Fleas are persistent external parasites that thrive in warm, humid environments. Depending on your geographic location, you may even have flea concerns for your pup year-round. Throughout flea season, you’ll want to check your dog regularly.
How Did My Indoor Dog Get Fleas?
If you’re living with an indoor-only pet, and you wonder why your home and dog are infested with fleas, it’s because the previous tenant or homeowner may have had pets with fleas.
What is Flea Dirt?
Flea dirt is composed of digested blood and resembles dark grains of sand or pepper. To easily spot flea dirt, place a light-colored blanket where your dog likes to sleep. If you’re not sure what you see is flea dirt, place some of flea dirt on paper towel which should be wet. If it turns into a bloodstain, your dog most likely has fleas.
Flea Treatment For Dogs
The best way to deal with fleas is prevention. There are several options, from flea collars and topical liquid applicants to pills and shampoos. It’s important to talk to your vet about flea preventatives that are right for your pup before beginning any treatment.
Flea Treatment For Your Home
Please note, killing the fleas on your dog is just part of the problem. Fighting a flea infestation can easily extend to weeks or even months. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of fleas in your house:
Bathe and groom your dog with a flea comb at least once a week.
Wash everything (dog beds, blankets, your bedding, cushions, etc.) on your machine’s hot cycle. Dry on hot too.
Vacuum/steam clean all carpet, floors, and furniture twice each month.
If your dog rides in your car, be sure to vacuum the seats.
Talk to your exterminator about pet-safe environmental flea control.
Cut your lawn. Short grass makes your yard less inviting to fleas and ticks.
Patch fences to discourage raccoons, rabbits, and other wildlife that carry
