Treatment FAQ

when should i give my puppy flea and tick treatment

by Jamaal Kemmer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Most flea and tick products for puppies are not safe to use until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below). Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a flea and tick preventative for puppies to safely use, and advise you on when it’s safe to begin administering it to your puppy.

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.

Full Answer

When can you give flea treatment to a puppy?

Most flea and tick products for puppies are not safe to use until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below). Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a flea and tick preventative for puppies to safely use, and advise you on when it’s safe to begin administering it to your puppy.

How do you treat fleas and ticks on dogs?

Treatment is applied by pouring a small amount of oily fluid directly onto the skin of your pet. Within twelve hours of application, nearly one hundred percent of all present fleas and ticks will be killed, as will any new parasites.

What age can you give a dog tick medicine?

Ticks can transmit the dreaded Lyme disease to your pet, as well as Canine Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Canine Ehrlichiosis. 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.

Is it safe to use Flea and tick medication on puppies?

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.

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When can you start using flea treatment on a puppy?

7 weeksOnce your puppy is weaned, and is over 7 weeks of age, you can choose between several treatments to protect your puppy from fleas. Advantage, Advocate®, Advantix® and Seresto® are all options, depending on which other parasites you need to control at the same time.

What months do dogs need flea and tick medicine?

Flea and tick season will start with the onset of spring in late March to early April. However, depending on how far south you go, it may end in either November or December according to when the temperatures drop for winter.

Can you give a 8 week old puppy flea medicine?

Eight weeks and older Once a puppy reaches the age of 8 weeks, he can receive many commercial flea preventives, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. Frontline, containing (S)-methoprene and fipronil and available in topical or spray form, can be used on puppies of this age. It also controls ticks.

What time of year do dogs get ticks?

When are ticks active? Ticks are commonly more active in open (as well as woodland and urban) areas in spring and autumn. Don't be fooled into thinking they're just a warm weather problem; they can, in fact, be found in your dog's environment throughout the year.

When to Treat For Fleas in The Heat

For instance, if you live in some parts of the Southern United States, you will be dealing with the ideal conditions for fleas: between 65 and 80 d...

When to Treat For Fleas in The Rain

If you live in a cold and wet climate, both K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus are waterproof, meaning they can keep your pet flea-free even during...

When to Treat For Fleas in The Cold

Ok, so you live somewhere that can be downright freezing. There’s only a high flea threat during a few months of the year. When should you begin to...

Southern and East Coast Ticks

However, that isn’t even the most crowded tick area in the United States. For that you have to head to the South and the East Coast, where you will...

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 should a puppy be to avoid fleas?

You have to consider the puppy’s age. If younger than eight weeks , it is recommended that you avoid any of the shampoos and other topical treatments available on the market.

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.

How to get fleas to hatch?

Try using dehumidifiers. Flea eggs need a suitable environment to develop and hatch – at least 50% humidity. You can use a dehumidifier to make your home less of a breeding station. If your puppy is older than eight weeks, you can start using methods like flea and tick collars and other, stronger shampoos and spot-ons.

How to get rid of a puppy that is too old?

When your puppy is old enough, you can use one of the many solutions available these days, such as flea collars and medication.

How to make a flea trap?

To make the trap, fill a shallow bowl with water. Make sure it will be easy for the fleas to jump in. Then add about 20ml to 30ml of dish soap to the water. This will help reduce surface tension, causing the fleas, which are usually too light to go below the surface, to drown.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

Does Hartz Ultraguard Plus kill fleas?

Flea shampoo: Shampoos like Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo with Aloe will kill any fleas and ticks on your pet, and protect against reinfestation for two weeks. This content is provided by the flea and tick experts at Hartz. We believe in offering safe, effective and affordable parasite prevention for every dog and cat.

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.

What is the best flea and tick medicine for dogs?

For the best flea and tick medication for dogs, several spot on medicines that kill fleas also kill ticks, including K9 Advantix II, Frontline Plus, and PetArmor. In hot areas where there are large numbers of both fleas and ticks, these spot on treatments seem to be the best bet to protect your pet from all those pests out there.

How often should I apply K9 Advantix II to my dog?

Both need to be applied to your pet only once a month and kill existing fleas while also regulating flea growth. K9 Advantix II also kills and repels mosquitoes, which are found in high numbers in hot areas of the country as well.

What temperature should I use for fleas in the heat?

For instance, if you live in some parts of the Southern United States, you will be dealing with the ideal conditions for fleas: between 65 and 80 degrees and 70 to 85 percent humidity. In this case, it may be easiest to use spot on flea and tick treatments like K9 Advantix II, Advantage Multi for Cats, ...

How long does it take for fleas to die after a spot on?

Some of these treatments begin working within 30 minutes and render all fleas dead within four hours.

How long does a flea collar last?

Perhaps the easiest way to provide non-stop protection for your pet is to use a long-lasting flea collar, like Seresto, which releases flea and tick repelling chemicals for 8 months. You can place the collar on your pet, and they'll be protected for months.

What is a low flea alert?

Much like retiring grandparents, fleas are attracted to the warmer climates. If your area’s average temperature is below 40 degrees, we classify that as a “Low Flea Alert.”. If your area’s average temperature is between 40 and 64 degrees, that’s a “Moderate Flea Alert.”.

What are the different types of ticks?

For that you have to head to the South and the East Coast, where you will find four different types of ticks: the brown dog tick, American dog tick, deer tick, and the Lone Star tick.

What to do if your puppy has fleas?

The main points to remember are that you need to: Treat all dogs and cats in the home with flea treatment.

When should fleas be protected?

This means that flea protection should be given year round, not just seasonally.

Why does my puppy have sores?

Hair loss and sores. If your puppy is itching a lot, they may damage their skin, leading to sores developing and hair loss. Anaemia. In young puppies, a flea infestation can cause so much blood loss that the puppy becomes anaemic. This can look like weakness, and pale gums.

Why does my puppy lick my skin?

Your puppy is licking or biting at their skin. If you have more than one dog, or any other furry pets in the home, you may see them also itching. You may even be itching yourself, and see red bumps on your skin where fleas have bitten. Flea dirt.

How to get rid of fleas in house?

The initial population of fleas can be reduced by: 1 Flea treatment for all pets. 2 Flea-killing house spray (make sure to read the safety label). 3 Carpet cleaning. 4 Regular hoovering and sweeping, including in the darkest and hardest to reach areas. Don't forget to throw away the dust bag from your vacuum cleaner after every use, else the flea larvae may escape back out! 5 Hot washing fabrics at over 60 degrees, as this will destroy any fleas.

What does it mean when a puppy has a tapeworm?

This can look like weakness, and pale gums. Tapeworms. If your puppy has a tapeworm, it may have come from a flea. Tapeworms can survive inside fleas, and get transmitted into your puppy if they accidentally consume the flea when licking their coat.

How to tell if a puppy has fleas?

You may be able to see live fleas in your puppy's coat if you part the fur or stroke them backwards. Fleas are very fast though, and can be difficult to spot! Around the base of the tail and on the tummy are good areas to look. Hair loss and sores.

When do ticks and fleas become active?

fleas. ticks. Although fleas and ticks pose a threat to pets year-round, these pests become most active during the warmer months, starting as early as March in some areas of the United States. Find your state on the map shown here to learn where and when your pets are most at risk for fleas and ticks.

How many species of fleas are there in dogs?

There are more than 200 species of fleas affecting dogs, and these can also transmit disease and cause tapeworm infections and anemia. Some dogs are very sensitive to fleabites and suffer from serious allergic reactions of itchy, red, and scabby skin and even hair loss.

What diseases do ticks transmit?

The Merck Veterinary Manual says, “Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals and people. Once attached to a host, ticks feed voraciously. As they feed, ticks can transmit a large number of diseases.” These include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and ehrlichiosis (a bacterial infection.) Ticks also cause skin wounds that may lead to bacterial infections and can also cause anemia.

Why is my yard less attractive to ticks?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends clearing tall grass and brush from your yard to make it less attractive to ticks. The geographic distribution of ticks is broadening as a result of climate change, deforestation, and the changing migration patterns of deer, birds, and rodents.

Can ticks be found in woods?

Bottom Line on Flea & Tick Season. When temperatures rise, flea eggs are safe to hatch outside, and ticks can thrive in woods and tall grasses. This is also the time of year that you and your dog are more likely to spend hiking and walking and enjoying nature.

Can fleas fly on dogs?

Fleas require blood from an animal host to be able to live and reproduce. They don’t have wings, so they can’t fly. However, they are serious jumpers with the ability to jump 100 to 200 times their size.

Do blacklegged ticks live in dogs?

Since deer are the main host of the Blacklegged tick and are active in fall and early winter months, this type of tick survives on the warm body of its host – until it drops off and attaches itself to your dog.

How to know if your dog has fleas and ticks?

The best way to determine if fleas and ticks are active in your area during winter months is to check with your local veterinarian or county extension office. Many areas have variable climates from year to year, so make sure you check each year. If you are not sure, air on the side of keeping your dog safe by continually using a dog flea and tick treatment. Monthly flea and tick medications are safe and effective for your dog. It is worth the additional cost of using a flea and tick medicine as a preventative over winter- it is much better than paying for vet bills if your dog would contract a tick borne disease or to try to rid your house of a flea infestation.

What is the best medicine for dogs to get rid of ticks?

