How can I get rid of fleas on a dog and in the apartment? - briefly
Treat the dog with a vet‑approved topical or oral flea product, wash all bedding in hot water, and vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag afterward. Apply a licensed indoor flea spray or fogger, repeat cleaning and treatment after seven days, and keep up regular grooming and vacuuming to prevent recurrence.
How can I get rid of fleas on a dog and in the apartment? - in detail
Treat the dog first. Choose a veterinarian‑recommended product that matches the animal’s weight and health status. Options include oral tablets, spot‑on liquids, and prescription collars. Apply spot‑on treatments according to the label, usually between the shoulder blades, and repeat after the manufacturer’s interval (often 30 days). Oral tablets should be given with food at the same time each day; they kill emerging fleas before they bite. A flea‑comb with fine teeth removes adult insects; comb the coat daily for a week, discarding insects in soapy water.
Clean the living area simultaneously. Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to prevent re‑infestation. Apply a flea‑kill spray or fogger labeled for indoor use, following safety instructions: empty the home of people and pets, keep windows open for ventilation, and allow the product to settle for the recommended period before re‑entry.
Address hidden reservoirs. Treat pet‑frequented furniture by sprinkling food‑grade diatomaceous earth, leaving it for several hours, then vacuuming. Use a steam cleaner on carpeted floors and upholstery to penetrate cracks where flea eggs and larvae hide. Seal cracks in flooring and baseboards to reduce harborage sites.
Maintain prevention. Continue monthly preventative medication for the dog throughout the flea season. Repeat environmental treatment according to product guidance, typically every 2–4 weeks, until no fleas are observed for two consecutive cycles. Monitor the pet’s coat with a flea‑comb weekly to catch any resurgence early.
Key actions summarized:
- Veterinary‑approved medication for the dog (oral, spot‑on, collar).
- Daily combing with a fine‑toothed flea‑comb.
- Wash all bedding and fabrics in hot water; dry on high heat.
- Vacuum all floor surfaces and upholstery; discard debris immediately.
- Apply indoor flea spray or fogger, observe safety interval before re‑entry.
- Use food‑grade diatomaceous earth on furniture, then vacuum.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery.
- Seal floor cracks and baseboard gaps.
- Continue monthly preventive treatment for the pet.
- Inspect regularly with a flea‑comb for at least two months after eradication.