“Oh no, I think my pet has fleas!” is one of the worst thoughts in the pet world. Let’s just call them what they are; fleas are annoying and gross. They hop around with their tiny little bodies like they own the place, and honestly, they kind of do. If your pet has fleas, that most likely means that your furniture and yard are next. Quick! We gotta get rid of those darn fleas!
How To Get Rid Of Fleas: For both your dog and your cat
First things first, you have to treat your cat or dog. If you think your dog or cat has fleas, confirm with a vet and follow these steps:
- Wash your pet with flea shampoo that contains pyrethrin, which is known to be effective at killing fleas.
- It’s time to get combed! Whip out the flea comb, get a bowl of warm soapy water, and comb through your dog or cat’s hair. Fleas are usually hiding around the tail and neck area, so pay extra attention around those areas.
- Wash and dry your pet’s bedding every couple of days. Make sure to wash bedding in hot soapy water and dry it on the highest heat setting possible.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas: In your home
Now that you’re treating your pet, you need to rid your home of fleas. It’s important that you tend to your pet and your home at around the same time because one can’t be hacked without the other.
In fact, 95% of a flea infestation is larvae, and the worst part – they aren’t just living on your pet, they’re in your house. So, strap in and follow these instructions:
- Start by vacuuming really everything you can think of. Floors, mattresses, bathroom mats, upholstery – you name it. Make sure you get all the nooks and crannies, as cracks are the perfect places for the flea larvae and adult fleas to hang out.
- Steam clean everything from your pet’s bed to the couch to the carpet. Steam cleaning is an absolute must because the heat + soap combo is basically flea kryptonite.
- Wash all the bedding in the hottest water possible, or dispose of the bedding and buy new sheets.
- If you really want to send these fleas packing, chemical flea treatments are an option. Find a spray that has both permethrin, a chemical that kills adult fleas, and either methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which kills the eggs and larvae. It’s important to note that you should always use gloves when applying chemical sprays and keep pets away, as it can lead to chemical burns. Once you got your gloves, and everyone is safely out of the room, it’s time to go to town.
TLDR; HEAT + SOAP = THE ULTIMATE FLEA KILLER
Listen, finding fleas on your pet or around your house isn’t going to be the best day of your life. But, knowing how to quickly deal with a flea infestation will be helpful down the line. So until then, just remember to keep your living space tidy and vacuumed, and wash your laundry often. You’ll be golden.
