What to treat a dog with flea infestations? - briefly
Effective control combines a veterinarian‑prescribed systemic insecticide (e.g., oral fluralaner or afoxolaner), a monthly topical product containing fipronil or imidacloprid, and thorough cleaning of the dog’s environment through vacuuming and laundering of bedding.
What to treat a dog with flea infestations? - in detail
Fleas cause irritation, anemia, and transmit diseases; prompt intervention prevents health deterioration.
Initial measures include a thorough bath with a flea‑killing shampoo, followed by a fine‑toothed comb to remove adult insects and eggs. All bedding, blankets, and grooming tools must be washed in hot water and dried at high temperature.
Pharmacological options fall into three categories:
- Topical spot‑on treatments containing «fipronil», «imidacloprid», or «selamectin», applied once monthly to the dorsal neck region.
- Oral systemic products with «nitenpyram», «afoxolaner», «fluralaner», or «sarolaner», administered according to label dosage every month or every three months.
- Insecticide‑impregnated collars releasing «imidacloprid» or «flumethrin», providing continuous protection for up to eight months.
Environmental control requires regular vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and floor seams; vacuum bags or canisters should be discarded immediately. Application of a residual insecticide spray or fogger containing «permethrin» or «deltamethrin» to cracks, baseboards, and pet habitats eliminates immature stages.
A follow‑up schedule mandates re‑treatment after 24 hours for adult‑killing products, then monthly maintenance for at least three consecutive applications. Egg and larval counts should be inspected weekly; persistence indicates need for intensified environmental measures.
Combining direct canine therapy with rigorous habitat sanitation achieves complete eradication and minimizes reinfestation risk.