Fleas after dog passed

[u/Annoying_Short_Girl]

My dog passed just around 4 weeks ago. It was heartbreaking, he had an underlying condition that we treated very thoroughly but just finally caught up to him.

Unrelated, he had fleas the last week or so of his life. He never had fleas before this, but when it rains it pours. We bathed him and cleaned our stuff, but with a sick and soon to be passed dog we probably didn’t do as much as we should have. We’ve found just a few that most likely recently hatched and we want to get rid of them before we get our puppy (who we were also planning to get before the first one passed. We wanted him to have a brother 😭).

Anyway, not sure why they’re here now that there is no dog. Will clean and such but any advice is super appreciated. I had flea infestations all of my life as a kid so even seeing 3 in the span of a week has me so panicked.

[u/Significant_Area_277]

I'm really sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is truly heartbreaking, especially after all the care you put into his health. Fleas are tenacious, and it’s normal to feel anxious about seeing them around, especially with a new puppy on the way. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help ensure your home is flea-free by the time your new pup arrives:

1. Deep Cleaning: Flea eggs and larvae can hide in fabrics and crevices, so start with a thorough vacuuming of carpets, rugs, furniture, and baseboards. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately outside to prevent any fleas from escaping back into the house.
2. Launder All Fabrics: Wash all bedding, throw blankets, and any fabric items the previous dog may have touched in the hottest setting possible. Fleas and their eggs won’t survive the heat.
3. Consider a Flea Treatment Spray: Opt for an EPA-approved household flea spray to treat furniture, carpets, and any other soft surfaces. Look for one with an insect growth regulator (IGR) to stop eggs and larvae from maturing.
4. Focus on Hard-to-Reach Areas: Flea eggs can fall into hard-to-reach places like under furniture or in cracks. Try moving furniture and cleaning in those spots, even if it’s a quick vacuum.
5. Outdoor Care: If you have a yard, particularly one where your previous dog spent time, treat it with pet-safe flea control granules or sprays. Fleas can hide in shaded, moist areas, so clear any leaf litter or overgrown grass where they might linger.
6. Preventative Measures for the Puppy: Once your puppy arrives, start them on a flea prevention regimen early. Options include topical treatments, chewable tablets, or flea collars. Consulting your vet will help you find the safest choice based on your puppy’s age and health.

It’s normal to feel uneasy about seeing fleas after everything, but taking these steps should help keep the house flea-free and ease your worries as you prepare for your new puppy

[u/Annoying_Short_Girl → u/Significant_Area_277]

Thank you! I haven’t had a good chance to reply, but your information helped a lot. We’re still trying to get a professional to come look to be certain we’re clear, but we’ve been cleaning thoroughly and I haven’t seen or felt any fleas in a few days!!

We’re hoping to adopt our next pup in time for adorable Christmas pictures!!