How should the apartment be treated if the dog has fleas? - briefly
Clean all carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pet bedding with a high‑efficiency vacuum, then wash removable fabrics in hot water; apply an indoor‑safe flea spray or fogger according to label directions. Repeat vacuuming and treatment after a week to eliminate any newly hatched fleas.
How should the apartment be treated if the dog has fleas? - in detail
When a dog brings a flea infestation into the living space, immediate, systematic action is required to eradicate the parasites and prevent re‑infestation.
First, address the animal. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment—topical solution, oral medication, or a flea collar—according to the product’s dosage schedule. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously to eliminate cross‑contamination. Follow up with a thorough bath using a flea‑specific shampoo; rinse completely and dry the coat before returning the dog indoors.
Second, sanitize the environment. Perform the following steps in each room where the dog spends time:
- Remove all bedding, blankets, and washable fabrics; wash them in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor crevices. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside the home.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray or fogger labeled for indoor flea control, targeting baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, ensuring proper ventilation.
- Treat non‑washable items (e.g., pet toys, cushions) with a flea‑killing aerosol or dip them in a diluted insecticide solution, then allow to dry completely.
Third, maintain preventive measures. Implement a routine that includes:
- Weekly vacuuming of all floor surfaces and upholstery.
- Monthly laundering of pet bedding and household linens in hot water.
- Regular application of preventive flea products on the dog, as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Inspection of the pet and surroundings for signs of fleas—examine the fur, especially around the neck and tail base, and check for tiny dark specks (flea dirt) on fabrics.
Finally, monitor progress. After two weeks, repeat the vacuuming and laundering cycle, and re‑apply the insecticide if any flea activity persists. Continue this regimen for at least four weeks, as flea life cycles can extend up to three weeks, ensuring that emerging adults are eliminated before they reproduce.
By executing these coordinated actions—treating the dog, decontaminating the residence, and establishing ongoing prevention—the flea population will be suppressed, and the apartment will return to a pest‑free condition.