How To Find, Treat, and Prevent Fleas on Puppies

Nearly every pet parent has had to deal with the dreaded F word: fleas. These pesky parasites can cause excessive chewing, scratching, and licking in dogs. In severe cases, flea infestations can lead to a host of medical conditions, including anemia, tapeworms, hot spots, and bacterial infections. 

Puppies are especially vulnerable to these flea-related health issues, says Judy Morgan, DVM, a New Jersey-based holistic veterinarian. Even a mild to moderate flea infestation can put their health at risk. Because of their small size and immature physiology, puppies with fleas have a greater chance of developing anemia, she says, which can cause weakness, respiratory distress, and even death. 

Fortunately, you can tackle the problem head-on with a little prevention and a thorough home cleaning. Here’s how to find, treat, and prevent fleas on puppies. 

How To Find Fleas on Puppies

“Spotting fleas early is important in keeping your puppy safe and preventing a full-blown infestation,” says Rob Hance, DVM, of Sunset Animal Clinic in Houston. Flea bites commonly appear as small red bumps or scabs on the body. 

Look for signs of fleas, which include: 

• Frequent itching  

• Red, irritated skin  

• Tiny skin bumps  

• Chewing at their skin 

• Visible fleas or flea dirt 

A flea comb will help you find the fleas themselves, as well as flea dirt. 

While you’re grooming your pup, look for symptoms of fleabite dermatitis, Dr. Hance says. This occurs when a dog is allergic to flea saliva.  

“Puppies with fleabite dermatitis will scratch excessively and may develop red, irritated, and infected patches of skin called hot spots,” he says. 

More extreme symptoms of a flea infestation can include weight loss, pale gums, and lethargy.  

Dr. Morgan recommends checking your dog up to three times per day for flea activity. 

If you suspect your puppy has a flea problem, or if your pup exhibits any concerning symptoms, take them to the veterinarian right away, Dr. Hance advises. A doctor can confirm the infestation and prescribe proper age-appropriate treatment. 

How To Get Rid of Fleas on Puppies

Treating a puppy for fleas immediately and regularly will help stop the infestation and prevent flea-related health complications. 

Bathing your puppy with Dawn dish soap can help get rid of fleas. Use warm (not hot) water and thoroughly dry the puppy afterward. This is generally a safe method for getting rid of fleas on young puppies who are at least 8 weeks of age. 

For puppies over 12 weeks old, you can use a flea shampoo formulated for young animals, like Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies, to alleviate some flea-related skin irritations. However, most flea shampoos do not repel fleas long-term, and it is important to consult your veterinarian if you plan to use medicated flea shampoos with topical flea treatments to avoid unwanted side effects.

Flea and tick preventive medications are the best way protect against future flea infestations.  

Most flea and tick treatment medications can be started when a puppy is around 8 weeks old. However, the minimum age may vary depending on the product. 

A good option is Credelio Quattro. Formulated for dogs at least 8 weeks old and weighing at least 3.3 pounds, it’s a chewable tablet that offers broad-spectrum protection against not only fleas, but also ticks, heartworms and three types of intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms).   

It kills more than 99% of fleas within 8 hours and is effective for one month. As a prescription medication, it’s only available with authorization from your vet. 

Some other commonly prescribed flea treatments for puppies can be used for dogs as young as 6 weeks old, like Revolution Topical Solution for Kittens & Puppies. A liquid solution that you squeeze onto the skin at the base of your puppy’s neck, Revolution kills adult fleas as well as keeps flea eggs from hatching to help prevent reinfestation. 

But note that puppies love to lick and chew. This means anything you put on them will end up in their mouths, especially if you have multiple puppies climbing and gnawing on each other. 

Talk to your vet before applying any kind of prescription or over-the-counter treatment. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a safe product for your dog.  

How To Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home

Fleas only live on their host 5% of the time. The rest of the time they’re making their home in your carpets and couches, Dr. Morgan says.  

“Treating the puppies without treating the environment is futile,” she says. 

Give your house a good cleaning to remove any eggs or larvae embedded in your carpet, rugs, and furniture.  

Vacuum all floors and furniture that have upholstery or padding, Dr. Hance adds, and throw the vacuum bag out immediately. 

You may be able to use a spray specially formulated to treat furniture and carpet, depending on the product’s age limitation. Advantage Treatment Spray for Dogs, for example, can be used directly on your dog (only if they are over 6 months old), as well as carpets, upholstery, and gaps in floors. It kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks and lice on contact 

Advantage Carpet & Upholstery Spot Spray, which is not for use directly on pets, can be applied to carpets, rugs, furniture, wood, and ceramic surfaces to kill fleas. 

“Don’t forget to wash your bedding, as well as your puppy’s bedding, in hot, soapy water to make sure all flea larvae and eggs are wiped out,” Dr. Hance says. 

It can also be helpful to treat your yard for fleas to prevent future infestations, Dr. Hance says. He recommends placing sage, rosemary, basil, mint, or lemongrass plants near your front and back doors to keep fleas at bay. 

How To Prevent Fleas on Puppies

To prevent puppies from getting fleas in the first place, you’ll need to get them on a preventive medication (if they are old enough), keep their environment clean, and protect them from areas and other pets at risk of harboring fleas.  

Begin Flea Prevention 

Flea preventives for puppies come in different forms, including topicals, oral medications, and collars. Most require puppies to be at least 6–8 weeks old, but these products have different age and weight requirements, so be sure to select one that is both age and size appropriate for your puppy. 

Whatever dog flea prevention you choose, it should be given regularly all year round, without missing treatments, according to product instructions and your veterinarian’s recommendations. 

Keep Puppies in a Clean Environment 

Even if your puppy is on a flea preventive, fleas can still find their way into your home by hitching a ride on visitors, human or animal. Keeping your home clean can help prevent fleas from becoming a problem. 

• Wash bedding, blankets, and toys regularly in hot water. 

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently to remove flea eggs and larvae. 

• Use flea-preventive sprays or powders in the home that are safe for young puppies. 

Avoid High-Risk Areas and Animals 

For puppies who are too young to be on a flea prevention medication, you’ll need to keep them away from areas or animals that may harbor fleas.  

• Don’t let puppies roam in areas where fleas are common, such as tall grass, dog parks, or around stray animals. 

• Keep outdoor areas clean and trimmed to reduce flea hiding spots. 

• Keep puppies away from untreated pets that may carry fleas.