How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Dog, Cat and in Your Home

Overview

What you need

• A vet-recommended flea treatment for each pet

  Dog and cat products are different. Never use a dog product on a cat: some contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats.

• A flea comb

  To check for fleas and flea dirt (black specks that turn red on damp paper).

• A vacuum cleaner

  Vibration helps fleas hatch so treatments can reach them; empty the bag or canister outside.

• A household flea spray (optional)

  Choose one with an insect growth regulator and keep pets and fish away while it dries.

Step by step

1. 1

   Confirm it's fleas

   Comb your pet over a white surface, especially around the tail base and neck. Black specks that leave red-brown smears on damp paper are flea dirt (digested blood). Itching around the back end is a classic sign.

   Tip: Allergic pets can be very itchy with only a few fleas you'll never see.

2. 2

   Treat every pet in the home

   Use a product your vet recommends for each dog and cat, including pets that don't seem itchy. Untreated pets keep the infestation going. Follow the dosing interval exactly.

   Careful: Don't use dog flea products on cats. Some dog spot-ons contain permethrin, which can cause tremors, seizures and death in cats.

3. 3

   Wash and vacuum

   Wash pet bedding, throws and washable soft furnishings on a hot wash. Vacuum carpets, furniture, skirting boards and under furniture every day or two for the first few weeks, and the car if your pet travels in it.

4. 4

   Treat the home if needed

   For heavier infestations, a household spray containing an insect growth regulator stops eggs and larvae developing. Treat areas where your pet sleeps and spends time.

5. 5

   Keep going for at least three months

   New fleas will keep hatching from cocoons for weeks. They jump onto your treated pet and die, but you may still see some. CAPC notes moderate to severe infestations can take several months to control, so don't stop early.

6. 6

   Prevent reinfestation year-round

   CAPC recommends year-round flea control for life, because fleas survive indoors through winter. Treat for tapeworm too if your vet advises it, as pets swallow tapeworm larvae when grooming fleas.

Common mistakes

• Treating only the itchy pet

  Why it backfires: Other pets carry fleas without symptoms and keep reinfesting the home.

  Do this instead: Treat every dog and cat in the household at the same time.

• Stopping when fleas disappear

  Why it backfires: Cocoons in the home keep hatching for weeks or months.

  Do this instead: Continue monthly treatment for at least three months, then year-round.

• Using supermarket or natural remedies

  Why it backfires: Many are less effective, and some essential oils are toxic to cats.

  Do this instead: Ask your vet for a proven product for your pet's species and weight.

Sources

1. Companion Animal Parasite Council: Fleas

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.