Dog tick collars often use amitraz, a synthetic chemical that kills ticks by absorbing into the animal’s skin, but is not effective on fleas or other insects. Tick medications protect your dog from tick transmitted diseases, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How does flea medicine work?

Topical flea medications work by being distributed in the oil glands of your dog’s skin when applied. Once applied, the flea medication kills the adult flea when it lands on the dog, which in hand prevents the adult flea from laying eggs.

How many eggs do fleas lay?

Let’s start with a general understanding about fleas. A female flea can lay up to 50 white eggs per day, beginning the flea life cycle. An adult flea can land on your dog and lay eggs, which then can fall off as they move, making them land throughout your home and anywhere else your dog hangs out.

How many types of ticks are there in the world?

There are more than 850 species of ticks, which are classified into soft and hard ticks based on their outer body. The most common ticks to affect dogs are hard ticks, although soft ticks are present in the Southwest. For this discussion, we will be discussing the tick life cycle of hard ticks.

What is the life cycle of hard ticks?

For this discussion, we will be discussing the tick life cycle of hard ticks. Female ticks usually breed on a host animal and then drop to the ground to lay eggs, of which she can lay thousands at a time. The eggs than hatch into seed ticks, which are known as the larval stage.

What temperature do fleas like?

Fleas love warm climates. Their optimal growing conditions are between 70 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and as such are often associated with summer months. If you live in an area that is mild year round, you should use a flea preventative year round. That may or may not be the case in areas with more distinct seasons.

How old do puppies need to be to start flea treatment?

Puppies can start topical flea treatment as young as seven weeks old. Advantage, K9 Advantix, Frontline, Frontline Plus, Program, Firstshield, Vectra, and Capstar can all be administered to your puppy safely. Please make sure you read the directions carefully before applying flea medication to your puppy. Puppies can start comfortis (which is oral monthly flea prevention) at 16 weeks of age, if you would rather not have to worry about the mess that often comes with topical flea medications. 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 does a 9 month old puppy eat?

9 month old puppy pooping greenish brown slime poop. He got in the trash and ate a cajun style chicken and shred some paper towels. Should I wait or take him to the vet? His nose is cold,has energy,and he did not eat any bones whats so ever.

When to use flea and tick products?

Protect Your Pet Year Round. Spring and summer aren't the only seasons when fleas and ticks are active. The warmth of a heated home can also serve as a breeding ground for them. So it's vital to use products year-round – even if your pet never leaves the house.

What is the best flea and tick treatment for cats?

Ask for the safest, newest and most effective treatments such as: Activyl Spot-On for Cats and Kittens, delivers monthly flea control.

How long does Activyl tick plus last?

Activyl Tick Plus, which offers both flea and tick control to dogs for 30 days with each application. Bravecto, which delivers protection against fleas and ticks in a flavored dog chew for up to 12 weeks. Scalibor Protector Band, long-lasting collar that protects dogs from ticks.

How do ticks transmit diseases?

Ticks are bloodsuckers like fleas and they can transmit serious diseases through their saliva when they bite. It's not easy to tell at first if a tick has bitten you or your pet. When one latches on, it spits out a local anaesthetic so the victim doesn't feel it. Then it sucks the host's blood like a wino at an open bar.

How to tell if my dog has fleas?

The first sign of fleas on a dog or cat is persistent scratching. If you have a light-colored pet or one with a belly without a lot of hair, check it for flat brown mites and little brown flecks. Scrape a couple of those spots onto a paper towel, add a few drops of water and smear them.

How many legs does a tick have?

Ticks have eight legs and initallly start off head-of-a-pin small, so they're particularly hard to find on dogs with thick fur. As they feed, their belly expands and becomes engorged with blood. Your veterinarian can show you the best way to remove a tick. A dog overrun with ticks can become anemic and even paralyzed.

Is it bad for dogs to have ticks?

And these pests are more than annoyances to pets. Untreated, they can lead to serious illness and make your house all but uninhabitable. "Ticks and mosquitoes are dangerous to the health of people as well as pets," says Dr. Jill Lopez, a veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. "For that reason, flea and tick protection is essential for all dogs ...

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.

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.

How long do tick collars last?

The second riskiest category is impregnated flea and tick collars that your dog wears all day and all night for as long as 8 months. So they’re right under your dog’s nose all the time. The absorption of chemicals is through the skin. And unlike oral flea and tick preventives, your dog isn’t supposed to eat these.

What are the chemicals used to treat fleas?

They’re potent and dangerous enough. They include acaricides that are pesticides poisonous to ticks and mites. Ectoparasiticides are to treat external parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, mites and flies.

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.

What is the name of the drug that binds to chloride channels inside a flea?

These drugs contain isoxazolines. And they’re usually only available by prescription. Many of these meds contain a class of ingredients called isoxazolines. They’re non-competitive GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor antagonists. This means they bind to chloride channels inside the flea or tick.

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