Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 5: Seek professional help to treat fleas
• Method 2 of 5: Washing pets to kill fleas
• Method 3 of 5: Pollinate pets to control fleas
• Method 4 of 5: Combing pets to get rid of fleas
• Method 5 of 5: Clean everything
• Tips
• Warnings

Fleas can live on the blood of mammals and birds. There are many different types of fleas, and while some of them can live on the blood of more than one species, most are species-specific. While there is a flea that specializes in humans, you are sensitive to more than one species. Your pet's fleas can also make you their host, potentially spreading disease and parasites.

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Method 1 of 5: Seek professional help to treat fleas

1. Be on the lookout for flea collars. Many flea collars are ineffective and some contain organophosphates that may be toxic to the pet. The only flea collar that is both effective and safe is the Seresto flea collar, available from the vet.
2. Ask your vet for topical treatment. "Topical" treatments are applied directly to your pet's skin to quickly kill fleas. Many of these monthly treatments are to be used all year round as a preventive treatment. Be aware that just because a product works locally does not mean it is effective. It is essential to use a flea product that is approved to kill fleas, which means it has been proven to help. When in doubt, talk to your vet. Make sure the product you buy is intended for your pet. Cats can become very sick (or even die) if they are treated with a flea remedy intended for dogs. Frontline will kill rabbits. Some well-known flea remedies are:
   • Permethrin: Many products for dogs contain permethrin, alone or in combination with other substances, to effectively control fleas in dogs. It is not safe to use on all pets and can cause health problems in both humans and dogs.
   • Dinotefuran and Pyriproxyfen (known as Vectra) is used to control fleas in cats. Be careful: Vectra 3D is a product for dogs. Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats.
   • Fipronil and (S) -methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for cats): This product kills flea larvae, eggs and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and chewing lice.
   • Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen (known as Advantage II): This product kills fleas in all life stages. Make sure not to take the product with almost the same name, Advantix II, which is a product for dogs. It contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats.
   • Selamectin (known as Revolution): Give this once a month. It also kills ticks, heartworms, ear mites and sarcoptic mites.
   • Be careful with the chemicals you use. Products such as Advantage, manufactured by Bayer, contain neonicotinoids that have been shown to have serious environmental impacts, including helping to reduce bees worldwide.
3. Consider getting oral flea medications from your vet. Oral products usually work quickly and do not leave a residue. They are only available through your vet, who can recommend the best product for you. Many of these monthly treatments should be used all year round as a preventive treatment. Some of these resources are:
   • Lufenuron (known as Program): These come in tablet form, an oral liquid solution, or injections. Give this medication once a month with some food. Be aware that Program does not kill fleas, but sterilizes them, making them unable to lay eggs. If you have a severe flea infestation this is not the best product for you as you will have to wait for the fleas to die of old age. The best environment to use this is in a clean household where you don't want the single flea to lay eggs.
   • Nitenpyram (known as Capstar): These are available as a pill. Give these to your pet according to your vet's directions to kill adult fleas and their eggs.
   • Spinosad (known as Comfortis): This is available as a chewable tablet, which you should give to your pet once a month with food to kill fleas.
4. See if your local groomer or vet can provide a flea bath for your pet. Many veterinarians and grooming salons offer this service. For smaller pets, it is recommended that you go to a vet and not a groomer. A grooming salon is probably not equipped to treat a bird with fleas. Be aware that after the bath, once the pet has dried, there is nothing left to deter new fleas that jump back on the pet.

Method 2 of 5: Washing pets to kill fleas

1. Only use water. Some pets, such as guinea pigs, may not be able to use many of the flea treatments available. In this case, a simple bath may be your only option. Washing the pet in warm, not hot, water will try to drown the fleas. This is unlikely to kill the remaining eggs, and it may be necessary to comb your pet and repeat the bath.
   • Since the fleas will run to your pet's head and face when you start getting them wet, it is best to wash and lather the neck first, then the rest of your pet. This will create a barrier to prevent fleas from storming your pet's face and ears.
   • Use water at room temperature or slightly warmer so as not to startle or harm your pet.
   • Stop bathing small pets that get too stressed. Animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs can die from fear-induced heart attacks.
2. Use dish soap in a bath to kill fleas. While it can cause dry skin and / or irritation, dish soap can be effective at killing fleas. The soap is poisonous to fleas and can be used as a way to control the infestation. Make sure to rinse your pet thoroughly.
3. Get a flea shampoo. These are shampoos that are specially made to destroy fleas in certain animals. Find one that's formulated for your pet. Make sure to follow the included instructions exactly to avoid injuries to your pet.
4. Rinse it thoroughly. Always rinse thoroughly. Residues from flea treatments can irritate your pet's skin and possibly lead to damage. By taking the time to rinse out any soap, shampoo, or herbal remedy on your pet, in addition to getting rid of fleas, you also help ensure that no residue is left behind that could cause your pet discomfort.

Method 3 of 5: Pollinate pets to control fleas

1. Get an insect powder from the vet. Various powders are available for different animals, with different chemicals in different concentrations. It is important to talk to your vet before using these products to make sure it is safe for your pet. These have largely been replaced by other flea control options. A disadvantage of powders is that they can be inhaled, which is not healthy for both the animal and you. These powders can be useful when a bath is not possible.
2. Use food grade diatomaceous earth. This can be a good option for birds with fleas. Mixing diatomaceous earth with sand and offering it to birds can encourage them to pollinate themselves with it. You can also pollinate the bird yourself. Make sure to use a mask when working with diatomaceous earth. While not harmful to birds, it can cause skin irritation and lung irritation in humans.
3. Make sure the products you use are safe for your pet. Because there are a variety of pollination products available, not all of them will be suitable for use on all animals. Some species can kill or injure your pet. Each animal has a different tolerance for different products, so be sure to check with a vet about the active ingredients in your treatment.

