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My 8-week-old puppy got flea shampoo. Is he going to be okay?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltipoo | Male | 1 month and 21 days old

I used “natural care flea & tick shampoo” (it’s supposed to be made from natural oils and ingredients) on my almost 8 week old puppy. I didn’t NOT know you couldn’t use flea and tick shampoo on puppies. After I found out and I felt extremely terrible and terrified! So I rinsed my puppie off again with warm water dried him off and now holding him warm in a blacket. Will he be ok?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2019

Hello. Most flea & tick shampoos will have recommendations as to what age it can safely be used on puppies. There are still some that are OK at 8 weeks, but most will say 12 weeks. Rinsing your puppy was the correct thing to do. I am sure he will be fine. If you cannot find a medicated shampoo to use on such a young puppy, just use plain shampoo. The soap will kill most fleas until Loki is old enough to start using other flea & tick products. FYI, Nexguard & Frontline are 2 products labeled for puppies 8 weeks & older. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 25th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The bottle should say what age is safe to use the shampoo. Usually 8 weeks but it could be 12. Also make sure to dry Sarge well after the bath so he doesn’t get cold. Lastly, I do no recommend flea baths as they only treat the fleas for 24 hours. The fleas will return if you do not also use a product to kill and repel fleas. This must be purchased from a veterinarian, as over the counter products, including flea collars, don’t work. You must also treat all the pets in the home and sometimes treat the home. I would use the shampoo until you can talk to the vet on Tuesday for proper treatment. Good luck and kisses to Sarge!

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