What should be done for a dog to get rid of fleas? - briefly
Use a vet‑prescribed flea treatment on the dog and wash all bedding in hot water. Then thoroughly clean the environment—vacuum carpets, mop floors, and apply a flea‑killing spray to cracks and furniture.
What should be done for a dog to get rid of fleas? - in detail
Fleas on a canine require a coordinated approach that combines immediate therapeutic action, environmental sanitation, and ongoing prevention.
The first priority is to eliminate the parasites already on the animal. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide according to the product label; these agents kill mature fleas within hours. Follow with a prescription‑strength shampoo to remove insects and eggs from the coat, ensuring thorough rinsing. After treatment, repeat the adulticide at the interval recommended by the manufacturer—typically every 30 days—to interrupt the life cycle.
Environmental control prevents reinfestation. Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks in flooring daily; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Apply a residual insecticide spray or fogger to the home, focusing on pet‑frequent areas, and allow the product to act for the prescribed duration before re‑entry.
Preventive measures maintain a flea‑free status. Use a monthly chewable tablet, spot‑on treatment, or a long‑acting collar that releases insecticide continuously. Rotate products annually under veterinary guidance to avoid resistance. Keep the dog’s environment clean, limit outdoor exposure to known flea habitats, and conduct regular visual inspections of the coat, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
Summary of actions
- Apply veterinarian‑approved adulticide (topical/oral) immediately.
- Bathe with prescription shampoo; repeat adulticide as directed.
- Launder bedding, vacuum, and treat the home with residual insecticide.
- Implement a year‑round preventive regimen (chewable, spot‑on, or collar).
- Perform routine coat checks and maintain environmental hygiene.
Consistent execution of these steps eradicates existing fleas, disrupts their development, and reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks.