At What Age Can a Puppy Get Flea-Dipped?

Puppies are more susceptible to the dangers of various drugs and chemicals than healthy adult dogs are. Because of this, many different flea dips and medications are administered only after a puppy has reached a certain age. Before starting a flea dip regimen for your puppy, research the alternatives and speak with your veterinarian about the right flea dip product or treatment for your pup.

  1. What Is a Dip?

    • A dip is a liquid that is applied to a whole dog -- from nose to tail. Occasionally, though, the flea dip medication can be sprayed on. Flea dips come in many different brand names and with a variety of active ingredients. Some of the ingredients are very powerful and extremely dangerous when used the wrong way. In some places, you can have your pet flea-dipped at the vet or a grooming center. Over-the-counter flea dip products are generally discouraged due to the potential health hazards.

    Ages

    • The many different ingredients in the various flea dips available call for different minimum ages on puppies. That said, most active ingredients have a minimum age of seven to eight weeks old. Because of the harmful side effects associated with flea dips, always have the dip performed by a veterinarian or trained groomer.

    Side Effects and Downsides of Dips

    • Flea dips were once the go-to method for controlling fleas on dogs; however, this has changed with the introduction of several easier-to-use, safer and less imposing flea-control products. It's important to remember than any pesticide is dangerous -- and flea dip is, in fact, a dangerous pesticide. Some flea dips are fat-soluble and will soak into the skin and then spread throughout the body. Flea dips often smell bad, as well. The use of flea dip is typically reserved now for larger dogs that live outside and have a high exposure to ticks. Various side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, organ failure and death. Puppies don't have the immune system that older dogs do, making them more prone to these dangerous side effects.

    Alternatives

    • Many topical and oral flea medications are available with and without a prescription from a veterinarian. Some of these include topical "spot treatment" products that may have any number of active ingredients, including fipronil, imidacloprid, permethrin, dinotefuran, spinetoram or selamectin. There are also several natural ingredients thought to treat against fleas, although many have had inconclusive scientific results.