How to Treat Puppies with Fleas

Puppies May Be Innocent

Puppies look innocent and cute. They also look very harmless. However, they are too young to know anything about fleas and how to defend against them Puppies are very vulnerable to fleas because of this lack of experience.

The problem with helping your puppies defend themselves against fleas is that they are too young for most anti-flea products. The harsh chemicals can damage their internal organs and put your cute puppies in danger.

Keep reading to find out how to handle this problem.

Are Fleas Common in Puppies?

Yes, they are. In most cases, puppies will get fleas from their mothers when they are very young. As they grow, puppies will get fleas from their bedding and other places, especially if you take them outside.

The skin of the puppy is ideal for fleas because it is warm, soft, and creates moisture. All the things fleas look for in a host. If you are not careful in removing fleas from your home, then you can expect your puppies to host some fleas.

You do have to take care to wash their bedding and clean your carpets and furniture as well as your bedding. Keeping all the places your puppy goes is essential if you want to protect your puppy from fleas.

While puppies are not immune to fleas, there are treatments you can use that are safe for them but not safe for the fleas and their eggs.

When Can You Start Flea Treatment on a Puppy?

If you use the comb and tweezer method, you can start almost as soon after they are born. Combs and tweezers do not bring any harmful chemicals to your pet and keep them nice and safe.

You just have to look in the right places for these little creatures. The most common places to look are the belly, underarms, puppy’s neck, and genitals. If you find any fleas, you should wash his or her bedding to kill more off.

Or you can vacuum the bedding and surrounding area to pick up the fleas and their eggs. Then if you do not like this method as it is very time-consuming, then you have to wait for about 12 weeks before your puppy is old enough to handle the chemicals that come in commercial anti-flea products.

It is best to read the labels first before you buy. The labels should tell you very clearly what age your puppy has to be before you use it on them

What to Use on Puppies for Fleas

You can create your own anti-flea shampoo for puppies. It would consist of a few essential oils that are healthy for dogs and a very mild dog shampoo that does not have any chemicals in it.

Mix those ingredients together and wash your little puppy using the proper wash tools. Make sure to dry your puppy completely so they do not get sick. If that does not work for you, you can dip a flea comb in rubbing alcohol and comb your pet’s fur.

The alcohol should kill the fleas and make them easier to pick up and get rid of. When your puppy is too young for other products, these two are your best options. You have to be gentle when treating your puppies as they are not strong enough to handle other products or rough treatment.

How to Treat Newborn Puppies with Fleas

The best two ways have already been described above. Usually, if the puppy is still with the mother, she may ‘wash’ her puppies and get rid of the fleas for you. It all depends on the mother.

Even a puppy’s self-care will help get rid of the fleas when they are too young for commercial products. The best option would be to kill the fleas that are in your home at the moment. Vacuum all the places that can be vacuumed sprinkle baking soda and salt on the floors, carpets, and bedding.

Then wash your puppy’s and his or her mother’s bedding to get rid of fleas. Treating the mother for fleas is one good way to stop the transfer of those creatures to your dog’s puppies.

Some Final Words

Treating a newborn or young puppy for fleas is tricky. You just have to be careful as your puppies are too vulnerable for many items you normally would use. Get some advice from a trusted vet before you start to make sure you are using the best and safest products available.