Q&A for How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Puppy Too Young for Normal Medication

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do you get rid of fleas on a 8-week old puppy?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Give your pup a thorough bath and use a flea comb to get rid of the pests. Then, clean your puppy's bedding as well as your general home to prevent the fleas from coming back.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

What flea medicine is bad for puppies?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

All flea medicines are bad for puppies, since they are too young to receive antiparasitic medications.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

How do I bathe my dog with Dawn to get rid of fleas?

Community Answer

Let the soap (after you have scrubbed him) sit on him for 10 minutes. Then rinse him well and try to brush through all of his fur with a flea comb. You might have to do this one more time, but it should kill the fleas, larvae and eggs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 67
Question

Is Dawn too strong for a nine week old pup?

Community Answer

No. Dawn works perfectly with puppies. Just make sure to not get it in its eyes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28
Question

Is it true that Dawn dish washing liquid can get rid of fleas?

Community Answer

Yes. I always prefer dawn over puppy shampoos anyway. Make sure to not use the concentrated kind as it can leave a residue that ends up irritating the dogs' skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 49
Question

How to clear fleas from a puppy I found roadside if he has thousands of small red fleas?

Community Answer

You can give him a bath in blue Dawn soap. Let the soap (after you have scrubbed him) sit on him for 10 minutes. Then rinse him good and try to brush through all of his hair with a flea comb. You might have to do this one more time, but it should kill the fleas, larvae and eggs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 23 Helpful 44
Question

Can I give flea medication to a puppy that has not been weaned?

Community Answer

No, puppies and kittens can not tolerate any kind of insecticide or pesticides. If they are still nursing, do not treat the mother with anything either; the chemicals could leach into her milk, also her skin. Just be diligent in flea combing them several times a day and making sure the house/area they're in is clean, and that their bedding gets washed in very hot water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
Question

What do I do if I find a flea on myself?

Community Answer

You can either crush it between your fingernails or drop into a cup of boiling water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 17
Question

My pit had her litter and I noticed that she had fleas. That means the pups have them too, but they are only a day old. Will I still be able to wash them and use a flea comb on them?

Community Answer

After the umbilical cords fall off, bathe the pups as described above, but use Dawn dishsoap instead of shampoo. Hold a pup in warm water, then lather him up with Dawn while he sits on a towel. Once lathered, put him back in the water and try to keep him there for a few minutes. Then dry him off and give him back to Mom.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 36 Helpful 35
Question

I have a puppy and I'm not sure if he has fleas or ticks. How can I tell the difference?

Community Answer

Fleas move around and jump. Ticks burrow their head into the skin of a dog and stay in one place, swelling up as they consume blood.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
Question

How do I keep fleas from coming back when my dog goes outside?

Community Answer

Treat your yard, and then keep your pet on long-term flea prevention products. Keep treating your yard and house for a couple of weeks.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 10
Question

Can I shave my dog to get rid of fleas?

Community Answer

No - shaving won't get rid of fleas.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

How old should a puppy be before flea spray can be applied?

Community Answer

About six weeks to two months. The packaging of the product should have the age requirements listed.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it normal that the fleas/ticks eat the skin and leave a big bald spot?

Community Answer

Puppies will have patches of missing fur due to itching and biting, not from the fleas/ticks themselves.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can a nursing mother dog be given an oral flea medication?

Community Answer

No, she cannot be given oral treatment, as it will pass into the puppies through the mother's milk. Try a spot-on treatment for fleas that has been developed specifically for lactating mothers. Talk to your vet if you're unsure.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What kind of food can I give to a 2-week-old puppy?

Colleen Knecht

Community Answer

You will need milk replacer for puppies and a bottle and nipple kit. Follow instructions on the formula. You can find these things at Walmart or most pet stores.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How old does a puppy need to be to get flea treatment?

Community Answer

A puppy needs to be at least 7 to 8 weeks old. If you so try giving him treatment before he passes that age, your puppy can have problems because it may be harmful for your puppy. Always read the packaging instructions before application.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0