The Battle With Dog Fleas Can Be Won

by Jane A Moore

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.

To get rid of the fleas which are actively biting your dog, you have a few different options. Flea medications, such as Frontline for flea control are effective, and are easy to find at your vet or pet supply store. However, chemicals such as these can be harsh on your pet, and if you are conscious of chemicals in your home you may want to look for alternatives. There are natural ways to rid your dog of fleas, including baby powder, olive oil baths, and garlic.

After you have gotten rid of the fleas on your dog, you now have to turn your attention to the fleas and 'soon to be fleas' flea eggs, larvae and pupae. Begin this process by washing all clothes, sheets, blankets, cushions, stuffed toys, that are in the areas that your dog has been in. All of these items have the potential to house fleas in different stages of their life cycle. Wash in hot water and if your items can't be dried in the dryer then hang them to dry in the sun.

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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