Fleas on a dog, what to do? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea control product—topical, oral, or collar—and simultaneously wash the dog’s bedding and vacuum the home to eliminate eggs and larvae. Repeat treatment according to the product’s schedule and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Fleas on a dog, what to do? - in detail
A flea infestation on a canine requires prompt identification and systematic treatment. Begin by confirming the presence of adult fleas, larvae, or eggs. Adult fleas are visible as small, dark moving specks on the skin or coat, while larvae and eggs appear as white, oval particles in bedding or carpet.
Immediate actions
- Use a fine‑toothed flea comb on a dampened coat; collect and destroy each flea.
- Bathe the animal with a veterinary‑approved flea shampoo; follow the label’s contact time.
- Apply a fast‑acting topical adulticide to the skin, ensuring coverage from the neck to the tail base.
Medical options
- Oral systemic products (e.g., nitenpyram, spinosad) provide rapid kill of adult fleas within hours.
- Topical spot‑on treatments (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) offer both adulticide and larvicidal activity for several weeks.
- Prescription injectable formulations (e.g., selamectin) deliver multi‑month protection and address other parasites.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks daily; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray or fogger to indoor areas, focusing on pet resting spots, baseboards, and under furniture.
- Treat the yard with a labeled outdoor flea control product, targeting shaded and humid zones where larvae develop.
Preventive measures
- Maintain a regular schedule of a long‑acting flea preventative, administered monthly or as directed by a veterinarian.
- Inspect the coat weekly, especially after outdoor activity, and use a flea comb as a monitoring tool.
- Keep the home’s humidity below 50 % when possible; flea development slows in drier conditions.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the animal and living environment after two weeks; repeat treatment if any fleas are detected.
- Continue preventive administration for at least three months to break the flea life cycle, which spans approximately 2–3 weeks from egg to adult.
Adhering to this structured approach eliminates current infestation, reduces re‑infestation risk, and safeguards the dog’s health.