When a dog acquire fleas, the general wisdom is to apply flea-killing chemicals in the form of flea baths and other applications. With newborn puppies, this approach can prove dangerous, as pups under six weeks of age are highly sensitive to harsh products. Fleas pose particular danger to newborn pups because they can cause fatal anemia, so you will need to deal with the problem immediately using a gentle, nonchemical approach.
Things You'll Need
- Mild dishwashing soap Towel Flea comb Vacuum cleaner
Instructions
Fill your sink halfway with warm water. Check the temperature and verify that the water does not become too hot for the puppy.
Gently dip your puppy into the water and wet his entire body. Do not place his head under the water, but use your hand to wet his face.
Remove your puppy from the water and lather her fur with a mild dish detergent. Dish washing soap is harmless for puppies but instantly fatal to fleas. Work the detergent into her fur throughout her entire body, using a gentle massage and making sure to cover the entire coat.
Place the puppy back in the water and thoroughly rinse the detergent. Allow him to soak for several minutes if he does not fuss too much. Remain close and interact with him to keep him from becoming overly restless.
Remove the puppy from the water and dry her off with a clean towel. Do not allow her to venture outside or into any cold or humid environment until she has dried completely.
Brush the puppy's coat with a flea comb to remove any remaining fleas, dead or alive. Go over the entire coat several times to ensure complete flea removal.
Vacuum all of your carpets to eliminate additional fleas that continue to lurk. Once again, do not apply any chemical flea killers to the carpet, as they may endanger your puppy.