Fleas have to be the most annoying thing that most pet owners inevitably deal with at one time or another. The hardest part of getting rid of fleas is that they seem to just keep coming back. Most often the reason that fleas "keep coming back" is that you never fully got rid of them in the first place. The second you notice your pet might have fleas, you have to start the flea control process immediately, as time is of the essence when it comes to stopping fleas from multiplying.
There are two significant areas that will require your attention. You must pay attention to both areas otherwise you will never win the battle against a flea infestation. The first and most obvious area of attention is your pet itself. The second area of importance is killing the fleas that have jumped off or have fallen off your pet and now live in your carpets or linens. The second category also includes flea larvae.
The first step is to remove your dog from your house so he is not re-infected as soon as you give him a good flea bath or treatment. Killing the fleas on your dog will involve either a chemical treatment, such as Advantage or Frontline, or a more natural solution such as olive oil baths, garlic treatments or talcum powder. You can follow up the natural treatment with a flea comb. I wouldn't suggest a flea comb if you've used a flea medication, since these can be pretty toxic chemicals. This might be one reason you choose to get rid of dog fleas naturally.
To get rid of the fleas that have already escaped into your house may be a bit harder. Finding all the spots where your dog has been, and fleas may now be hiding or have laid their eggs will be tricky. Start by washing anything and everything that your dog may have come into contact with, and any clothes or portable items (IE stuffed toys) that are in areas that your dog frequents. Washing clothes, toys, linens and rugs in hot water, and then drying in the dryer or hanging them out to dry in the sun will get rid of any flea eggs that are on these items.
Once everything that you can pick up has been washed, you need to go through the house top to bottom, everywhere your dog has been, and vacuum. Be especially careful to vacuum corners and cracks in floorboards, in closets, under beds, and all your upholstery. Even better, steam clean your carpets and upholstered furniture to get rid of flea eggs and larvae. Throw out your vacuum bag once you have finished the task, which will prevent fleas from escaping, or larvae from hatching and re-infesting your house.
Once fleas have moved into your house, regaining a flea free house is a tough job, but it is possible. You need to be very persistent and thorough with cleaning all areas of your house, and ridding your dog of fleas. Once you have gotten rid of all fleas, remember to keep up the cleaning and flea treatment, since you may see a re-infestation if you have missed some of the flea eggs and larvae. If you continue the cleaning cycle periodically after the first cleaning, you will be able to catch any fleas missed the first time around and end the cycle.
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Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for 45- to 88-Pound Dogs and Puppies, 6 Month List Price: $100.00 Sale Price: $53.20  |
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Flea & Tick Spot On |
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