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Is it safe to give flea treatment to an underweight puppy with fleas?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 2 days old | 13.8 lbs

We got a 3 Mo old puppy from the pound yesterday and discovered that she is COVERED in fleas! We have a flea treatment for our other dog and out new puppy meets the age requirement (3 months) but just barely missed the weight requirement. She is 13.8 lbs, the requirement is 15lbs so she is 1.2lbs short. Is it very dangerous for us to give it to her? She is literally riddled with bugs

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 3rd, 2017

Hi there, It kind of depends on the product, but I wouldn't use it on her if it's going to be a slight overdose. Sometimes products have a wider safety margin, but flea products can be toxic at higher doses. Ideally go buy a product that is her size, and that kills adult fleas and their eggs. You can also give her a bath to drown some of them. Sorry you have to deal with that, but congrats on your puppy. Also let the shelter know they have fleas... Best wishes to you and Lucy and thanks for using Pet Coach.

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