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Getting Rid of Fleas
Fleas are well known for being the mortal enemy of every pet owner. Fleas can make your dog miserable and quickly take over your home. They usually attach to your dog’s furry coat outside. Then as the fleas get comfortable on your pet, they will actually lay eggs. The eggs fall off your pet and land everywhere. When they hatch in one or two weeks, you have a house full of fleas.
Fleas can actually live in your carpet and your bedding for more than 6 months. Sometimes flea larvae will stay dormant for over a year before becoming adult fleas. So one little flea outbreak can cause a massive infestation a year from now if you don’t treat your home properly.
Once you realize that fleas have invaded your home, you need to act quickly. Your first step should be to isolate your flea-infested dog to keep him from spreading the fleas.
You should gather everything that your dog has been in contact with. Once you collect everything, wash it all in warm, soapy water. You can wash bedding and throw pillows in the washing machine. You will probably have to clean rugs thoroughly by hand. Soapy water will kill fleas in all stages from eggs to adults.
After you wash all upholstered surfaces with soapy water, start vacuuming. Vacuum every surface possible. When you are done, carefully seal the vacuum bag and either throw it away outside or freeze it to kill the fleas before you open it. Remember that fleas can hide anywhere. Thing about cracks in the floor, fibers in the furniture, and afghans that are thrown across your couch. Get a professional to come in and steam clean your carpet.
You will also want to wash all pet bedding in hot, soapy water or even replace it. Take your dog to the vet and ask for a flea bath. The vet will use prescription strength soap to treat your pet and get rid of the fleas and eggs buried in the dog’s fur.
Finally, you need to scrub yourself and other members of your family. Remember that everything the dog touches can carry fleas, and that includes you. You can purchase medicated shampoos and soaps that will kill fleas and their eggs, but that’s probably unnecessary. Just take two showers every day for three days with hot water and a lot of soap. This should get you good and clean and kill any fleas that are hanging around on you or your family.
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