A dog has fleas, how to treat the apartment and the dog? - briefly
Treat the dog with a veterinarian‑approved flea product—topical spot‑on, oral tablet, or flea collar—and bathe it using a flea‑killing shampoo. Afterwards, vacuum all carpets, upholstery, and crevices, then apply an environmental insecticide spray or fogger as directed to eliminate lingering eggs and larvae.
A dog has fleas, how to treat the apartment and the dog? - in detail
Fleas on a canine require simultaneous action on the animal and the living space.
First, treat the dog directly.
- Veterinary medication – apply a veterinarian‑approved topical product (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) according to label instructions; repeat after 30 days to interrupt the life cycle.
- Oral tablets – give a single dose of a systemic insecticide (e.g., nitenpyram, afoxolaner) that kills adult fleas within hours; follow up with a monthly preventive.
- Bathing – use a flea‑shampoo containing pyrethrins; rinse thoroughly and dry the coat.
- Comb – run a fine‑toothed flea comb over the entire body, especially the neck, tail base, and belly; dispose of captured insects in soapy water.
- Environmental safety – keep the dog’s bedding, collars, and toys separate from untreated items; wash all washable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Second, eradicate the infestation from the residence.
- Vacuum – vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floor cracks daily for two weeks; immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot, soapy water.
- Steam cleaning – apply steam to upholstered furniture and carpets; temperatures above 50 °C kill all life stages.
- Insecticide treatment – spray a residual flea spray or fogger labeled for indoor use, focusing on baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas; follow manufacturer safety guidelines.
- Wash – launder all bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water; dry on high heat.
- Seal gaps – close cracks in flooring and walls to prevent flea larvae from hiding.
Third, maintain long‑term control.
- Monthly preventatives – continue using a veterinary‑approved monthly product on the dog to stop new infestations.
- Regular cleaning – vacuum weekly, wash bedding monthly, and inspect the animal weekly with a flea comb.
- Monitor – keep a log of treatment dates, product names, and any observed flea activity to adjust the protocol promptly.
By executing these steps methodically, both the pet and the dwelling become free of fleas, and the risk of re‑infestation is minimized.