Fleas can pose a threat to your dog at any stage of life, including during the puppy phase. Protecting your puppy from fleas is crucial not only for their comfort but also for the well-being of your household. Learn how to treat and prevent fleas in puppies to ensure a healthy and happy start for your furry friend.
Understanding the Risks for Puppies
Flea bites can quickly cause discomfort for puppies, triggering incessant scratching. This scratching, if left unchecked, can lead to skin irritation, potentially resulting in infections. Moreover, young puppies are susceptible to anemia if infested by many fleas, leading to blood loss. In extreme cases, this condition can prove fatal.
When to Start Treatment
Administering a flea treatment is an effective way to combat fleas, but it's essential to be cautious about the age of the puppy. Using certain flea treatments on very young puppies can be harmful. Here's a guide to when it's safe to start treatment:
Puppies with their Mothers:
Treat the mother with Advantage while the puppies are still with her.
Due to close contact and suckling, the puppies are protected from fleas.
Once the puppy is weaned and separated from the mother, begin monthly treatment with Advantage, which is safe for weaned puppies of any age.
Older Puppies (Over 7 Weeks):
For puppies over 7 weeks of age, consider options like Advantage, Advocate, Advantix, or Seresto.
Advantage is a spot-on treatment that kills adult fleas on your pup and flea larvae in their surroundings.
It provides comprehensive protection, eliminating the need for fleas to bite your pet for the treatment to work.
Advantage kills existing fleas within 12 hours and reinfesting fleas within just 1 hour.
Advocate and Advantix offer additional benefits, treating for heartworm, intestinal worms, ticks, and biting insects.
The Seresto collar is another option for effective flea and tick control.
Choosing the Right Prevention
Selecting the appropriate flea prevention method depends on your location and the specific parasites you need to control. Review the product information for each treatment or consult with our Customer Care line at 1800 678 368 to determine the best choice for your puppy.
Setting the Foundation for a Flea-Free Future
By administering the right flea prevention from the beginning, you're establishing a foundation for a lifetime free from flea infestations for your puppy. Be diligent in following recommended guidelines to ensure the health and happiness of your furry companion. Regular flea prevention not only protects your puppy but contributes to a harmonious and thriving environment for your entire household.