Puppy Flea Treatment and Prevention

Fleas are only a couple of millimetres in size and range in colour from black to reddish-brown. They are wingless insects with oval shaped bodies and long hind legs.  Fleas on your puppy can be difficult to see as they move around on the skin underneath the fur.   To look for fleas on your puppy part the fur to see the skin or look in areas where the hair is thinner such as the abdomen. 

Flea eggs are small and can be difficult to see with the naked eye.  They are oval and off-white in colour. They have a smooth surface so easily fall off your puppy to start an infestation anywhere in your home.

Flea ‘dirt’ is black and can be mistaken for regular dirt but  is actually flea poo which contains digested blood from feeding on your puppy.  If flea dirt comes into contact with water, it becomes a rusty red colour and this is how you know for sure it is flea dirt.

Flea bites on your puppy may be hard to see as they will be small, raised, red pinpoint bumps. Flea bites are itchy and larger patches of skin can become red and irritated if your puppy chews or scratches the skin.

Puppies should be protected against fleas as soon as they are at risk of getting fleas which can vary depending on your home and environmental circumstances.  There are many suitable flea treatments for puppies under 12 weeks, and most flea treatments for puppies can be given from 8 weeks of age.  It is important to also know your puppy’s weight as each product will have a minimum weight requirement as well as minimum age. Your veterinary clinic can advise you on when you can start flea treatment for your individual puppy. NexGard^® Chewables for Dogs can be used in puppies 8 weeks of age and weighing 2kg or more. NexGard SPECTRA^® Chewables for Dogs can be used in puppies 8 weeks of age and weighing 1.35kg or more.

Flea powder and shampoo: These are old-fashioned treatments that are more time consuming and are not that effective.  Flea shampoos are helpful to remove the fleas currently on your puppy but have no lasting effect.  Flea powders require application over your entire puppy and can be irritating if breathed in, or can rub off onto furniture or carpets.

Flea comb: Flea combs have very narrow gaps between the teeth and can help you remove fleas from your puppy. You can then kill the fleas by putting them into a glass of hot water.

Flea spray: A flea spray called FRONTLINE Spray is available that can be used in puppies from two days of age. For more information visit FRONTLINE® Spray | Flea treatment for puppies and kittens.

Flea collar: Flea collars are best not used on growing puppies as they must be closely monitored to ensure they don’t become too tight or irritate the skin.  

Chewable flea treatment: This is the simplest method of flea control and also has the benefit that your puppy can be hugged and played with, straight away.  NexGard for Dogs and NexGard Spectra for Dogs are highly effective chewable flea treatments that kill fleas within 6-8 hours of administration.   Adult fleas are killed before they can lay eggs which helps to prevent flea infestations in the environment.

Natural flea treatment for puppies: There is a lack of evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of using natural remedies to treat flea infestations. Speak to your veterinarian if you have questions about the most appropriate options for parasite control for your puppy. 

Environmental care: Vacuuming is a great way to pick up flea eggs in the house and help minimise infestations.   Wash your puppy’s bedding regularly in water above 60 C for at least 10 minutes.

Flea prevention for puppies is a critical part of welcoming a new puppy into your home. When it comes to fleas, prevention is definitely better than cure.  By the time you see adult fleas on your puppy, it’s most likely they have already started laying eggs to infest your home!  Monthly treatment with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard Spectra for Dogs prevents flea infestations by killing fleas on your puppy before they can lay eggs and replenish an environmental infestation.