July 4, 2009

How You Can Win The Dog Flea Battle

by Jane A Moore

How to get rid of fleas for once and for all is a common conundrum. Even with the most diligent efforts it is often a task that takes repeated tries. Fleas multiply at an unbelievable rate and therefore everyday counts. When you first suspect your dog or cat has fleas do not delay in taking action against the fleas. Everyday additional day that your pet has fleas makes the task of getting rid of fleas just that much harder.

Getting rid of fleas is possible, although you need to be prepared for a fair amount of work. It’s not enough just to give your dog a bath and think that the fleas will be gone. You have to clean and exterminate just about every place that your dog frequents, and maybe even keep your dog from going to the dog park at peak flea season in order to stop the spread of fleas.

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.

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.

You need to vacuum all areas of your house and furniture, especially carpets, corners, closets, cracks in floor boards, under beds etc. If possible, steam cleaning your furniture and carpets will be even more effective. Don’t forget to throw out your vacuum bag after vacuuming, and this means completely out of the house. Vacuuming should be repeated often (daily if possible) over the next while in order to catch any fleas or eggs etc that were missed the first time. This will be a huge help in avoiding a re-infestation.

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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Learn more information on flea control solutions at dog fleas.