When to Start Flea and Tick Treatment for Puppies?

One of life's sweetest moments is getting a new puppy. Their cute paws and wagging tails make it easy for owners to fall head over heels for them, but there is a not-so-cute “hunter” lurking after them - Pests like fleas and ticks. Most of the new puppy owners seem to underestimate how quickly pests can show up on their pet's fur and begin an infestation, and the trouble that infestation can cause.

This is why it is recommended for owners to learn when to start flea and tick treatment for puppies, to prevent mishaps that flea and tick infestations cause, as well as the safest and most effective ways to get this protection.

So, when exactly should you start flea and tick treatment for your puppy? Let’s find out.

Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters Early

First-time owners think that since their puppies are so small, tick and flea prevention should be postponed until they are a little older. But the truth is that our small furballs need protection as early as possible, since it isn’t just for comfort, but for the possible health risks these infestations could cause.

Puppies are more vulnerable to ticks and fleas, as they don’t have a completely mature immune system, making it harder for them to cope with the infection of these parasites and the health risks that follow them. Fleas and ticks can cause much more harm than just causing an itch - they can transmit serious diseases like Babesia, Anaplasma, or parasites, like Dipylidium caninum..

Most of these diseases are zoonotic, meaning that humans can also catch them. And since ticks and fleas don’t stay on one host, they can easily spread these diseases to you and other pets. This is why prevention is the best treatment - A full-blown infestation is harder and more stressful for both puppy and owner, but stopping the problem before it starts keeps both parties at peace of mind.

When Can Puppies Start Flea and Tick Treatment?

Veterinarians have a general rule of thumb - Most preventive treatments for puppies are safe after they turn 8 weeks old, but checking the product label can state other restrictions, like a minimum weight or prohibiting a certain breed from getting this treatment.

Never apply treatment to your pup without consulting a veterinarian first, especially if they are under 8 weeks of age, and even if you’ve read the packaging label!

Products which can be used earlier than 8 weeks are usually sprays and shampoos, as they aren’t as potent as other topical or oral products and don’t linger on the pup's body as long. Products based on natural formulas are those that are mostly recommended, but it’s important to state that they don’t offer the same long-term protection.

To make it easier for you, we’ve made a table of the types of treatment available, when they can start being used on puppies, and some additional information regarding them:

Types of Flea and Tick Treatments for Puppies

When it comes to flea and tick prevention for puppies, it’s important to choose the treatment option suitable for that pup's lifestyle. Each type of treatment has both pros and cons, and some are better suited for adult dogs instead of puppies. 

Below we’ve included a table that shows the benefits and limitations, to make it easier to choose what works best for your puppy:

How to Choose the Right Flea and Tick Prevention

Seeing all the available products on the market can make it easy for owners to become overwhelmed. To make it easier to decide which treatment is best for your puppy, follow these rules:

• Age and weight - Make sure the puppy qualifies based on the label instructions.

• Health status - Medical issues or taking certain medications can lead to adverse effects when combined with treatment with certain ingredients. Contact a veterinarian for input.

• Lifestyle - Indoor and outdoor pups don’t need the same protection. Outdoor pups need stronger and longer-lasting protection because they are more in contact with pests.

• Application  - Think about what type of application works for you and your pet. Some puppies don’t like chews, but handle collars just fine, or vice versa. Application of products shouldn’t be a hassle.

It’s important to be consistent and avoid mixing products, unless a veterinarian has given the green light.

Disclaimer: Never use a cat intended product on a puppy. They might have the same or similar ingredients, but they are designed differently!

Why Choose FurLife’s Flea & Tick Solutions?

FurLife is a company made by animal lovers for animal lovers. We take puppy health seriously and design vet-approved, safe, and effective products that are based on natural ingredients, like cinnamon, rosemary, or cedarwood oil.

Our products aim to offer long-lasting protection, comfort, and are safe for puppies over 8 weeks old. Our collars and tags are easy to apply and also stand out as an accessory, with the different colors available.

If your puppy is under 8 weeks old and the vet has approved usage, our shampoos and sprays can be used to offer immediate relief and clean up after exposure to the outdoors.

Get your money's worth and build a prevention plan tailored to your puppy with products that are natural, gentle, and safe.

How to Safely Apply Flea and Tick Treatments

Now that we know when to start flea and tick treatment for puppies and how to protect puppies from fleas and ticks, we can learn how to correctly choose and apply each type of product so that it can be both effective and safe for the puppy.

Spot-On Treatments

Spot-on treatments are sold by age or weight. When buying, tell the veterinarian or pet shop holder how old your puppy is and their weight, so that you get the correct dose.

Before applying the ampoule, make sure that the puppy's skin and coat are dry and clean. Ampoules are usually applied between the shoulder blades or the base of the neck, depending on the label instructions. Part the fur and apply the products directly on the skin.

In the next 48 hours, avoid bathing your puppy, and in the first 8 hours of application, avoid petting them. If it’s the first time applying spot-on treatment, watch out for signs of an allergic reaction, like redness or itching, and call a vet right away if you notice them.

Oral Tablets

If it is possible, try hiding the tablet in food. If that isn’t possible because of the label instructions, ask your vet how to give the puppy the tablet, or let them give it to them.

Make sure that your puppy swallows the tablet and continue monitoring them for side effects like vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea. Contact your vet if these signs persist and worsen.

Collars

To make sure that the collar manifests its effect, it’s important that they are in contact with the puppy's fur and skin. It should fit snugly, but not be too tight - Follow the two thumb rule for the most comfortable fit. This rule means that you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and neck. Trim the extra length, as puppies may try to chew them and accidentally ingest the active ingredients, which could be toxic.

