Instructions
Treat every pet in your home for fleas. Fleas easily spread from one pet to another. So it's safe to assume that if one of your animals has fleas, they all do. Use a flea treatment that kills both adult fleas and the larvae to prevent an infestation from reoccurring. Treatment products include active ingredients such as IGR pyriproxyfen, bendiocarb, diazinon and malathion. Follow the directions on the flea treatment closely; otherwise, you could harm your pet. Never use a dog flea product on cats and vice versa. Also, do not use products on sick, young or old pets without first talking to your veterinarian. You can choose to give your pet a bath before applying the treatment. Use a flea-killer shampoo to help remove as many fleas as possible.
Treat your home for fleas. This is important because flea larvae can fall off your pet and hatch on couches, floor and bedding. Wash, or replace, any bedding that your canine uses, as well as your own bedding and other material in which fleas can hide, including curtains. Using a spray designed for killing fleas on household items, spray your carpets, your couches and anywhere else your dog may spend time and sleep. You may also need to treat your yard, because this may have been the place your pet picked up fleas in the first place. There are pest sprays available for your yard that kill fleas. Also, treat patios, porches, sidewalks, garage floors and shaded areas.
Vacuum your house thoroughly. After spraying your house for fleas, vacuuming is a good way to eliminate remaining fleas as well as to pick up dead fleas. You may also choose to mop and dust to help rid your house of fleas. Clean under cushions, curtains and furniture. Empty the vacuum bag when done to avoid fleas getting out and back into your house.
Continue to treat your dog regularly with flea treatments. These come in the form of pills or sprays that can be applied to your canine on a weekly or monthly basis and will help repel fleas. By regularly treating your dog, you avoid future infestations.
How to Treat Flea Infestations in Canines
Flea infestations in canines are difficult and annoying to treat, especially when the infestation is in its advanced stages. Female fleas can lay more than 20 eggs a day, making it important to catch the infestation in its early stages. When your canine starts showing signs of fleas, such as excessively scratching, it is important to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately and begin treatment. Veterinarians can offer multiple treatments plans, such as stronger insecticides, and can offer advice about current products for treating your pet and house.