Did you just get a new puppy, and now you have a flea problem? Searching the internet desperately and trying various methods, but nothing works? Or maybe you just adopted a sweet puppy from the shelter, and you want to educate yourself about how to get rid of fleas on puppies?
If so, then this post is for you!
This guide will help discover the best ways to prevent and remove fleas from your puppy (also with natural ways!)
Most of us as dog parents remain in denial until we have to face the nuisance fleas attack.
It is indeed a major dog problem that requires a lot of time and energy from the caregiver.
With my first dog, I did not have much information regarding how to get rid of fleas on puppies which made my life hell.
I had a puppy in pain and zero knowledge regarding how to help him get rid of those fleas.
But exactly….
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are parasites that start living and making colonies under the dog’s skin. They spread quickly and irritate the dog enough to disturb his appetite, sleep cycle, and overall health profile. Since fleas survive on your puppy’s blood, they can make your dog anemic.
After dozens of trial and error episodes, I fell on some great products and ways to eliminate fleas on puppies which I want to share with you.
I have collected this information after days of research and experimentation, and I am only sharing methods that actually work, so dear fellow dog parent, take this million-dollar piece of advice for FREE.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Puppies?
Fleas on puppies are a common problem, and there are many ways to get rid of them. Some owners use collars and soft chews, others use shampoo and topical anti-parasitic solutions, while others prefer only natural ways and homemade remedies. However, none of the above methods is 100% safe or guaranteed to work.
How to Tell if Your Puppy Has Fleas
Has your fur-ball recently started scratching himself violently?
The first alarming sign to attend to is when puppies start scarifying their skin. If you look closely, you might find wounds, scabs, or rashes on their skin caused by excessive scratching in order to get rid of fleas.
Other ways to check if your dog has fleas are;
#1 Look for Flea Dirt
Ever noticed black pepper-like debris upon combing your dog’s fur?
Yes! You have found the culprit.
Fleas, when sitting on your dog, leaves a residue similar to tiny black flakes. Fleas drop traces of blood and feces wherever they sit, so if you find flea dirt on your dog’s coat, you need immediate intervention.
You may find flea dirt but no fleas under the dog’s coat; however, the nightmare is not over yet.
It simply means fleas have access to your dog, and they can make your baby’s skin their home any moment.
You can find out whether you are dealing with only flea dirt or actual fleas by trying this simple trick.
Pick up the flea dirt off your dog’s coat and place it over a white paper. Get a magnifying glass and a bowl filled with water. Now add the dirt to the water bowl and observe through a magnifying glass.
If you find only the residual dirt crumbling underwater, you are a bit safe, and giving a good wash to your dog is all you may need.
But if God forbid, you find traces of ingested blood along with dirt- your dog has already become a host for fleas.
#2 Look for Flea Bites
Fleabites are quite peculiar. It is unusual to confuse them with mosquito bites or any allergy due to their distinctive characteristics.
Unlike mosquito bumps, fleabites look like clusters of small red pustules around legs, ears, waist, groins, breasts, armpits, or under joints skinfolds.
Finding fleabites on your dog’s skin can be quite intense, but it is high time you start looking for remedies that can help you to get rid of fleas on puppies.
Some of the finest anti-fleas remedies you are going to discover in this article, so keep scrolling.
#3 Look for Flea Eggs
Noticing flea eggs can be quite difficult as they are pretty small and hide under the skin folds or the dog’s thick fur.
Flea eggs look like sand or salt particles, making it harder for dog parents to notice them immediately.
You may often overlook flea eggs or mistake them with mere debris due to their microscopic size.
Flea eggs make their way into the environment once they are off the host. They can survive and grow in cupboard creeks, under carpets, or in the grass.
Have a keen eye for flea eggs to nib the evil in the bud.
7 Best Ways to Remove Fleas From Your Puppy
#1 Bath Your Puppy With a Flea Shampoo
Fleas shampoo protects puppies against fleas though these cannot help in eliminating them completely.
If your dog only has flea dirt or minor flea bites, a combination of flea shampoo along with environment cleaning would be enough to get rid of those nasty insects.
Flea shampoos kill bacteria in dogs’ skin and relieve the irritation and itching caused by those fleabites.
You can find amazing shampoos like TropiClean in the market. Infused with the goodness of neem and citrus, TropiClean Neem and Citrus flea and tick relief shampoo cleanses out dog’s coat in no time.
#2 Brush Your Puppy Hair With Fine-Tooth Flea Comb
Flea combs are different from regular dog combs. These combs are designed specifically to effectively remove fleas, nits, larvae, pupae, ticks, or eggs from the dog’s skin.
Flea combs eliminate fleas or ticks without further irritating your dog’s skin which may already feel sore to touch because of fleabites.
If your dog is not letting you brush his hair with a hard comb, I recommend you try the Safari flea removal grooming comb to treat fleas and ticks effectively.
Made up of rubber, this comb feels soft against the dog’s skin while efficiently disposing of all the dirt, debris, or fleas that may hide under your fur baby’s coat.
#3 Flea Collars
Collars are also an effective way of waiving fleas off your dog’s coat. Many great flea collars are available in the market that may help you protect your dog against the attack of annoying insects.
These collars are usually waterproof, so you don’t need to take the collar off while bathing or swimming your dog.
Most collars offer one-year protection against fleas, ticks, or nits, so it really is a one-time investment only.
Read also: Best flea collars for dogs
#4 Oral Flea Control
You can also give oral treatment in the form of capsules and tablets to your dog. Contact your vet and ask to prescribe anti-fleas pills according to your dog’s overall health profile and medical history.
Many workable pills are available that can kill the fleas within 30 minutes after introducing them to your dog.
These pills can be given directly or mixed with food in case your dog refuses to take one.
Read also: Best medicine to prevent & remove fleas
#5 Topical Flea Control
Ask your vet to recommend any topical flea control treatment like lotion, cream, or spray.
Many lotions and creams are available in the market, but only your vet knows the history of your dog like allergy profile, vaccination profile, and general health profile; therefore, it is essential to take the vet in the loop before applying anything that has a medicinal effect.
#6 Do Regular Checks by Your Vet
As clichéd as it may sound, prevention is better than cure, and I cannot emphasize that enough.
Going to a vet after the problem has already occurred does less of wonders, whereas regular vet visits can save you and your dog against the enemies, aka fleas, beforehand.
Vets are clinically equipped to notice early signs of fleas’ attack.
Remember! Diagnosis is half of the cure, so the earlier, the better.
#7 Let Your Pet Groom Itself
Reinforce the self-cleaning habit in your dog.
Whenever you see your dog licking itself, indulging in a session of self-care, pat his back and give him a treat so that he would know a gentle rub and licking is good and rewarding.
Pets’ saliva has antibacterial properties, which kill the germs, eggs, and heals their wounds quickly.
Natural Flea Treatments for Puppies
#1 Coconut Oil Rub
Coconut oil naturally has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It has an earthy scent that repels fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes effectively, protecting your dog against insect bites. Just take a dollop and massage the oil directly onto your dog’s skin.
Coconut oil will also kill the bad odor, leaving your puppy’s coat healthy and shiny. It is also believed to heal soreness and redness caused by fleabites.
This organic virgin coconut oil supplement tastes great and helps to boost immunity, reduce inflammation and itchiness, improve digestion and promote metabolic function. When taken daily, this raw, organic coconut oil can also help reduce allergies, improve the skin and coat, and protect against fleas and ticks. Your dog or cat will also be more energetic because coconut oil helps to balance the thyroid and boost metabolism helping to manage weight.
#2 Essential Oils Flea Spray
Got plenty of essential oils in your pantry?
Bring them out and make a homemade anti-flea spray for your dog. For this purpose, you may need a carrier oil like olive or jojoba and some essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, cedar, or lemon.
Mix equal parts of water and carrier oil, then add a few drops of essential oils to make the spray.
