How to Get Rid of Fleas on Pups

Too many fleas on a puppy can cause its death. Puppies are just like any other newborns. Their skins is very sensitive and they are susceptible to chemical reactions. Therefore, great care must be given to the way you would treat a puppy for fleas. Learn how to get rid of fleas on puppies and at what ages you can use the different flea killing products.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb
  • Dawn dish washing liquid or
  • Flea shampoo or
  • Flea dip or
  • Flea spray or
  • Topical flea liquid
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Instructions

    • 1

      The first step of getting rid of fleas on puppies depends on the age of the puppy. Before the age of 4 weeks, there is no product to buy. However, if your newborn puppy has fleas, you must get rid of them as too many fleas on a puppy can kill it. The best way to get the fleas off very young puppies is to use a flea comb. It's much like a nit comb for lice. Comb the fleas out of the puppy's fur and put the comb in a bowl of water to get the fleas off the comb and repeat. If the fleas are too bad, you can use a little bit of Dawn dishwashing liquid in some warm water to wash off the puppy. Rinse him well and make sure to towel dry him and keep him warm until he is completely dry. Then repeat the combing to get out the dead fleas.

    • 2

      If your puppy is at least 4 weeks old, there is a non-prescription pill you can get from pet stores, online and off. It works in only 30 minutes but only lasts for 24 hours. One hour after giving the puppy the pill, comb him out with the flea comb.

    • 3

      At 8 weeks, you can start the puppy on the once a month topical liquid. It is administered on the back of their necks and top of their backs. It works really well and kills the eggs of the fleas also. There are many different brands and you can go online and check how they compare to each other. Some of them also kill ticks and other nasty bugs, and some are not recommended until the age of 12 weeks. Read the instructions with this product because they are best administered at certain times in relation to when you bathe them.

    • 4

      When you reach 12 weeks, you can use almost anything on your puppy. Products like flea dip, flea spray and flea shampoo are sold at pet stores or you can get them from your veterinarian. These products are good if you are having a problem with fleas that you do not usually have, but they don't prevent them from coming back for very long like the topical liquid does.

    • 5

      Keeping your puppy free from fleas is important to her health. Keep her bedding, and any area where she plays or sleeps clean. There are products to spray these areas to kill and prevent fleas, but read the instructions carefully as these chemicals can be harmful to your puppy as well. It's better to clean the area with an organic cleaner unless the flea problem is out of control.