Newborn puppies are the perfect environment for fleas. These insects (scientifically known as ctenocephalides canis) are very annoying and can irritate the puppy's skin. In severe cases, the animal can even become anemic due to blood loss. Unfortunately, getting rid of fleas from a few days old puppy can be very difficult, as the little body is not developed enough to withstand the strong insecticides contained in most flea products. For this reason, getting rid of fleas will mean keeping the animal clean, taking care of the mother and any area with which the puppy may come into contact. Go to step one to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Puppy
Step 1. Normal flea products cannot be used on puppies
Newborn animals are the ideal environment for flea proliferation - they are warm, humid and rich in blood. Unfortunately, there are no specific products on the market for them. This is due to the fact that the internal organs of newborn animals are much more delicate than those of adults and, therefore, more exposed to side effects.
- Depending on the medicine, these side effects can include excessive salivation, vomiting, breathing problems, hypersensitivity or depression.
- Some flea products have the words "Not suitable for puppies" on the packaging. Others have never been tested on puppies, so the manufacturer will advise against using them in that context.
- In particular, avoid products that contain permethrin. The metabolism of puppies is too immature to withstand this substance, it can accumulate in the animal's body and cause neurological damage that can lead to excessive salivation, tremors, even paralysis and seizures.
- Products that do not contain permethrin are rarely effective and are therefore a waste of money.
Step 2. Wash the puppy in warm water
Having ascertained that there are no specific products that can be used on newly born animals, the only solution is to keep the puppy as clean as possible, trying to manually remove the fleas. To wash the animal:
- Pour a few centimeters of water into a tub or basin. The water must not be too hot or too cold, like the one you would use for a newborn.
- Immerse the puppy, using your hand to keep its head out of the water.
- Use your hands to pour water on the animal's fur, until it is completely wet.
- Remove the puppy from the water and place it on a warm, clean towel. Rub it gently to remove excess water.
Step 3. Use a flea comb
Place the puppy on a flat surface. Then comb it carefully to remove fleas.
- Flea combs have very narrow teeth capable of detaching fleas from the animal's fur.
- Start from the animal's neck and comb it entirely until all fleas are removed.
Step 4. Kill fleas by squashing them or placing them in boiling water
It is important to kill any flea you remove from the animal, otherwise they will return to infest it. You can kill them by squeezing them between your fingers or by immersing them in boiling water.
If you use boiling water, be sure to place it away from the animal, which otherwise could cause it to fall and burn
Step 5. Keep your puppy away from infested animals and furniture
Once the fleas have been physically removed, the animal should be cleaned. However, there is nothing to stop other fleas from infesting the animal again. It is therefore important to keep the puppy away from the mother and from the infested areas until they are treated with appropriate medicines.
Step 6. Know when it is safe to use flea products
Once grown, your puppy will be able to resist the chemicals contained in regular flea products. Read the instructions on the product packaging to understand when the time is right. The various products also include:
- Revolution (active ingredient: selamectin) can be used from 7 weeks onwards.
- Frontline (active ingredient: fipronil) can be used from 8 weeks onwards.
- Oral products, such as Comfortis (active ingredient: spinosad), can only be used from 14 weeks onwards.
- Never use these products before the recommended age.
Part 2 of 3: Healing the Mother
Step 1. It is imperative to take care of the mother
If the kittens have fleas, the same will most likely be true for the mother. It is therefore important to take care of her too, so as to prevent the fleas from returning to the puppy as well.
Keep in mind that any other animals that have come into contact with the puppy or mother will also need care
Step 2. Use only safe products, avoid "natural remedies"
However, the anti-fleas to be used on the puppy's mother must be chosen carefully.
- If the mother is still breastfeeding the puppies, certain chemicals can be passed on to the milk, making them sick. It is therefore essential to use only products designed specifically for them.
- Some products will be labeled "natural" or "drug free", but that doesn't mean they are safe for puppies. And even if they had no contraindications, it is very difficult for these "natural" products to be truly effective.
Step 3. Use selamectin products on pregnant or lactating animals
Products that contain selamectin (such as Revolution and Stronghold) are safe and can be used on pregnant or lactating animals.
- The product should be applied to the animal's skin, following the manufacturer's instructions, letting it dry for a few hours before putting the mother in contact with the puppies.
- Selamectin products should only be used on the skin, following the recommended dosage. When administered orally, selamectin showed abnormalities in rat fetuses.
Step 4. Avoid using products that contain fipronil, they are not safe for treating pregnant animals
There are several ingredients in common flea fleas that should never be used on pregnant or lactating animals. It is important to read the directions on the package or consult your veterinarian before using these products.
- An ingredient called fipronil (found in Frontline anti-fleas) should never be used on pregnant or lactating animals, as it has not been tested on puppies.
- An ingredient called spinosad (found in Comfortis oral anti-flea) has been shown to be transmitted in the mother's milk. It has not been shown that this active ingredient has any side effects on puppies, but it is still good to avoid it when treating the mother.
Part 3 of 3: Remediation of the Surrounding Environment
Step 1. Learn the flea life cycle
The flea visits the animal exclusively for food, so for each flea you see on its fur, it is estimated that another 20 are on the carpet or sofa.
- It is important to know that the female flea lays her eggs on soft surfaces, such as carpets and upholstery. These eggs are very hardy and, in the absence of a suitable host, can remain dormant for years.
- Once the egg hatches, the larva develops in the carpet, feeding on dirt until it becomes an adult.
- For this, it is necessary to remove every single egg that hides in places frequented by the dog - such as carpets and the sofa - so as to prevent the animal from falling victim to parasites.
Step 2. Wash the dog's bed to remove all fleas
As already mentioned, the environment in which the puppy lives will most likely be full of flea larvae and eggs ready to mature. For this, the kennel and all areas frequented by the animal must be properly disinfected.
- Flea eggs have a remarkably strong casing, so simply putting everything in the washing machine won't be enough.
- Use flea sprays that contain insecticides. The insecticide will reach otherwise inaccessible corners, killing eggs and larvae. Obviously, follow the instructions on the package.
- Once the insecticide has been applied, let it act, then put everything in the washing machine to remove any residue that could be dangerous for the animal.
Step 3. Use the insecticide spray on carpets and sofas
At this point, you will need to eliminate fleas on sofas and fabrics. Use insecticides such as STOP Multi Insetto or Bayer products.
- Manufacturers recommend vacuuming before using their products. This allows the sprays to penetrate deeper. Furthermore, the vibrations will "wake up" the larvae, which will head towards the light in search of a host to infest.
- Use the insecticide on carpets, sofas and other soft surfaces, following the instructions on the package. The permethrin contained in the products will paralyze the nervous system of insects, blocking their movements and killing them. Fleas cannot metabolize this substance like mammals, which makes them much more sensitive to its effects.
- Before spraying the insecticide, move the puppies, other animals (including birds and fish) and children out of the room. After use, ventilate the room for a few hours by opening the windows, making sure that no one is inside.
