Flea treatment for Springer Spaniels — vet advice

Good news — your vet has already pointed you in exactly the right direction. Combining a topical treatment on your Springer with an OTC home spray is the correct approach, because around 95% of fleas in an infestation aren't on the dog at all — they're in carpets, soft furnishings, and bedding as eggs, larvae, and pupae. One product almost never clears the whole problem. To make sure I point you to the right things: how heavy is your Springer, is the topical already sorted or do you still need that too, and how widespread do you think the infestation is in the home?

Perfect, Frontline Plus is a solid choice for a Springer her size. For the home, the product I'd point you straight to is Indorex Defence Household Flea Spray. It's the one most vets actually recommend by name when they say 'get an OTC home spray' — it contains permethrin to kill adult fleas on contact, plus an insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen) that stops eggs and larvae developing for up to 12 months. That long residual action is what makes it genuinely effective rather than just knocking back adults temporarily. A 500ml can treats up to 70 square metres, which covers most living rooms, hallways, and a bedroom comfortably in one go.

Really important you mentioned that — thank you. Permethrin-based sprays like Indorex are toxic to cats, so you need to be careful with application. The key rules: spray the rooms, then keep your cat out until the surfaces are completely dry — usually 30 to 60 minutes with good ventilation. Don't spray directly onto cat bedding or anywhere they'll lie on a still-wet surface. Once dry, it's safe. Thousands of households with both dogs and cats use Indorex without issue by following this. Also worth noting — if your cat isn't already on flea treatment, they'll need treating too, or you'll just keep reinfesting the house.

A few things that make a real difference. Vacuum thoroughly first — sofas, carpets, skirting boards, under cushions — and immediately bin or empty the vacuum outside, because the vibration actually encourages flea pupae to hatch, which makes the spray more effective at killing them. Wash your Springer's bedding on a hot wash (60°C or above) the same day. Then spray Indorex along skirting boards, under furniture, on carpets and soft furnishings — the places fleas actually live, not just open floor space. You don't need to drench surfaces; a light, even coat is enough. Keep everyone out of treated rooms until dry, then ventilate well.

For most standard-sized homes one 500ml can is enough if you're focused — treating the main living areas, hallway, and her sleeping spots rather than every square inch of every room. If you've got a larger house or multiple carpeted floors, two cans is the safer call and they keep well so nothing's wasted. Given you've caught this relatively early and the vet has the dog side handled, you're in a good position to clear it in one round. Just don't skip the vacuum-before step — it's the bit most people leave out and it genuinely matters.