Treatment FAQ

how old should a dog be before you give them tick and flea treatment

by Esther Koelpin I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

eight weeks

When can I give my Puppy Flea and tick prevention?

Apr 19, 2011 · Bio-spot on is recommended for puppies six months of age and older, so please be advised and read the back of the box for dosage and age requirement because different products should be started according to the manufacture's recommendations. But generally speaking flea and tick products can be applied as early as seven weeks old. Chantel, Vet Tech

What age can you give a dog tick medicine?

14 rows · Mar 15, 2021 · Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies. Most flea and tick products for puppies are not safe ...

Why is it important to treat fleas and ticks on dogs?

What age is safe for tick and flea treatment? In general, it is not safe to use flea or tick medication on puppies younger than seven or eight weeks old. However, there are options that are safe for even very small puppies. One such option is a tablet that works only for 24 hours, but it is not very preventative. It is advised that you consult your veterinarian before giving your pup anything.

Do you need a prescription for flea treatment for dogs?

Feb 08, 2012 · Use special care if your dog is very young, very old, pregnant, nursing, sick or debilitated, or if it has had a previous sensitivity to any of these products. Dogs should only be given flea and tick products designed for use on dogs. While they may not be harmful, products made for cats may not be as effective on dogs.

How old does a puppy have to be to start flea and tick medicine?

eight weeks
Most flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they have reached at least seven or eight weeks of age. At Plymouth Veterinary Hospital, we can recommend a flea and tick preventative to use that it is safe to begin administering to your puppy.

Should I give my puppy flea and tick medicine?

But what if you're treating a young kitten or puppy? When it comes to tick and flea prevention, puppies and kittens require special care. Most of the products available are not recommended for use on animals younger than 8 weeks old, and that can leave new pet parents in a pickle.Jan 8, 2019

When should you put flea and tick medicine on dogs?

Generally speaking, it's best to start treating your pet at the beginning of flea season if you're trying to prevent a flea infestation. The length of the flea season, which peaks during warm weather months, varies depending on where you live. If you live in a colder climate, it might only last four months or so.Jun 22, 2021

Can you give a 8 week old puppy flea medicine?

Puppies aged eight weeks and older can often be treated with standard flea control products. There are several different options including spot-ons, tablets and collars. Advantage spot-on is suitable for pets from eight weeks.

What is the safest tick and flea treatment for dogs?

Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks.Jun 27, 2019

What month does flea and tick treatment start?

As we inch closer to spring, we can expect to see more days where the temperature reaches 4 C and higher. This is the temperature at which ticks become active and bite. Therefore, we recommend starting tick prevention on March 1 and continuing monthly until November.Feb 26, 2020

What kills ticks on dogs instantly?

Bleach: Bleach contains powerful chemicals that can instantly kill ticks. Place the tick in a small container that contains bleach. Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can kill ticks for good.Dec 13, 2021

Does my dog need flea and tick medicine year round?

The best defense against fleas and ticks is to keep your dog on a year-round flea and tick preventive medication as recommended by your veterinarian. “Be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice about the safest treatment for your dog and your home,” advises Dr.

How old do puppies have to be to use flea and tick products?

Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies. Most flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below).

Why is flea and tick prevention important?

Why Flea and Tick Prevention Is Important. In addition to being uncomfortable for your dog, fleas are also the leading cause of tapeworm, a parasite whose larvae is carried by fleas. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and other serious conditions.

How old is Capstar for puppies?

Flea treatment: According to veterinarian and AKC Family Dog columnist Jeff Grognet, Capstar is safe to give to puppies as young as four weeks old (and a minimum of 2 pounds). This medication is given in a tablet form to treat flea infestations.

Can you use flea shampoo on dogs?

Flea shampoos & collars: Most veterinarians do not recommend flea shampoos or collars for puppies or adult dogs because they are not very effective, Grognet says. There is an exception: The Seresto collar is designed to slowly release its active chemicals (imidacloprid and flumethrin).

Can you use flea comb on a puppy?

Consult with your veterinarian before using any product on your dog, especially if she’s pregnant or nursing. Flea comb: As an alternative to medications (or for pups younger than four weeks), Grognet recommends using a flea comb to check your puppy for the presence of fleas and safely remove them.

Can fleas cause tapeworm in dogs?

