How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment and Prevention

Fleas can make life uncomfortable for dogs and cats, and they’re far more common than many owners expect. Even the cleanest homes and the most pampered pets can face fleas at some point, because these tiny insects are experts at hiding, multiplying, and settling into carpets and bedding.

If you’re starting to suspect fleas, it’s a good time to take a closer look. In this guide, we’ll walk through the signs to look out for, how to get rid of fleas on dogs and how to get rid of fleas on cats, and simple steps to help prevent them coming back. You’ll also find links to helpful pages on common dog health issues and common skin problems in cats if you want to explore related topics.

Signs of fleas on dogs

Fleas can be tricky to spot on dogs, especially long-haired breeds. Often it’s the signs, not the fleas themselves, that give the game away.

Look out for:

• Excessive itching
• Small black specks on the fur (flea dirt)
• Bald patches
• Nibbling or chewing, especially around the back end

If you’ve noticed any of these, you may also find our guide on why your dog is itching helpful.

Signs of fleas on cats

Cats tend to be subtle when something’s bothering them, and the signs of fleas on cats are very similar to those in dogs.

You might see:

• Scratching
• Nibbling their fur or skin
• Bald patches
• Itchy red bumps
• A rash
• Flea dirt

For more on feline itching behaviours, read our guide on why your cat is itching.

How to get rid of fleas

Once you’ve spotted the signs, it helps to act quickly so you can break the cycle before it spreads. Getting rid of fleas on dogs and cats often means working on both your pet and your home, because fleas live in multiple life stages at once. If you’ve been wondering how to remove fleas quickly and safely, the steps below can help:

1. Treat your dogs and cats for fleas

This is the most important part of the process. Flea treatments come in several forms, including spot-on liquids and oral tablets you can buy from supermarkets, online retailers or your veterinary surgery.

Flea treatments may come in a variety of forms including spot-ons and tablets. Some work via direct contact, while others require fleas to bite before they work. Treating your dog or cat regularly as recommended by the manufacturer, commonly every four weeks, helps disrupt the flea lifecycle. 

Make sure all household pets are treated, not just the one showing signs. Any untreated animal can act as a host.

2. Use a flea comb 

Once the flea treatment begins working, a flea comb can help remove any remaining fleas. Keep a bowl of warm soapy water nearby so you can clean the comb as you go.
Best practice is:

• Start with the ears and head
• Comb under the chin, where fleas often gather
• Work down the neck, back and body
• Finish with the tail and legs

3. Vacuum thoroughly

Fleas love dark, humid hiding spots. Vacuuming regularly helps remove eggs and larvae from carpets and furniture. Pay close attention to cracks, skirting boards, under sofas and any soft furnishings your pet sleeps on.

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4. Wash your dog’s and cat’s bedding above 60℃

Hot washes are essential. Wash your pet’s bedding at 60℃ or higher, then tumble dry it to kill as many fleas as possible.

5. Use environmental spray throughout the house

Choose a household flea spray that contains an IGR (Insect Growth Regulator). Spray under furniture, in corners and on soft furnishings where fleas can hide. IGR sprays reduce the number of eggs and larvae before they grow into adults.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions when using these products and to take care with any other pets in the household, as many of them are also toxic to birds, fish and some other animals. 

6. Allow treated dogs and cats into flea-infested areas

Letting your treated pet move freely around the house helps break the cycle. Newly hatched fleas will jump onto your dog or cat, come into contact with the treatment and be killed. Even with good vacuuming and spraying, a few fleas may be missed, so this step helps mop up any stragglers.

Why are fleas such a persistent problem?

Fleas are a common concern for vets because most pets will encounter them at some stage. They can come from wildlife, other animals or simply from the environment. Humans can also bring fleas home without realising it, but fleas much prefer pets over people.

Although fleas can feel stubborn to deal with, understanding how they behave makes them much easier to tackle. Their persistence comes down to how quickly they reproduce and how easily they hide.

The flea life cycle

Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day. These eggs fall off your pet and settle into carpets, cracks and bedding. They hatch into larvae, then develop into pupae before emerging as adult fleas.

Because so much of the lifecycle happens off your pet, treating only the animal is never enough.

How to prevent fleas

There are many ways to prevent fleas on dogs and cats, and prevention is always easier than clearing an infestation. Around 95% of the flea population lives in the home rather than on the pet, which is why household care matters.

Treatments from supermarkets, online retailers and veterinary surgeries all play a part. The aim is to find an approach that fits your home and your pet.

1. Vacuum regularly

Vigorous vacuuming under and around furniture helps reduce eggs, larvae and pupae in the home. Make it part of your weekly routine during warmer months when fleas are more active.

2. Brush dogs and cats regularly

Regular brushing helps you spot early signs. Fleas often hide in hard-to-reach places, so brushing gives you a chance to catch them before they become a bigger concern.

3. Treat your dogs and cats regularly

Regular monthly treatment is widely considered one of the most effective ways to prevent fleas. By disrupting the flea lifecycle, you reduce the chances of fleas settling in your home or on your pet.

Conclusion

Fleas are a common part of life with pets, but with steady, simple steps you can keep them under control. Spotting the early signs, treating your dog or cat consistently, and staying on top of household cleaning all help break the flea cycle before it settles in.

If you’d like a bit more guidance, our dog skin and coat care and cat skin care pages are a good place to start.