Fleas are among the most common parasitic infestations seen in cats and dogs, and they’re also among the most difficult to control. Many pet owners find that over-the-counter and even prescription parasite treatments fail to rid the pet of fleas and most cat and dog owners are left wondering why.
“Fleas and their eggs are not just present on your pet,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM. He added, “Fleas and their eggs are present in your pet’s bedding, in the carpet, the furniture, outside the home and in your yard. So while a flea shampoo or spray may eliminate fleas in your cat or dog for a day or two, it’s just a matter of time before they’re re-infested.”
The key to eliminating fleas involves treating not just your pet, but also the environment surrounding your pet to prevent a repeat infestation.
Pet owners may not realize that fleas are present year round in many locations – they’re not just a seasonal problem in many warmer climates, and fleas can live year-round inside the home too.
“Fleas are small in size, so they’re profoundly affected by cold temperatures and cannot survive without a host for very long in the winter – they need high humidity and temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But a flea that’s on a dog or cat’s body is right up against the skin, protected and insulated by the animal’s fur. The flea can also survive inside your home throughout the year.
Fleas can also spread disease, cause skin infections, hot spots, and even anemia in some severe cases. Some dogs can even experience flea allergies, which trigger a severe skin rash, inflammation, and itching, so it’s vital to eliminate fleas and eliminate them properly and thoroughly.
The following measures can help pet owners eliminate fleas from their pet, the home and yard. Allow an entire afternoon for this project, as it will involve cleaning the dog, home and yard:
- Begin by starting the process of treating the pet’s environment. Treat carpets and furniture and all other soft surfaces with home flea sprays or flea powders. Wash the dog’s bed and any soft fabric toys with a color-safe bleach. Use a mix of one part bleach to four parts water to clean your dog’s kennel or crate. If the dog spends time in your bed, wash your sheets and bedspread as well.
- Next, treat the dog with an over-the-counter flea shampoo to kill and eliminate the fleas and their eggs that are present on the pet’s skin and coat. Be sure to follow the directions and treat the dog or cat’s entire body. This will have to be performed for all pets in the household on the same day.
- Immediately after the pet’s bath, towel dry and apply a prescription flea preventative, like Frontline or Advantage.
- If possible, remove the pets from the area of the home and yard while you conclude the remainder of the flea elimination process to limit the chance of re-infestation.
- Next, vacuum the carpets and furniture to suck up any remaining fleas, larvae or eggs. Be sure to throw away the vacuum bag or empty the contents of the dust collection canister into a sealed plastic bag immediately at the conclusion of vacuuming.
- In severe cases, the carpeting and furniture may need to be steam cleaned to completely eliminate fleas and larvae.
- The yard is the next location that must be treated. Insecticides must be utilized to eliminate fleas on the outside of the home, particularly if the cat or dog spends a great deal of time in the yard. A commonly used insecticide is Pyriproxifen, which is sold under the brand names of Nylar and Archer. Be sure to follow the directions and limit the pet’s exposure to the yard in the days following the insecticide application.
- Return the dog to the home once all soft surfaces have been treated and vacuumed, and once all bedding and machine washable items have been cleaned.
- In three days after the initial treatment, repeat the home treatment process by applying a flea powder and spray to the carpet, furniture and all soft surfaces and follow by vacuuming. And again, wash all bedding and machine washable items.
- Ten days after the initial treatment, wash or treat your dog and/or cat for a second time with a flea shampoo or spray. And again, treat the home and vacuum all carpets and furniture, along with washing all bedding and machine-washable items. This will eliminate all fleas and are still remaining in the environment.
In the case of a serious home infestation, no amount of vacuuming and washing will completely eliminate the fleas. If the above-mentioned measures fail to eliminate fleas, it’s likely the infestation is serious and for these cases, an aerosol “flea bomb” or home spray will be required. These products are called insect growth regulators and one commonly used chemical is Methoprene.
For severe cases where aerosol foggers and sprays do not rid the home of fleas, an exterminator will need to be hired to eliminate fleas from the home and yard. But notably, these severe cases are relatively rare.
“Most pet owners don’t need to call a professional exterminator if they tend to the problem shortly after it first arises. If you acknowledge the flea control problem and do something to remedy the situation early on, it will be relatively easy to eliminate fleas. If you ignore the problem – just as with many other problems you encounter in life – the flea infestation will require a great deal of time and money to remedy.”
For more tips on treating fleas and other skin parasites in dogs, check out How to Know if a Dog Has Skin Parasites, along with Itchy, Flaky Skin in Dogs and Itchy Red Bumps and Scabbing in Dogs.
