pets quickly, but you will also need to treat the animal's environment. It doesn't do any good to only treat the pet, because they quickly become re-infested with fleas. If you treat your pet with a longer-lasting flea deterrent, the fleas may start biting the humans in the household instead.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb
  • Bowl
  • Soapy water
  • Flea shampoo
  • Flea spray
  • Oral flea medication
  • Topical flea medication
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb your pet's fur with a flea comb. This is the least toxic fast method for killing fleas. The teeth of a flea comb are too close together for fleas to squeeze through, so they get caught in the teeth. Dip the flea comb into soapy water to kill the fleas. The soap breaks the surface tension of the water, so the fleas can't float. They sink into the water and drown.

    • 2

      Wash your pet using flea shampoo. Flea shampoos kill fleas on contact using insecticides such as pyrethroids. Bathing cats can be difficult, so unless your cat is used to being bathed, it's best to use a spray instead.

    • 3

      Spray your pet with flea spray. Sprays also contain insecticides, but are more convenient than shampooing. Again, be sure and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.

    • 4

      Give the pet an oral flea treatment using a product containing nitenpyram. Nitenpyram kills fleas within four hours, but needs to be given daily.

    • 5

      Apply topical insecticide to the pet. These come in the form of a liquid that is generally applied to the back of the animal's neck. They are absorbed through the animal's skin, and will kill fleas within 24 hours of application. They also last up to one month.