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My pregnant dog has fleas. What's the safest and best treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is pregnant with bad fleas. She is due in a few weeks. Can I use permitherin cream 5% to treat her fleas!!!!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 14th, 2018

No, this is not safe to use on your dog. Revolution is a spot on flea treatment, and it is approved and safe for use in pregnant dogs. You can get this from your vet's office. I'd recommend using Capstar as well. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and is also safe to give pregnant dogs. Give her the Capstar to kill the fleas, and follow up with the Revolution. 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. Just keep her out of any room where you use Indorex or a flea bomb until the room is completely dried. I hope this helps!

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7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 26th, 2017

    Frontline topical and Frontline Spray are both safe to use in pregnant or nursing bitches. You will also need to treat the environment. Vacuum everywhere she has been. Dispose of the bag outside. Wash all bedding in hot water. Use an area treatment as well to prevent reinfestation.

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 10th, 2017

    Frontline and Bravecto are approved for you in pregnant and lactating animals. That being said, even the products that are approved for use offer you no guarantees that there will be no birth defects in the pups. Just a signiicantly diminished risk compared to many of the other products which explicity say to avoid them.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 31st, 2017

    I wouldn't use any topical flea treatments on her at this point as many of the products are not safe for puppies as they get absorbed into her skin then will go into her blood and milk. Frontline spray is safe for young puppies so you could use this on her.

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