Employ the use of that old shower curtain or plastic tablecloth, to stay dry, when washing Fido. To prevent these pests from pestering your pet, soak some cotton cording in oil of pennyroyal and tie loosely around your pets' collar. Change every other week. They do say that if you put garlic in your dogs' food, it will stop fleas bothering him. When giving your dog a flea bath, make sure you lather well around the neck area.
Fleas tend to migrate towards the head.
If you keep some cellotape handy you can stick the fleas to it and dispose of them later. Try winding a few turns round an old bottle for example, sticky side out. To keep your cat still while applying flea powder, try this. Take an old fishing net and gently place it over the cat. Would prefer to use a flea collar but please be extra careful if doing so as these can be dangerous for cats if not fitted properly.