How to Treat Canine Flea Infestations

Dogs can pick up fleas by being outside.

Flea infestations are annoying and hard to treat, and because a female flea can lay 20 to 25 eggs per day, it's important to catch an infestation in its early stages. If you suspect your dog has fleas because you see excessive scratching or hair loss, treat it immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Flea treatments
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Choose a flea killer. Check the package to make sure the spray or drops will kill adult eggs and larvae. Treat all pets in your household because fleas spread from animal to animal. Apply according to directions.

2. Spray as much of your house as possible. If you use total-release aerosols, otherwise known as "foggers," make sure they contain insecticides such as chlorpyrifos or propetamphos. If you do not use foggers, choose a spray that contains methoprene, pyriproxyfen, permethrin, propetamophos or chlorpyrifos. Spray floors, carpets, cushions, pillows and furniture. Don't forget to treat under beds and furniture.

3. Vacuum and mop your house thoroughly to remove fleas from floors. Discard the vacuum bag immediately after using, as it may contain live fleas, eggs or larvae.

4. Wash or replace your pets' bedding. Launder washable couch cushions, your own bedding and any other fabric, including pillows and curtains, in hot water.

5. Treat your yard with an insecticide that will kill fleas. Pyriproxyfen (IGR) is particularly effective. Spray shaded areas, porches and patios. If you dog spends time in your garage, spray it too.

6. Treat your dog regularly to protect it from future infestations. A variety of prescription and non-prescription formulas, most of which take the form of drops applied to the skin between the dog's shoulders, are popular preventatives and flea-killers. This is important if your dog is prone to fleas or if it spends a lot of time outside.

7. See a veterinarian for a stronger treatment option if the infestation continues, or if it goes away and then returns. Do not re-treat your animal immediately without direction from a veterinarian. Over-use of insecticides can be dangerous to dogs

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a veterinarian before using insecticides on young, sick, or old pets.

• Insecticides can be harmful to pets and children, so keep them out of the room until the spray has dried.

References

• Pet Side: Flea Infestation (Canine)
• Pet MD: Fleas on Dogs and What You Can Do About Them
• Texas Agricultural Extension Services: Suggestions for Indoor and Outdoor Flea Control