In addition to being uncomfortable for your dog, fleas are also the leading cause of tapeworm, a parasite whose larvae is carried by fleas. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and other serious conditions.

How long does Seresto work on dogs?

This product may be useful at stopping flea larvae from molting. Seresto is effective against fleas and ticks for up to 8 months and can be used on a dog as young as 7 weeks old. Speak with your veterinarian about this option.

How old can a puppy be to get flea and tick treatment?

What age is safe for tick and flea treatment? In general, it is not safe to use flea or tick medication on puppies younger than seven or eight weeks old. However, there are options that are safe for even very small puppies. One such option is a tablet that works only for 24 hours, but it is not very preventative.

How old can a puppy be to take flea and tick medicine?

In general, it is not safe to use flea or tick medication on puppies younger than seven or eight weeks old. However, there are options that are safe for even very small puppies. One such option is a tablet that works only for 24 hours, but it is not very preventative.

What to do when you get a new pet?

Spread the love. When you get a new pet, you obviously want to give them the best possible life and home. Included in this ‘best possible’ scenario, is proper health care and grooming. You don’t want your little furry friend to suffer and itch because of fleas and ticks.

Can fleas and ticks cause tapeworm?

Not only will the dog infected with them be very uncomfortable, having ticks or fleas can lead to tapeworm – a parasite whose larvae gets carried around by fleas.

Can fleas cause tapeworm in dogs?

Not only will the dog infected with them be very uncomfortable, having ticks or fleas can lead to tapeworm – a parasite whose larvae gets carried around by fleas. Ticks can transmit the dreaded Lyme disease to your pet, as well as Canine Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Canine Ehrlichiosis.

How to get rid of fleas in puppies?

An alternative is using a flea comb. For puppies younger than four weeks, the best solution is a comb. With this, you can safely get rid of fleas – if you can get your pup to keep still long enough. Manually comb out all the pests you can, and then either squash them (which might be too gross for some people) or dump them in boiling water.

Do you have to treat fleas on a puppy?

If you have the puppy’s mother with you, you will have to treat her as well. For her, you can use any good, trusted flea shampoo or topical treatment of your choice.

What to do if my dog has a flea and tick problem?

If you believe your dog has had an adverse reaction to a flea or tick preventive product, call your veterinarian and report the problem right away . Your veterinarian has access to a national reporting center that will inform the EPA. You may also wish to inform the company that manufactured the product.

How long after applying flea and tick preventive?

For the several hours following application of a flea and tick preventive product, keep an eye on your dog for any reactions or sensitivity to the product. This is especially important when using a particular flea and tick product for the first time on your dog. Keep the packaging for the product for at least a day after application ...

Can you use more than one flea and tick spray?

Do not use more flea and tick product than indicated and do not use more than one product at one time. One flea and tick product (spot-on or spray, etc.) should be all that is necessary to kill or repel fleas and/or ticks for the time period indicated on the package. To prevent accidental contact with topical products during application, ...

How long should you keep pesticides after application?

Keep the packaging for the product for at least a day after application so that you have information on the kind of ingredients used, as well as contact information for the company that manufactured the product. Signs of sensitivity to pesticides include: Vomiting and/or diarrhea. Stumbling or incoordination (ataxia)

How old do puppies need to be to get flea and tick treatment?

Most of the products available are not recommended for use on animals younger than 8 weeks old, and that can leave new pet parents in a pickle. Thankfully, there are safe and effective options for young puppies and kittens. Read on to learn more about flea and tick ...

Is flea and tick prevention good for puppies?

Lifetime Flea and Tick Prevention for Puppies and Kittens. Kitten and puppy flea and tick prevention is important for your pet’s health and happiness—and your own health and happiness, too. Those little bloodsuckers can cause distress and anemia in young animals, not to mention skin irritation or worse, Dr. Dryden says.

What is the most common type of tick in the United States?

Ticks are another type of critter altogether. Several species affect dogs and cats, but the most common are the hard ticks, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, aka the brown dog tick, which can be found everywhere in the United States, even in colder regions.

How long does it take for a tick to molt?

Many hard ticks follow a three-host lifecycle that can take two or three years to complete. For example, adult females would lay eggs in the environment in the fall, which hatch into six-legged larvae. Then, next spring, the larvae attach to an animal, then feed and leave this host to molt into nymphs in the fall.

