Fleas are very stubborn creatures. They linger, multiply in large numbers, and eliminating them completely can take a very long time. The easiest approach to get rid of an infestation of fleas is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are three ways to keep fleas from invading your dog and your home.

Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)

Sometimes referred to as birth control for fleas. An IGR prevents flea eggs from hatching and flea larvae from maturing into adult fleas, making them incapable of reproducing and eventually die. IGR’s come in pill form or a liquid.  Apply IGR to your dog before he gets the fleas, and continue to do so every 4 to 7 months, or sooner if you live in a warm climate.

Adulticide

A flea infestation occurs anytime during the summer or all year long in warm climates.  Another treatment that is effective in controlling fleas is an adulticide. An adulticide is a spot-on liquid treatment that spreads out across your dog’s coat and skin and immediately kills adult fleas on contact.

Keep your house clean

During the flea season, schedule one day each week where you pay special attention to specific areas around your house, both inside and outside, where fleas usually inhabit.  Give your carpet and furniture a thorough vacuum, particularly where your dog frequently stays.  Wash all bedsheets, both yours and your dog’s, from all the rooms in the house.

You may also buy an IGR spray that is specially made for furniture and carpet inside your house, and one that is specially made to use in your yard. Be careful, however, about using more than one flea product at one time (such as an adulticide treatment followed by a flea shampoo). Consult with your veterinarian to make sure that the mixture of these products are safe to use.

Keep your dog clean

This is especially important during the flea season.  Keep his coat well groomed using a flea comb.  If necessary, trim his coat short, this will prevent fleas from jumping in.