How to Kill Fleas on a Baby Poodle

Fleas on small puppies may cause anemia or even kill young puppies, warns the ASPCA. Keeping your puppy healthy requires that you remove the fleas and prevent infestation from recurring. Your options for killing the fleas depend on the age and weight of your puppy. Poodle puppies range in size depending on type -- miniature, toy or standard -- and age.

Things You'll Need

  • Liquid detergent
  • 2 water containers
  • Flea comb
  • Dog shampoo
  • Cloth
  • Towels
  • Hair dryer (optional)
  • Flea control products (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb your puppy to find fleas. Put liquid detergent and water into a container. Use a flea comb to help find and remove fleas from the puppy̵7;s coat. Do not force the comb through the puppy̵7;s coat. Drop the fleas into the soapy water. Use the flea comb to groom and part the coat to check the puppy daily for more fleas.

    • 2

      Bathe your baby poodle. Increase the room temperature to avoid chilling the puppy. Place dog shampoo and towels in the washing area. Use a cup or other container to wet the puppy with warm water, then apply dog shampoo and lather the entire body, except the head and ears. Allow the puppy to soak for approximately 15 minutes, advises D. L. Richman, graduate assistant, and P. G. Koehler, professor, University of Florida. Use the container to rinse the puppy, avoiding wetting the ears or face. Use a wet cloth to wipe any soap off the face and ears. Use the flea comb to find remaining fleas. Flush the contents when you finish grooming.

    • 3

      Contact your veterinarian regarding safe flea products for your poodle̵7;s size and age. Check product labels, as most products require that use be limited to puppies that are at least 4 to 8 weeks old. Use spot application flea products at least one to two days after bathing, according to University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Make sure your puppy meets all requirements as some products, such as nitenpyram, set minimum limits for both age and weight.

    • 4

      Take the puppy to a veterinarian or groomer to kill fleas, especially with heavy flea infestation or if your poodle̵7;s coat makes flea combing or bathing difficult. Maintain the groomed coat after the veterinarian or groomer appointment to help make it easier for you to find and remove fleas at home.