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Can I use Dawn dish soap on nursing dogs and puppies with fleas?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 2 years old | 4 lbs

My very tiny 3' inch, two day old puppies got fleas - as well as the momma can I still give them and the nursing momma a dawn dish soap bath?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2017

Great question! Yes, you can give the puppies a dawn dish soap bath, and use a flea comb to comb out the fleas. As for Harley, there are flea treatments that are safe to use on nursing dogs. Capstar is a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and is safe for her. I would follow that up with Revolution (you can use Capstar and Revolution together). Revolution is a monthly spot on treatment that is safe to use on nursing dogs. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. Wash their bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a flea spray such as Indorex, but make sure it is completely dried before allowing Harley and her puppies back into the treated area. I hope this helps!

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