Fleas-- How do disinfect and protect?

[Tazwell]

My neighbor has a 6 month old puppy that they're surrendering to my rescue group. I'm going to foster the dog, starting next week.

Yesterday, I had to take the dog to the dog coordinator to be approved. He was dirty, and smelly. I didn't notice fleas on him, and I figured it was early in the flea season anyway. He's kept in an outdoor kennel all the time, and we're in Michigan.

So he was in my truck yesterday.

Today, I went and talked to them, and I noticed their cat (who is indoor/outdoor, unlike the dog who is constantly outdoors) was covered in fleas. At least I think. I only got a chance to look while they had their backs turned to me.

So, I don't know whether that dog has fleas or not. He's going to get a flea bath, vaccinations, check-up, frontline, neutering, and everything else before he comes into our home, anyway. My dogs just got their frontline today, and we'll be putting it on them shortly.

Question is, how do I 'disinfect' clothes and the car to make sure no fleas are traveling on them? How else can I protect our pets against fleas? Any suggestions are great-- I've never dealt with fleas before :) I've got lots of other animals that don't have frontline and things like that, that could get fleas.

[VelvetFuzzbutt]

just give him a regular bath, I'd use Dawn dish soap this time. Give your other dogs a bath prior to adding the flea meds too. Wash all clothes, towels, and toys hes been in contact with in Hot soapy water. If you don't know you have fleas in the vehicle, than I would just vacume it regularly, or maybe steam clean it.

I think as a pet owner that you should get your yard treated. especially since the neighbor has fleas. We use a flea med, and get the house and yard (they're indoor/outdoor) treated twice a year with a company that uses pet-safe stuff.

[1993Kat1993]

A mix of 1oz neem oil, 1 teaspoon baby shampoo or dish soap and 1 gallon water works wonders. You can spray it on yourself, your pets (works for cats and small pets too!), your car, your couch/carpet/beds/clothes/curtins. Even your yard, it kills bugs and removes chemical reidue from plants and grass. If you look at hitbystars thread "Garlic" I posted a link to some neem oil on ebay. 16oz for $16, and that includes shipping:)

Sorry.. I am pandapita04, my sister was signed in and I didn't know it.

[Tazwell]

Ah, thank you :) I'm not worried about the dogs and cats, they've all got their frontline now-- It's just the car and my clothes. That's the only thing the dog has come into contact with. I will disinfect our yard, so nothing travels indoors on our dogs, but I just don't want to be the one to bring things into the house to my chins and mice!