Fleas are a common problem for dog owners. Their bites can cause severe irritation for your pup, they may spread disease, and they may spread to your human family members. If you notice your dog scratching more than usual, you’ll save yourself the trouble by acting quickly with these flea control measures.

How to Handle a Flea-Infested Dog

1. Bathe Them

Use a flea shampoo to bathe your dog. This medicated shampoo works by killing all of the adult fleas. This works best as a single treatment but will not help with more prolonged infestations. You’ll likely need to leave the shampoo on for five to 10 minutes; the instructions on the bottle will direct you. Pay special attention to problem areas such as the tail, belly, armpits, and behind the ears.

2. Wash All Fabrics

Fleas may jump off your dog and onto fabrics, where they’ll nest or breed. Wash all fabrics that your dog has had access to, including their bedding, towels, blankets, and upholstery. Use hot water or the heated dry cycle, since the heat will kill the fleas. Vacuum the entire house, including upholstery that cannot be washed.

3. Administer Flea Control Medication

Flea control medication is administered monthly. Ask your veterinarian for a medication recommendation that is safe and effective for your dog. This method is particularly helpful for long-term flea infestations and can save you the hassle of needing to regularly bathe your dog.

Your dog can pick up fleas each time they go outdoors, so a flea control treatment around your home is recommended. The pest control team at Jackson & Eagle Pest Management has been protecting families from fleas for nearly 60 years in West Plains, MO. They will visit properties throughout the Ozark region to administer treatment. Their long list of services for local pests includes bed bugs, rodent control, and termite treatment. Call (417) 256-6286 to request an estimate for flea treatment.