Fleas can jump from a pet to a human and hide in every crack and crevice of a home. Your campaign to get rid of fleas should start early, before your dog starts scratching, if at all possible. Being a responsible pet owner means getting rid of stubborn fleas.
Instructions
Brush and comb your dog frequently for good flea control. Look for flea combs at your local pet store. Take your dog outside onto a porch or other non-grassy area and brush or comb his coat. Your dog will love the attention. Take the opportunity to inspect your dog for fleas, ticks and skin problems.
Vacuum your carpets frequently to get rid of fleas. Also vacuum your baseboards and furniture, including mattresses if your dog sleeps on the bed. Take the vacuum bag outside to discard it when you are finished. Use a steam cleaner if you have an extremely stubborn infestation of fleas.
Wash your dog's bedding and any dog clothing. Wash in the hottest water safe for the materials and dry them thoroughly. If your dog plays with stuffed toys, put them in the dryer on the highest setting for 20 minutes to get rid of stubborn fleas. You can also seal the stuffed toys in a trash bag for two weeks.
Treat your yard with a flea control pesticide. Visit your local gardening store or hardware store to find these products. Follow the directions carefully for the most effective application and to protect your plants. Plan on keeping your pets and small children off your lawn for a period of time after treatment. Keeping your yard raked and tidy also assists in flea control.
See a veterinarian. For truly stubborn fleas, you may need to treat your dog with a pesticide product. Using the proper treatment and applying it properly is critical to your dog's health. Applying the pesticide treatment is usually as simple as dabbing it onto a spot around your pet's neck. Other options may be oral medications or injections to control fleas in your pet. Your veterinarian can give you specific guidance on which treatment will best serve your dog's health and well-being.