Method 4 of 5: Combing pets to get rid of fleas

1. Get a flea comb or fine comb. Since fleas hold tight to hair and coat, and their eggs can also be firmly attached, a fine-toothed comb should be used to remove them. Combs have been specially designed for this purpose. Make sure your comb's teeth are the correct length and close enough for your pet.
2. Keep a bucket of water nearby. This gives you the opportunity to drown any fleas you comb out. It will also help to get your pet wet while you comb, which will limit movement of any fleas. Make sure the water is warm, but not hot.
3. Always comb out fleas in the direction of hair growth. Go from root to tip and from head to tail. This is a very important technique when combing fleas. Fleas like to settle by the root. If you don't comb the entire length of the hair, you will likely miss some of them.
4. Take your time. It may seem monotonous, but the time you put into removing the fleas manually can be worth it. This can be a very effective way to control and stop your pet's flea problem. Do not rush to comb your pet, as this can lengthen the treatment process.
5. Repeat this every few days. Comb your pet for fleas more often. It gives you a chance to keep an eye on your pet for new fleas, while also checking the condition of the skin. Don't just look for fleas, check for signs of irritation or injuries from treatment.
6. Be aware that the fleas only jump on the pet to eat and mainly live in the environment - that is why it takes a long time to control an infestation with just combing.

Method 5 of 5: Clean everything

1. Act quickly. The speed of killing is very important in the control and eradication of fleas. Don't let a flea problem go unchecked. The longer you wait with the treatment, the worse it will get and the more difficult it will be to get rid of all fleas. Addressing a flea problem as soon as you notice it is essential to treating your pet's problem.
2. Treat your pet's environment. Carpets and rugs are the areas within the home most likely to be infected. Look for an eco-friendly borate-derived powder to use on your carpets to prevent fleas from infesting it. Clean their crate or basket. Treat every place where they spend time. For small pets, clean the cage or tray and any toys with hot, soapy water. Discard any bedding such as sawdust or newspaper.
3. Vacuum and / or steam clean. Since fleas can survive in your home for a long time away from their host, it is important to vacuum regularly. Steam cleaning is also a great way to treat your home against fleas, as the steam will kill them. Make sure to do one or both of these things for the entire length of the treatment and beyond.
   • Keeping everything cleaned and washed will help prevent fleas. If you do that, fleas will not have the time or space to live and reproduce.
   • Discard the vacuum cleaner bag afterwards to avoid recontamination.
   • Vacuum cleaners can kill fleas just as well as chemical treatments.
4. Wash all linens. Fleas can hide in bedding, towels and clothing. Make sure to wash everything in hot water to kill fleas and their eggs. Wash curtains and pillows too, as they can harbor fleas too. Soak your pet's bed in hot, soapy water for at least 15 minutes; wash, rinse and let it dry, or dry with a towel. This will break down the waxy coating on the fleas, causing them to dry out and die.
5. Avoid leaving your pet on the furniture. If your pet gets fleas, you don't want him spreading them all over the house. Remember that fleas can live in your furniture for several months and will quickly "attack" your pet again if given the chance. Keeping your pet off your furniture can help limit the spread of fleas.
6. Spray floors and beds with an Insect growth inhibitor (IGR). IGRs such as Nylar keep fleas from developing, breaking the reproductive cycle. This is a blessing when you are trying to control large pests. The most economical method is to buy a concentrate and mix it according to the directions provided.
   • Usually this should be applied at least twice - about three and a half weeks apart. It is often beneficial to spray the areas of the home that your pets often visit on a monthly basis during flea season.
   • IGRs are not toxic to mammals. This makes IGRs a good choice in a home with children or small animals such as hamsters.

Tips

• If you've caught a flea, flush it down the toilet or dip it in alcohol. Also read the wikiHow article on how to make a flea trap.
• Fleas carry tapeworms. Keep a close eye on your animals after an infestation. They may also have developed stomach parasites. There are finally over-the-counter tapeworm pills, which are the common form of Droncit prescribed by veterinarians.
• Many flea shampoos have age restrictions, which means they cannot be used on puppies and kittens. Also, make sure to rinse - you don't want your pet to feel uncomfortable with soap scum.
• Remember that completely natural pet store products can be toxic to pets. Completely natural does not mean safe; arsenic and black nightshade are completely natural!
• Once you see the fleas, it is best to catch them with tape.
• If your pet likes to sit or lie somewhere that doesn't have a washable pillow or blanket, put one on top. That way you can wash it more often.
• There are products you can use to treat fleas on lawns so they don't continue to infest your pets and home. The most important thing is to use an insect growth inhibitor that will keep fleas from developing further. Insecticides only kill adult fleas. Fleas are adults only 15% of their lives. The other 85% consists of waiting for them to emerge into biting adult fleas. Stop them before they do.
• Treating outdoor areas with beneficial pinworms against fleas is a natural way to control fleas.

Warnings

• Fleas can bounce back on your pet immediately after you use flea shampoo.
• If your pet develops a rash or other type of allergic reaction and is still scratching after two weeks, call your vet.
• Severe cases of fleas may need to be treated by a veterinarian.