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How do I safely remove fleas and ticks from 10-day-old puppies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 13 days old

We have a litter of 10 pitbull puppies that all have fleas and i have found one tick. They are only 10 days old and I've heard that Adams flea and tick is safe to use at this early of an age. I'm am really skeptical about the chemicals and smell for such young pups. What can I do to get rid of the fleas and ticks.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2017

Oh no, how frustrating! I would not recommend using Adams flea and tick products for dogs of any age, as they tend not to be terribly effective and can lead to some serious reactions. Your puppies are currently too young to be treated with any oral or topical flea and tick preventatives. However, one method of managing fleas at this young age is to bathe the puppies in original Dawn dish soap weekly. The original (blue) Dawn will kill adult fleas, but it will not kill eggs or treat the recently hatched larvae. Be sure to dry them well and keep them warm after their baths since young puppies are not able to regulate their body temperatures as well as adult dogs. By 6 weeks of age, your vet can prescribe Revolution to be used topically, or you can purchase K9 Advantix II OTC when the puppies are 7 weeks old. Also be sure to wash their bedding and any soft materials they contact in hot soapy water. Assure that the puppies' mom and any other dogs in the house are also receiving flea and tick preventatives regularly. K9 Advantix II is labeled as being safe for pregnant and lactating bitches. I hope that all goes well!

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