How can fleas be eliminated in a house if the dog has them? - briefly
Treat the dog with a veterinarian‑approved flea product and launder all bedding and fabrics in hot water. Then vacuum every carpet and upholstery thoroughly and apply an EPA‑registered indoor flea spray according to label directions.
How can fleas be eliminated in a house if the dog has them? - in detail
Treating a dog that carries fleas is the first step in eradicating the parasites from the residence. Administer a veterinarian‑approved adulticide such as a topical spot‑on product (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) or an oral tablet (e.g., nitenpyram, afoxolaner). Follow the label dosage and repeat the treatment according to the recommended interval, typically every month, to break the life cycle.
Simultaneously, address the indoor environment:
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstery. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use to prevent larvae from escaping.
- Wash bedding, blankets, and the dog’s toys in hot water (minimum 55 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all stages of the flea.
- Apply an environmental insecticide labeled for indoor use. Choose a product containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen to stop eggs from developing, combined with an adulticide like permethrin (avoid use on cats). Follow safety instructions precisely.
- Treat cracks, baseboards, and under‑furniture crevices with a spray or powder formulation that reaches hidden larvae and pupae.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery where possible; temperatures above 50 °C are lethal to all flea stages.
After the initial deep‑cleaning, maintain a preventive regimen:
- Keep the pet on a continuous monthly flea preventative.
- Vacuum high‑traffic zones twice weekly; empty the vacuum after each session.
- Launder pet bedding weekly in hot water.
- Inspect the dog weekly for adult fleas; use a fine‑toothed comb to detect early re‑infestation.
By combining immediate therapeutic action on the animal with thorough decontamination of the living space and ongoing preventive measures, the flea population can be eliminated and future outbreaks prevented.