February 22, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Flea & Tick Preventatives, How to, Pet Supplies

If your dog gets fleas, you probably know the general protocol – wash the dog with pest-killing pet shampoo, treat all of your linens, cushions and carpets with pet products designed to kill the insects, and hope that the bugs haven't spread anywhere else. But if you focus only on indoor spaces, you are missing a hot spot for flea breeding – your backyard.

Treating your yard and the general outdoor environment for fleas is particularly important if your dog spends a lot of its time outdoors or if you live in a climate where it is warm all year round. In fact, pets that are sensitive to fleas will not respond to flea treatments like Frontline Plus or Pet Armor if you forgot to treat its entire environment.

There are certain substances that are recommended for use outside to kill fleas. Sprays like Virbac Yard Spray are designed for use outside. This particular product even has a sprayer that can be attached to your garden hose and covers up to 6,000 square feet. You can also dilute this product and apply it to plants with a watering can. While this product will end any infestations, it will not harm any of your favorite plants or flowers. However, you should not apply this spray directly to pets or on ponds, as it can harm fish.

While treating your grass, shrubs and garden plants, it is also important not to miss any outdoor sleeping areas like dog houses, kennels or other outdoor pet products. If your dog has a bed like the Pillow Dog Bed outside in its dog house or a Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed, make sure you treat these areas like you would your couches and cushions inside. You can use a spray like the Bio Spot Fogger to make sure the pests are gone from this area. Also, don't forget places like the garage or carports where your pooch might spend time.

If you have a serious infestation on your hands, you will need to repeat your outdoor flea treatment every two to three weeks for at least six weeks. Once it seems like you have things under control, it's a good idea to keep up with maintenance treatments every four to six weeks thereafter. 

Related posts:

1. Best ways to ward off fleas
2. When your puppy gets fleas
3. How To Effectively Control Cat Fleas
4. Pet Armor: Part of Your Total Flea Control Program
5. Dog Flea Meds Not Working?