When you bring a new puppy home, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep him safe. You want to keep him up to date on his vaccinations, buy him the most nutritious food, and protect him from fleas and ticks. But the flea and tick prevention medication that works for adult dogs might not be right for puppies. Here’s how to find flea and tick protection that is safe for puppies.
Flea Treatments
If your puppy gets fleas, you have a few puppy-safe options: an oral or topical flea treatment, flea shampoos, and flea collars. Capstar is an oral flea treatment that is safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks, and who are at least 2 pounds. It comes in tablet form, which is easier to administer to puppies than a topical medication. Flea shampoos and flea collars aren’t as effective for puppies. As an alternative to medication, or to get rid of fleas on puppies younger than 4 weeks, you can use a flea comb.
Tick Treatments
Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and bartonella. An oral flea and tick prevention medication may be more effective for puppies than a topical medication, and in some cases, a tick collar can also be effective depending on the brand and dosage. You will need to make sure that whatever method you choose is safe for your puppy’s age and weight.
Cleaning Your Home
You can prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your home by treating your home with a pet and human-safe spray. Make sure it is safe to use on all surfaces, and read the instructions carefully before using. You should also vacuum your carpeting and upholstery to remove live and dead fleas and ticks, and destroy their eggs. You must also remove and clean your puppy’s bedding (and your own bedding if your puppy sleeps in your bed).
Your veterinarian can help you find the best flea and tick prevention for your puppy’s age and size, while ensuring you minimize the risk of side effects or complications.