How to get rid of fleas on your dog or cat (and in your home)

Fleas are more than a nuisance: they cause itching and allergies and can spread parasites. Here's how to truly get rid of them and keep them from coming back.

Key takeaways

Treat every pet in the home and the environment too.
The adult fleas you see are only a small part of the problem.
Never use a dog flea product on a cat: it can be fatal.

How to tell if it has fleas

The most common signs are heavy scratching or biting, especially at the base of the tail, the back and the hind legs. To check, part the fur or run a fine comb along its back over a damp white paper towel. If black specks fall that turn reddish when wet, that's flea dirt: it has fleas, even if you don't see any.

Why fleas keep coming back

The key to getting rid of fleas is understanding their life cycle. Adult fleas living on your pet are estimated to be only about 5% of the total population. The rest are eggs, larvae and pupae in the floor, carpets, couch and your pet's bed. That's why, if you only treat the animal, fleas seem to "come back": in reality, new ones keep hatching from the house for weeks.

Step 1: treat your pet with a vet product

There are many options: spot-ons, chewable tablets, collars and sprays. The most effective are the ones your vet recommends based on your pet's species, weight, age and lifestyle. Some kill adult fleas within hours and others stop eggs from developing.

Very important: never use a dog product on a cat. Some contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can cause tremors, seizures and even death. Always dose by the weight on the package.

Step 2: treat every animal in the home

Even if only one is scratching, every dog and cat in the household should be treated at the same time. Otherwise fleas keep jumping from one to another. If you have rabbits, ferrets or other pets, ask your vet which product is safe for them, since not all are.

Step 3: clean your home

Vacuum thoroughly every day for a few weeks: carpets, couch, under furniture, corners and the car. The vibration also coaxes pupae out so the treatment reaches them. Empty the canister or toss the bag outside.
Wash your pet's beds, blankets and cushions in hot water.
For a heavy infestation, there are household sprays. Follow the instructions and keep pets out of the room.
Yard: mow the grass and keep shady areas where your dog rests clean.

Step 4: be patient

Because pupae can take weeks to become adults, it's normal to keep seeing the odd flea for one or two months, even with good treatment. The important thing is not to stop treating: with consistency, the population drops until it disappears. A serious infestation can take up to three months to clear completely.

Why fleas shouldn't be taken lightly

Flea allergy dermatitis: in some animals a single bite causes intense itching, sores and hair loss.
Tapeworm: by swallowing a flea while grooming, dogs and cats can pick up this intestinal parasite.
Anemia: in puppies, kittens or small animals, a heavy infestation can be dangerous.
People: fleas bite humans too.

What about ticks?

Many parasite preventives also protect against ticks, which can spread serious diseases. After walks through tall grass or woods, check your dog, especially the ears, neck, armpits and between the toes. If you find one, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick hook, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling with steady, even pressure. Don't use alcohol, oil or heat. If you're not confident, ask your vet.

How to keep them from returning

The best strategy is year-round prevention, especially in warm climates. Apply parasite prevention on schedule and log it in our vaccine record so it reminds you. Check its coat after visiting parks or homes with other animals, and brush it often. If your dog scratches or licks a lot even without fleas, read why it licks its paws.

Frequently asked questions

Do home remedies work? Some, like certain essential oils, can be toxic, especially to cats. Vet products are the safer choice.

Can indoor cats get fleas? Yes. Fleas can come in on other pets, on people or from outside.

Can I bathe it to remove fleas? A bath removes some but doesn't protect. Check whether and when your flea product allows bathing.

How often do I apply flea treatment? It depends on the product: some are monthly and others last three months.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.