What to Do If You Find Live Fleas on Your Pet

Fleas are more than just a nuisance — they can cause serious discomfort and health risks for your pets and family. If you’ve spotted live fleas on your dog or cat, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide from your trusted Fargo veterinarian team to help you eliminate fleas and prevent future infestations.

1. Confirm It’s Fleas

Live fleas appear as small, fast-moving brown insects crawling through your pet’s fur. You might also see “flea dirt” — tiny black specks (flea feces) that turn reddish when wet. If you’re unsure, schedule a quick visit with us at Two Rivers Vet Hospital. We're happy to confirm and guide you on next steps.

2. Use Fast-Acting Flea Treatment

For dogs and cats with live fleas, we recommend giving Capstar® — a fast-acting oral tablet that starts killing adult fleas within 30 minutes. It provides rapid relief while your longer-term flea prevention gets to work.

⚠️ Capstar is safe for both dogs and cats — but always follow the labeled dose or ask us first.

3. Start a Vet-Recommended Flea Preventative

Once adult fleas are treated, use a monthly flea preventative to break the life cycle. The best flea prevention products are veterinary-approved and protect against both fleas and ticks. We carry several effective, vet-trusted options — ask our team for a recommendation based on your pet’s needs.

❄️ Yes — we recommend year-round flea prevention in Fargo, even in winter. Fleas can survive indoors and become active as soon as it warms up.

4. Treat All Pets in Your Home

If one pet has fleas, they’ve likely spread to others. Be sure to treat every dog and cat in your household — even indoor-only pets. (And never use dog flea products on cats — some can be toxic!)

5. Clean & Treat Your Home Environment

Flea eggs and larvae can hide in carpets, bedding, and furniture. You can stop a reinfestation by:

• Washing pet bedding in hot water.

• Vacuuming floors, rugs, and upholstery daily for at least 7–14 days (empty vacuum canister outside each time).

• Spraying your home with Knockout® Area Treatment Spray by Virbac — an effective vet-recommended flea spray that kills all stages of fleas (eggs, larvae, and adults) and keeps working for up to 4 months.

6. Visit Your Veterinarian if Symptoms Persist

If your pet is still itching, has red or irritated skin, or seems unwell, contact us. Severe flea infestations can cause allergic reactions, secondary skin infections, tapeworms, and even anemia — especially in kittens, puppies, and senior pets.

7. Stay Ahead of Fleas Year-Round

The best flea treatment is prevention. At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we offer vet-approved flea and tick prevention in Fargo, ND tailored to your pet’s lifestyle. Even one missed dose can allow fleas to return — so let’s build a plan that works for you year-round.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

Whether you’re battling a current infestation or just want to protect your pets, we’re here for you.