My dog has fleas, how can I clean the apartment? - briefly
First, vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag, then wash all bedding, blankets, and pet items in hot water (≥130 °F) and apply an EPA‑approved flea spray to surfaces. Finally, treat the dog with a veterinarian‑recommended flea control product and repeat the cleaning after a week to remove any emerging fleas.
My dog has fleas, how can I clean the apartment? - in detail
When a pet is carrying fleas, the living space must be treated systematically to eliminate the insects and prevent re‑infestation.
First, address the animal. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment—topical, oral, or collar—and bathe the dog with a flea‑killing shampoo. Follow the product’s schedule to ensure all life stages are killed.
Next, remove and launder all fabrics that the dog contacts. Wash bedding, blankets, cushion covers, and any washable rugs in hot water (minimum 55 °C) and dry on high heat. For items that cannot be machine‑washed, place them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours; fleas cannot survive without a host for that period.
Vacuum every carpeted area, floor mat, and upholstered surface thoroughly. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture eggs and larvae. After each pass, empty the canister or bag into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home. Pay special attention to corners, under furniture, and pet‑specific zones such as the dog’s sleeping area.
Apply an environmental flea control product to all hard floors, baseboards, and cracks. Choose a spray or fogger labeled for indoor use, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions. Keep pets and people out of treated rooms until the product dries, usually a few hours.
Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery where possible. The high temperature kills both adult fleas and immature stages embedded in fibers. If a steam cleaner is unavailable, consider renting one from a hardware store.
Finally, maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Vacuum daily for the first two weeks, then twice weekly thereafter. Continue washing pet bedding weekly and repeat environmental treatments according to label recommendations, typically every 30 days, until flea counts remain zero. Monitoring the dog’s skin and coat will confirm the effectiveness of the combined approach.