How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Two-Week Old Puppy

Fleas are a massive problem for puppies, and unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get rid of them. The best way to prevent fleas is to keep your puppy away from other animals that might be carrying them and to use a flea treatment regularly. However, if you find that your puppy has fleas, don’t panic! There are many different types of flea treatments available today. Some are based on chemicals and others on herbal remedies and homoeopathic methods. We wrote about 7 different remedies you can use, read about the entire list here.

This article will explore the options you have for treating fleas on a 2-week old puppy. It will discuss the best treatment methods and help you decide what is suitable for your dog.

So keep reading for a comprehensive guide on “how to get rid of fleas on a 2-week old puppy”, backed by some pretty conclusive scientific evidence.

What are dog fleas?

Fleas are the most common ectoparasites that infect dogs. Fleas live off of the blood of dogs and cats and can also cause skin problems for these animals. Fleas are wingless champion jumpers that can 30cm long jump from one animal to another; any pet can get them, even if they have never had them before.

1. Fleas can cause various health problems in pets, ranging from skin irritation and allergies to more severe conditions like tapeworm infection.
2. However, the most painful issue caused by fleas is the transmission of diseases. These transmit Leishmania, Babesia canis and Dipylidium caninum in dogs. [1]
3. Fleas can transmit several diseases to animals and people, including plague and typhus. [2]
4. Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis are common dogs’ fleas.

What products to use to get rid of fleas

Fleas can be a nuisance for any pet, but puppies are especially susceptible to them. So if you’ve just brought home a new puppy and are finding fleas everywhere, never fear! You can take a few easy steps to avoid your puppy from fleas’ infestation.

1. The first step is to bathe your puppy with a flea-dissolving shampoo.
2. Read the instructions carefully, as some shampoos can be harsh on young puppies.
3. Follow up with a topical flea treatment combination (Amitraz 8mg, Fipronil 6.7mg and Methoprene 6mg) —either spot-on or a flea collar. [3]
4. You can also use an oral flea treatment Spinosad (Comfortis®), if the problem is severe. [4]
5. After a few weeks of using these methods, you should see a significant reduction in the number of fleas on your puppy.

Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to treat your puppy for fleas.

How long do fleas live?

Fleas can annoy both pets and their owners, and they can be especially harmful to young or elderly animals. Fleas have a lifespan of around a few days to 2 weeks and take a blood meal to complete the life cycle, so it’s essential to take care of the problem as soon as possible. [5]You can use several different methods, but we recommend using a flea shampoo or treatment along with a flea collar.

3 natural methods for getting rid of fleas on puppies

Here are three biological processes that are effective for getting rid of fleas on puppies:

1. Use a flea comb to remove fleas and eggs from the puppy’s coat.
2. Soak the puppy in a bath with a natural insecticide, such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil. [6]
3. Spray the puppy’s coat with a solution of water and citrus fruit peels.

3 best ways to get rid of fleas on your 2-week old puppy

Depending on your timeline, environment and budget, here are the three best ways to get rid of fleas on 2-week old puppy:

• Use a topical flea treatment. Nothing beats a topical treatment like Advantage or Frontline when killing fleas fast. Check out the comparison Seresto vs Advantix K9 Rocks wrote here. Just be careful to read the label and use it as directed, as these products can be harsh on young puppies’ skin and fur.
• Use an oral flea treatment. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution, oral treatments like Capstar or Program can be very effective in getting rid of fleas. They work by targeting the pup’s bloodstream and killing fleas before they can lay eggs.
• Try a combination of both methods. If you want to kill fleas quickly and prevent them from coming back, using a combination of a topical treatment and an oral treatment can be the best way to go.

3 tips for puppy owners that you need to know

It’s not just about getting rid of the fleas. Here are three crucial tips every new puppy owner should know:

1. Flea prevention is critical. Anthelminthic treatment starts at 2 weeks of age and repeats every 2 weeks. The earlier you start the better. Puppies are especially susceptible to fleas, so make sure you have a plan in place to protect them. [7]
2. Be consistent with your treatment. If you’re going to treat your puppy for fleas, be sure to do it every day until they’re gone.
3. Check your pet’s bedding and environment for fleas as well. The last thing you want is for them to jump back on your pup after they’ve been treated. [8]

Which anthelmintic drug is best to get rid of fleas?

There are a few different drug treatments available for getting rid of fleas on a 2-week old puppy.

• The most common and effective anthelmintic drug for this purpose is Ivermectin at a dose rate of 1ml/50 kg body weight. In one study, Ivermectin was found to kill 99.9% of fleas when administered at the recommended dosage.[9]
• Use Pyrethroid 1g/1litre of water and spray on puppy bodies and premises to prevent flea attacks. [10]

Consult with your veterinarian to figure out the best course of action for your pup.

How to prevent fleas on a puppy

The first thing is to prevent fleas from getting on the puppy.

• You can use a flea comb and check your puppy for fleas, as well as check the pet’s bedding, blankets, and area where your puppy plays.
• You should also vacuum clean regularly and wash any bedding weekly in hot water.
• If you have carpet, you may consider treating it with a product that kills adult fleas and eggs. Diatomaceous earth also can help get rid of fleas.
• Keep your puppy away from other pets, especially cats, for two weeks after treatment to avoid cross-contamination.
• If possible, treat all animals in your household using products specifically designed for cats or dogs.

How to get rid of fleas on a 2-week old puppy?

Lucky for you, there’s a wealth of scientific research on the matter. From topical treatments to oral medications and natural methods to anthelmintic drugs, we’ve got you covered. So follow these tips and get rid of those fleas in no time! If you see any signs of a flea infestation, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can prescribe appropriate treatments based on your pet’s age and health status.

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304401709003689
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378113512006785
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401711002342
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401709007018
5. https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/86774
6. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/56135
7. https://files.brief.vet/2021-08/CN_2021_Merck_June_FINAL.pdf
8. https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/IND43894746/PDF
9. https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/38/4/576/862722?login=true
10. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4684-1233-8_29