Yes, in most cases your dog can sleep in your bed after flea treatment once the product has done its first job. With an oral flea chew, there’s no residue to worry about. With a spot-on or spray, wait until the application site is completely dry (check the label; many recommend avoiding contact for several hours or overnight). Wash your bedding in hot water, and keep in mind you may still spot a few newly hatched fleas for several weeks while the treatment breaks the life cycle.
There’s no doubt that dogs are one of the most beloved creatures on the planet, and for good reason! But what about when our dog has a pesky flea problem? Let’s take a look at some tips for keeping you and your dog happy and healthy.
How long does it take for flea treatment to work?
Your question will most likely be, does my dog still have fleas after treatment? This could be the case, as most products take up to about 24 hours to kill the fleas on your dog, depending on the product.
If you’re using a topical treatment like Frontline or Advantage, it’s important that you apply it directly to the skin, not the fur. Apply it exactly where the label says, usually at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades (and sometimes in a few spots down the back for large dogs), where your dog can’t lick it off. The product then spreads over the skin on its own. Avoid bathing your dog for a couple of days before and after applying a spot-on, unless the label says otherwise.
Once you’ve applied the treatment, it’s important to keep an eye on fleas in your house. Most of a flea population lives in your home as eggs, larvae, and pupae rather than on your dog. Vacuuming daily for a few weeks (and emptying the vacuum outside) and using a household flea spray that contains an insect growth regulator can help to get rid of them. Flea bombs (foggers) are less effective, because the mist doesn’t reach under furniture and deep into carpets where fleas develop.
As for your dog’s bed, it’s best to wash it in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill any remaining fleas or eggs. You can also put the bed in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.
If your dog was sleeping on your bed, it is important to wash your sheets and blankets in hot water as well. You may also want to consider using a lint roller on your bed to pick up any fleas that may have been left behind. For more ideas, see how to keep white bedding clean with dogs.
When can my dog sleep in my bed again?
There’s no health reason to keep a treated dog out of your bed once a topical product has dried. In fact, your treated dog acts as a flea trap: newly hatched fleas that jump on him are killed. Just avoid touching the application site until it’s dry, and keep young children from petting that spot. Once your house is clean, your dog can enjoy snuggling up in your bed once again! If yours keeps climbing in early anyway, we look at why dogs sneak into your bed at night.
If you’d rather not risk finding stray fleas in your sheets, you can keep your dog off the bed for a week or so while the worst of the infestation clears, and keep washing your bedding regularly.
4 Reasons why fleas don’t always go away
There are a few reasons why your dog may still have fleas even after treatment.
1The treatment wasn't applied correctly
Make sure you followed the instructions on the package and applied the treatment directly to the skin, not the fur.
2There are still eggs in your home
Flea eggs usually hatch within a few days to two weeks, and flea pupae can stay dormant in carpets and furniture for weeks before emerging. That’s why it’s normal to see some fleas for up to two or three months after you start treatment. Keep vacuuming regularly, treat your home, and don’t skip your dog’s monthly doses.
3Your dog is still spending time outside
If your dog is still spending time outside, they could be picking up new fleas from other animals or from the environment. Untreated pets in the same household are another common source, so treat every dog and cat in the home at the same time. Never use a dog flea product on a cat, as some (especially those containing permethrin) are highly toxic to cats.
4You have a severe infestation
It may take more than one treatment to get rid of all the fleas if you have a severe infestation. In this scenario, you could want to contact a professional pest control firm.
If you’re still seeing fleas, what should you do?
If your pet is still itching and scratching despite your best efforts to get rid of fleas, don’t despair. There are a few things you can try to finally get rid of these pesky critters.
First, make sure you’re using the right product for your pet. There are a variety of spot-on treatments, oral chewables, collars, and shampoos available, and fleas in some areas respond better to certain products than others, so talk to your veterinarian to find the best option for your pet. Also see your vet if your dog’s skin looks red, scabby, or infected, or if he’s losing hair, as some dogs are allergic to flea bites and need extra treatment.
Second, be sure to treat all areas where your pet spends time, including beds, blankets, and carpeting. A good vacuuming can also help to remove any fleas that have taken up residence in your home.
Finally, remember that it takes time to break the flea life cycle, so be patient and keep up with your treatment regimen until you’re finally flea-free.
What are some tips for keeping your dog flea-free?
In addition to treatment, there are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting fleas in the first place.
1Keep your dog groomed
Regular brushing and bathing helps to remove any fleas that may be on your dog’s fur. Some owners use dish soap for flea baths; we cover how often you can bathe a dog with Dawn.
2Use a Flea Collar
A flea collar can help to repel fleas and keep them away from your dog.
3Keep Your Yard Clean
Make sure to keep your yard free of debris and trim any tall grass where fleas could hide.
4Check Your Dog Daily
Take a quick look at your dog every day, paying close attention to their fur and skin. If you see any signs of fleas, take action right away! If you spot white flakes rather than fleas, see what white powder on your dog's coat means.
Final thoughts
Your dog can usually sleep in your bed again once a topical flea treatment has dried, or right away with an oral product, although you may prefer to wait a week while the infestation dies down. Be sure to also wash bedding, vacuum regularly, and keep your yard clean to help prevent fleas from coming back. You can get rid of these pests for good if you take a little time and effort! If the fleas keep coming back despite consistent treatment, talk to your vet and consider a professional pest control company.
