Table of Contents
What Are Fleas?
How to Spot Them in the House
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Them and Sleeps in Our Bed?
Treating the Dog for Fleas
Getting Rid of Fleas from the Bedroom
Preventing Fleas
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What To Do If Your Pet Has Fleas And Sleeps In Your Bed?
- By Sarah
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- March 4, 2024
- 5 MIN READ
Fleas can turn your cosy home into an itchy battleground, especially when they decide to share your bed with your furry friend… three’s definitely a crowd! This article gives you all the best tips for how to deal with a duvet stealing pooch who’s also fighting fleas!
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that thrive on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including our beloved pets. The most common flea species affecting dogs is Ctenocephalides canis, and when these little hitchhikers invade, they can make life uncomfortable for both you and your canine companion.
How to Spot Them in the House
Spotting fleas in your house is like embarking on a quest to find elusive intruders. Here's how you can identify their presence:
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Excessive Scratching - If your dog is scratching incessantly, especially around the neck, ears, and tail, it might be an early sign of fleas. Cats may also display excessive grooming.
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Flea Dirt (Flea Poop) - Flea dirt, or flea poop, looks like tiny, dark specks and is often found on your pet's skin. Comb through your pet's fur, and if you see specks that turn reddish-brown when dampened, you've found flea dirt.
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Visible Fleas - Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye, though they're fast movers. Check your pet's fur, particularly around their neck and back, for these tiny insects. Click here to brush up on what fleas look like.
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Red Bumps on Your Pet's Skin - Flea bites can cause red bumps or welts on your pet's skin. Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation.
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Restlessness and Agitation - If your pet seems unusually restless or agitated, constantly shifting positions and displaying discomfort, fleas could be the culprit!
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Flea Eggs and Larvae - Flea eggs and larvae are harder to spot but may be present in areas where your pet spends the most time, like their bed or your furniture.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Them and Sleeps in Our Bed?
Discovering that your pet has fleas and sleeps in your bed can be a double whammy – not only do you need to address the infestation, but you also have to tackle the potential spread to your sleeping haven. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:
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Isolate Your Pet - As soon as you suspect fleas, it's essential to limit your pet's access to areas where they can spread the pests, especially your bed. Designate a specific area for your pet until the infestation is under control.
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Check Your Bedding - Strip the bed and wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and any pet blankets or cushions, in hot water (60°C or more!). This helps eliminate any fleas, eggs, or larvae that may have found their way into your bedding.
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Hoover Your Mattress and Bedroom - Hoover your mattress, paying attention to seams, folds, and crevices where fleas might hide. Vacuum the entire bedroom, including carpets, rugs, and any upholstered furniture.
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Treat Your Pet - Use a preventative flea treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs which kills all adult fleas in 24 hours (big win!) and stops fleas at every stage in their tracks (bigger win!).
Treating the Dog for Fleas
Treating your dog for fleas is a crucial step in the battle against these persistent pests. Here's a guide on how to tackle fleas on your furry friend:
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Regular Grooming
Establish a regular grooming routine for your dog, including brushing their coat. Regular grooming helps you spot signs of fleas early and can be a preventive measure.
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Topical Treatments
Topical flea treatments are applied directly to your dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. These treatments typically provide month-long protection and are effective in killing fleas at various life stages.
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All the Info
For a more in depth guide on how to get rid of fleas click here!
Getting Rid of Fleas from the Bedroom
Once your pet is on the road to flea-free living, it's time to tackle your bedroom. Here's how to get rid of fleas from your sleeping haven:
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Hoover Thoroughly - Hoover the entire bedroom, paying extra attention to carpets, rugs, and any upholstered furniture. Dispose of the hoover bag or clean the canister thoroughly.
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Wash Bedding - Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and any pet blankets, in pretty hot water (we’re talking at least 60°C. Ensure that you use a detergent that is effective at killing fleas and their eggs.
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Steam Cleaning - If you have a severe infestation, consider steam cleaning your carpets and upholstery. The heat from steam can help kill fleas and their eggs.
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Use a Home Spray - Household flea sprays are an effective way to get into the nooks and crannies where the flea eggs and larvae like to hide! Itch Flea Home Spray kills adult fleas and mites and stops those eggs from developing - yay!
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Regular Cleaning - Maintain a regular cleaning routine in your bedroom to prevent future infestations. Hoover regularly, wash bedding, and use flea treatments as a preventive measure.
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Remember that consistency is key when dealing with fleas. It's not just about getting rid of the adult fleas but also addressing the eggs, larvae, and pupae to break the flea lifecycle and prevent reinfestation.
Preventing Fleas
Prevention is the ultimate strategy to keep fleas at bay. Here's how to prevent a furry replay of the flea invasion:
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Use Flea Preventatives - Itch Flea for Dogs is a vet-approved preventative flea treatment which kills those nasty critters in 24 hours and halts all other flea life stages in their tracks!
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Regular Grooming - Establish a regular grooming routine for your pets. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat clean and healthy but also allows you to spot any signs of fleas early on and get ahead of the blighters!
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Clean Living Spaces - Regularly clean and hoover your home, especially areas where your pet spends the most time. This helps eliminate flea eggs and larvae, reducing the risk of infestation.
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Wash Bedding and Linens - Wash your pet's bedding, blankets, and any fabric items they frequent a lot in hot water (60°C at least) to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
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Limit Exposure to Infested Areas - If your pet has access to areas where fleas may be running rampant, such as garages or basements , consider limiting their access-all-areas pass or regularly treating these areas for fleas.
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Keep an Eye on Outdoor Activities - If your pet spends lots of time outdoors, be vigilant about where they roam. Avoid areas with known flea infestations, and check your pet for fleas after outdoor activities.
Dealing with fleas, especially when your pet shares your bed, requires a comprehensive approach. By treating your pet, addressing the bedroom, and implementing preventive measures, you can create a flea-free haven for both you and your furry friend. Remember, it's not just about getting rid of the fleas you see – it's about breaking the lifecycle and keeping these pesky intruders at bay for good.
Get rid of fleas and stop them coming back!
Flea infestations can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that fleas can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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