What does a flea or tick feed do?

When a flea or tick feeds, it takes in the chemical.”. The active ingredients in the topical and systemic treatments eradicate the insects in various ways, Dr. Dryden says. Some kill adult fleas and ticks. Others kill the larvae or sterilize the eggs.

What is the most common type of flea in dogs?

Fleas. The most common type of flea to affect dogs and cats is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Counsel. C. felis goes through a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult.

How long does it take for fleas to emerge?

Then they cocoon themselves in 0.5 mm-long pupae as they develop into adult fleas. It usually takes 8-28 days for the pests to emerge, depending on the climate, though they can remain dormant in their cocoons for up to 50 weeks depending on temperature and other stimuli.

Can ticks make dogs sick?

Flea and tick bites can irritate your dog's skin or make him sick, as often these pesky insects carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. These pests can be a threat year round, but they're especially problematic in the summer when their populations flourish.

How long does flea spray last on dogs?

This only kills and repels the bugs for up to seven days, but it will stop flea eggs from hatch for as long as 30 days. Flea drops: Hartz flea drops will protect against bugs, eggs, larvae and reinfestation for up to 30 days at a time.

How long does a flea collar last?

Flea collar: Products like Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs are able to protect your pooch against these pests for up to seven months. Flea spray: A short-term solution can be to use Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs. This only kills and repels the bugs for up to seven days, but it will stop flea eggs ...

How long does Hartz flea spray last?

Flea drops: Hartz flea drops will protect against bugs, eggs, larvae and reinfestation for up to 30 days at a time. Flea shampoo: Shampoos like Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo with Aloe will kill any fleas ...

Is flea and tick prevention safe for dogs?

Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information.

How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?

Keep in mind that no two pets are the same. Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: 1 Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. 2 Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 3 Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. 4 Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to the outdoors are important details. 5 Where you live: Which parasites are common in your area? Is resistance to certain preventatives a concern?

What factors to consider when treating a puppy for fleas?

Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, ...

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments , or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients. Here are a few of the safest flea treatments for dogs on the market today and some of their pros and cons.

Is a flea collar safe for dogs?

Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks. The collar’s effectiveness lasts ...

Do tick collars leave traces?

All flea and tick collars tend to leave traces of the chemicals that make them effective around the dog’s environment and on your pet, so this may be a concern with young children who tend to put everything in their mouths. Some dogs have had local skin reactions to the collar that have resolved when it was removed.

Does Frontline Plus kill ticks?

It doesn’t kill ticks, however, and dogs should not be allowed to lick the application site for at least 30 minutes to avoid potentially serious side effects. Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage.

How long does flea and tick prevention last?

Here’s a reminder of some things to beware of. Duration of prevention. Avoid the longer-lasting 8 to 12 week products. Longer prevention means a more potent product and longer time in your dog’s system.

Can you give a dog a bath with flea and tick shampoo?

There’s no benefit to giving your dog a bath with a medicated flea and tick shampoo. Giving your dog a bath with a shampoo made of natural ingredients will drown fleas as effectively as dousing him in a medicated shampoo …. without the harmful ingredients.

How do flea and tick preventatives work?

How Oral Flea And Tick Preventatives Work. When you give your dog isoxazolines, they work systemically. This means they’re absorbed into his blood and they affect the entire body. When fleas and ticks feast on your dog’s blood, they eat the chemicals … and become paralyzed and die.

What is the best flea control?

Lotilaner – an ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline family, with a 1 month duration. Spinosad – made from soil bacteria that is toxic to insects and found in garden insect spray. Lufenuron – controls flea infestations by preventing the hatching of eggs, and prevents the flea shell from developing.

Do you have to read labels for flea and tick prevention?

Label reading doesn’t stop when you reach for natural flea and tick prevention. Even with so-called natural products, always look at the ingredients … because some say they’re natural when they’re not really. One example is a spray has the word “organics” in the name.

How long does it take for a dog to die from fleas?

When a flea or tick draws blood from your dog it’s infected with the chemical and dies. This takes place over several months while your dog wears the collar.

Can you use spot ons on dogs?

In general, you’ll want to use the ones with the fewest ingredients. Just like the oral preventives, avoid spot-ons with extra ingredients that cover a range of pests. If your dog isn’t infested with several pests he doesn’t need the additional treatment and the toxins that go with it.

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