Because puppies grow, check the fit of the collar regularly, and look for signs of rubbing and irritation. If the fit is too tight, it could choke your puppy or irritate their skin. To keep protection consistent, change the collar according to the duration on the label.

Shampoos and Sprays

When dealing with a young puppy, choose products that are labeled safe for puppies. Lather them gently, avoiding the shampoo and spray from coming into contact with their eyes, ears, or mouth.

When shampooing them, rinse thoroughly so that no residue is left behind, and when using a spray, make sure that the area is ventilated, or just use it in the yard or on a balcony if you live in a flat.

Home & Environmental Prevention Tips

Giving you puppy treatment against it is only half the battle. To learn how to protect puppies from fleas and ticks completely, it’s important to know that fleas also infest the puppies' living environment. Around 90% of flea infestations are environmental, while the other 10% are on the puppy. If the environment isn’t dealt with, your puppy will continue picking up fleas and ticks as the effect of the prevention treatment begins to recede.

To get rid of these pests in your house, it’s important to maintain a high level of hygiene. Here’s what you can do:

• Vacuum the house regularly.

• Wash the puppies' bedding weekly.

• If you live in a multi-pet household, make sure they all receive protection, so that there is no reservoir.

• Take care of your yard, if you have one - Trim the grass and clean leaf litter.

• Do regular check-ups on your pup after walks, especially in green areas like parks and woods.

• Avoid using home-made products with household ingredients like coconut oil, as they can do more harm than good.

• Have a monthly reminder for the next dosing, so the chance of reinfection is lead to a minimum.

Signs Your Puppy Might Already Have Fleas or Ticks

If you haven’t given your puppy treatment, distinguishing the reason, it’s very important to know when to start flea and tick treatment for puppies and the signs of an infestation. Even if you’ve given your puppy flea and tick treatment, it’s important to keep an eye out for any pests that land on it. By early detection, you can determine if you aren’t satisfied with the product, if you’ve applied it incorrectly, and most importantly, begin with an alternative to stop the infestation in time.

Most veterinarians recommend starting with a preventive treatment when puppies turn 8 weeks of age, but in cases of infestation that occur earlier, they can recommend alternatives that are safe for younger pups.

There are signs that point to flea or tick (re) infestations. In the case of fleas, the puppies begin to scratch, bite, or chew their skin - they seem restless. While petting, you can notice small black “crumbs”, known as flea dirt, which is flea feces. They can even be found on their bedding. In severe infestations, there are symptoms of hair loss and pale gums, indicating anemia. 

Ticks can be found in more hidden spots in your puppy's body, like between toes, under their collar, in the ears, or in their armpits. Ticks carry a lot of illnesses, which most share the same first symptoms - lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. The most globally spread tick-borne diseases include:

• Piroplasmoid infections like:

• Babesiosis

• Erlichiosis

• Anaplasmosis

• Lyme disease

These diseases are zoonotic, meaning that humans can get them too! Don’t wait if you suspect an infestation of either ticks or fleas. Contact your vet and get recommendations on the right treatment, ways to safely remove ticks, and set a prevention plan. 

FAQs

Can 6-week-old puppies get flea treatment?

Most of the preventives, whether that be topical or systemic, are labeled for pups that are 8 weeks old and up. 6-week-old puppies shouldn’t be treated with them, as they could lead to toxic adverse effects. Consult a veterinarian and get recommendations on safer, more gentle alternatives.

What happens if I delay treatment?

It isn’t recommended to delay the start of treatment, as fleas are known for multiplying very fast. The bigger the infestation, the bigger the risk of your puppy developing anemia, FAD (flea allergy dermatitis), and even tapeworm infection from a parasite known as the flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum).

Can I use natural remedies?

It isn’t recommended to try and use home remedies on your pets, as they can do more harm than good. Household pantry items, like garlic or borax, might seem like effective DIY ways to get rid of fleas, but they can cause toxicosis in puppies and adult dogs. There are natural-based treatments, like FutLifes, which are much safer for your puppy.

Is it safe to combine flea and tick treatments?

Combining treatments should only be done if your veterinarian approves it. Using different types of products, like ampules and collars, can lead to overdosing and adverse effects, especially in puppies, which are more sensitive to the ingredients.

Are flea baths safe for puppies under 8 weeks old?

The majority of flea shampoos are not safe for puppies under 8 weeks. It’s better to give your pup safe baths using only warm water and mild soap. It is always recommended to avoid harsh chemicals and to check with your veterinarian first.

Can puppies get sick from fleas?

Yes, they can, and that's why early prevention is so important. In cases of heavy infestations, fleas can cause anemia, allergic dermatitis, and tapeworm infections. 

Can I bathe my puppy after applying a topical treatment?

After topical treatments, it is recommended not to bathe your puppy for 48 hours, unless the product states otherwise. Bathing can reduce the effectiveness of the product.

Bottom Line

Flea and tick prevention for puppies is not something that can be put off indefinitely. After your puppy turns 8 weeks, under the guidance of a vet, a slow introduction to flea prevention care can reduce the risk of flea infestation and flea-borne diseases.

Don’t wait until pests like fleas and ticks become a problem - early intervention offers protection, keeps your home clean, and gives both you and your puppy peace and comfort.

Ready to get your puppy the best protection against fleas? Explore FurLife’s vet-approved natural-based products, like our collar, spot-on, and spray!