How to safely remove fleas from very young puppies and their mom?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Harrah White

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 29th, 2017

  You may bath them yes, however it is very important that once they are bathed, they are dried thoroughly (you may use a hair dryer) but do not burn them with the heat. Once they are dry make sure that they are kept warm.

  

  5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 19th, 2019

  You can give the puppy a bath in Dawn dish soap and warm water, and use a flea comb to comb out the fleas. You can also use Frontline Spray on the puppy when it's dry, it's safe to use on puppies at least two days of age. You will have to disinfect the environment as well. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. Best of luck.

  

  21Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on October 4th, 2018

  You can bathe the puppies to remove fleas on their skin, and then use a product like Frontline spray applied to a dry towel and then rubbed on the puppies. Make sure mom and any other adult dogs are cats are all on good monthly preventatives.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 11th, 2016

  Revolution (a spot on treatment) and Capstar (a one time pill) are both approved for use in lactating dogs. I'd give Bella Capstar, which will start killing the fleas in 30 minutes, and then following up with Revolution. You cannot use any flea treatment on the puppies unfortunately, they are still too young. The only solution is to try to remove the fleas manually. Gently bathe the puppies in warm water, using your hand to support their heads and keeping them above water. Don't use any products, just warm water (at the same temperature you'd bathe a baby), and scoop water over their backs until wet. Then gently dry them with a soft towel. Use a flea comb to groom the puppies coats and remove fleas. Flea combs have teeth that are very close together and work by physically pulling fleas out of the fur. Start at the puppy's neck and part the fur, combing a section at a time until you have covered his whole body and removed all of the fleas. It's important to kill any fleas that you remove from the puppy's fur, otherwise they could find their way back and re-infest. You can kill the fleas by squishing them between your fingernails or by dropping them into a cup of boiling water. Wash their bedding in warm soapy water, and make sure all the laundry detergent is complete removed before giving it back to Bella and her pups. You will have to vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. Once the puppies are 4 weeks old and at least 2 pounds in weight, they can have Capstar to kill the fleas. They will have to be 8 weeks old before they can have Revolution spot on treatment.

  

  12Pet Parents found this answer helpful