Fleas on a dog: how to treat the house? - briefly
Treat the pet with a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea product, then immediately wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water. Follow by vacuuming carpets and upholstery, discarding the vacuum bag, and applying an EPA‑registered flea spray or fogger to cracks, baseboards, and other hiding places.
Fleas on a dog: how to treat the house? - in detail
A canine flea infestation requires simultaneous action on the animal and the living environment. Treating the pet first prevents further egg deposition, while thorough home decontamination removes existing stages and blocks the life cycle.
Begin with the dog. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide that kills fleas within hours. Follow the product’s dosing schedule for at least four weeks, because emerging pupae will hatch and need to be eliminated. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb daily for two weeks; each combed flea should be disposed of in soapy water. Bathe the animal with a flea‑specific shampoo, allowing the lather to remain on the coat for the recommended contact time before rinsing.
Proceed to the indoor environment. The flea life cycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult; all stages can reside in carpets, bedding, and upholstery. Implement the following steps:
- Vacuum every floor surface, rug, and upholstered furniture – focus on pet resting areas. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Wash all removable fabrics – dog beds, blankets, pillowcases, and curtains – in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply an environmental insecticide – choose a product labeled for indoor flea control, containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin) and a growth regulator (e.g., methoprene). Spray according to label directions, covering cracks, baseboards, and under furniture.
- Treat carpet and floor seams – use a granular flea powder or a fogger that penetrates deep fibers. After application, leave the area undisturbed for the recommended exposure period, then vacuum again.
- Maintain a weekly vacuum schedule for at least six weeks, focusing on high‑traffic zones, to capture newly emerged adults before they can re‑infest.
Monitor progress by inspecting the dog’s coat and the home’s surfaces weekly. A decrease in visible fleas and the absence of flea dirt (black specks) indicate effective control. If infestation persists after the full treatment cycle, consult a veterinarian for alternative medications or a professional pest‑management service.