Your dog's got fleas. Now what? Attack them--at virtually every stage of their life cycle. Flea pupae are remarkably hardy and can survive freezing temperatures, extreme heat, and many insecticides. They can also live dormant in your carpeting and furniture for months.

Happily, today's veterinarian-dispensed flea treatments are better and easier to use than were the old dips, shampoos, and powders.

How to get rid of your dog's fleas

1. Start your dog on a monthly FRONTLINE® flea control program immediately. FRONTLINE contains fipronil, an insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of adult fleas. It can kill up to 100 percent of fleas within 24 hours of application and lasts a month.
2. Treat every other resident dog, and cat, in your house as well, so the fleas don't infest them too.
3. Clean your home. Toss all pet bedding into a hot, soapy wash and vacuum like you've never vacuumed before. Don't forget to clean the drapes and any carpeted stairs. Once you've finished, toss the vacuum bag or the little wretches may get out, find a new host, and start making trouble all over again.

How NOT to get rid of fleas

• Don't double up on products. These are potent products and need to be dosed appropriately, so follow the label instructions.
• Each pet should have its own size-appropriate dose of product.
• Don't fall for ineffective products. Natural remedies such as garlic, Brewer's yeast, and citronella oil, won't kill fleas. They may make your dog's skin less appealing to them, however.