Get Rid of Fleas in a House

Fleas can drive pets and their owners nuts. They can cause skin problems for animals and the people who love them. Treating the pet is not the end of flea control — it is only the beginning. Once fleas get in the house, you have to treat the entire dwelling. You also must time your efforts correctly, because fleas reproduce rapidly and their eggs are often present in the home long after the adult fleas are killed.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Bathe all pets with a flea shampoo and give them a dose of a systemic pesticide. Remove them from the house for at least eight hours.

   • 2

     Remove all sheets, towels, furniture covers, rugs and curtains from their places. Wash them all in very hot water and detergent. Dry them in a hot dryer and place them in tightly sealed lawn and leaf bags. Send anything that is not washable to the dry cleaners

   • 3

     Place all open food products in the refrigerator. Clean out the cupboards and place all sealed and canned foods into lawn and leaf bags. Remove them from the house. Vacuum inside all cupboards.

   • 4

     Vacuum the house thoroughly several times. Vacuum every room, every closet and all furniture. Change the vacuum bags frequently during the process. Remove filled bags from the vacuum and seal them in a refuse bag and remove the bag from the house.

   • 5

     Mix a citrus oil cleanser into very hot water in a bucket. Scrub all cabinets and drawers with the solution and leave the doors to them open. Scrub all baseboards and walls thoroughly with sponges dipped in the solution. Mop the floor with the solution. Change water frequently to make sure it is always hot.

   • 6

     Open all the interior doors in the house. Close all exterior doors and all windows. Follow the directions to set off flea bombs. This usually involves setting the bombs off in the center of each room and leaving the house for four to six hours without returning. Make sure all pets and people are out of the house before bombing.

   • 7

     Return to the house after the suggested time. Open the windows. Return food to the cupboards and pantries. Replace washed fabrics. Vacuum one more time just in case. Launder all clothing you have been wearing.

 

 

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

How often a dog needs a bath depends on the breed, environment, coat and existing skin issues. A veterinarian or breed-specific resource can guide you in determining your dog’s needs.

Breed Significance

• A veterinarian or breed-specific resource can identify the needs of your dog. Some breeds benefit from frequent washing, while others can develop skin problems from too many baths.

Environment

• Outdoor dogs are exposed to more dirt and undesirable things that cling to their body. Thus, outdoor dogs thus may need a bath more often than indoor dogs. Any dog that has rolled around in the nearest mud puddle, trash pile or decaying roadkill needs a bath immediately.

Type of Coat

• A short-haired dog may require fewer baths than a dog with long hair that traps dirt and debris. Regardless of coat, a dog needs to be brushed daily to loosen the buildup of dirt and to promote a healthy coat.

Skin Issues

• If your dog has dry or flaky skin after a bath, decrease the frequency of the bath and try cooler water. Also be sure to select the right shampoo for your dog. If you notice any other skin issues be sure to consult your veterinarian.

General Rule of Thumb

• Most dogs can benefit from a weekly or bi-weekly bath. Take into consideration the breed, environment, coat and skin issue your dog has and adjust this general time frame. When in doubt, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5179469_should-bathe-dog_.html#ixzz2bZyYeEk6