Store it in a bottle and shake well before use. Spray the mixture on your dog’s skin generously and see the magic.
#3 Apple Cider Vinegar + Salt Spray (ACV)
Do not underestimate the power of apple cider vinegar ever.
This liquid makes a magical potion that eliminates fleas off your dog’s skin almost instantly.
All you need is six cups of apple cider vinegar mixed with four cups of water and some salt- just a dash of it. Mix the ingredients and store the mixture in a spray bottle.
Spraying this natural anti-flea topical treatment will reduce flea production while keeping the pH level of your dog’s skin intact.
#4 Lemon Bath
Do not bathe your dog with simple water and add the goodness of lemon in it.
Prepare a lemon water bath by mixing lemon drops or lemon essential oil in the bathtub, then make your dog sit in it for a while.
The antibacterial properties of lemon will leave your dog’s skin sparkly clean and healthy.
#5 Organic Soaps
Soaps made up of natural ingredients like lemon, citrus, neem, eucalyptus, and lavender also help eliminate fleas.
Unlike medicated soaps, organic soaps protect against fleas or tricks without drying out the dog’s skin which is an additional benefit.
Organic soaps do not disturb the pH level of your dog, which further saves him against skin irritation, allergies, or rashes.
For an extra dose of hydration, preferably use organic soaps for your dog.
#6 Lavender or Cedar Oil Flea Collar
Make a mixture by pouring some drops of lavender or cedar oil in water, then dip your dog’s collar in that mixture before tying it around your dog’s neck or paws.
The strong scent of lavender or cedar will keep the fleas at bay, and they will not attack your dog.
Tip: Essential oils are a bit harsh, so never apply them directly to your dog’s skin. Always run a patch test before trying any remedy at home. Apply the mixture to a small portion of the dog’s skin and look for irritation or allergy. Go ahead if no warning signs appear.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home (and Yard)
Fleas are a common problem in many households, and can be very irritating if not treated. Fleas can also spread easily to your house and yard, so it’s important to get rid of them. In just a few steps, you can have your house and yard free of fleas forever.
#1 Grow Natural Flea Repellent Plants
Many plants like lavender, neem, pennyroyal, and spearmint are said to repel fleas naturally. Planting these in your backyard will prevent fleas from entering your home.
Dogs are social, and they like to play in the backyard a lot. So if your backyard is protected, your dogs will be protected from fleas too.
#2 Vacuuming
Moping and steam cleaning also works really well in killing eggs and larvae of fleas and other insects; however, vacuuming is the most effective way to get rid of those pesky parasites.
Vacuuming every other day is strongly recommended to keep flea production in control.
Larvae, eggs, or pupae cannot grow inside a vacuum cleaner, as it is popularly believed. Vacuum can effectively clean thin cracks and lift dirt and debris off the carpet adequately.
#3 Flea Trap
Mix any liquid soap in water and keep the plate filled with the liquid on your floor. This dense liquid will act as glue, making it hard for fleas to move once they are trapped.
Empty the plate the following day, and voilà.
#4 Lemon Spray
When life gives you lemons, make lemon spray!
An effective way that does not require vacuuming or cleaning after is making a lemon spray. Slice a lemon thinly and boil the slices in water. After the water comes to a boil, cool down the mixture and strain it in a bottle.
Spray the mixture on your furniture, floor, and carpet religiously to prevent flea attack and growth.
#5 Baking Soda and Salt
Sprinkling baking soda and salt on the carpet can work wonders. Baking soda and salt dehydrate the insects hiding in the cracks of your floor or under your carpet.
Vacuum the floor the next morning and enjoy a house free of fleas.
#6 Rosemary
Grind rosemary leaves along with other herbs like fennel, warm wood, sandalwood, peppermint, and rue. Mix the ingredients well and sprinkle this mixture in different corners of your house.
This powder will not only reduce flea growth but will also give a beautiful scent. Enjoy this aromatherapy and let the insects die off the natural scent.
Win-win
#7 Avoid Dampness
Damp and dark areas are fleas’ best friends. To thrive, fleas and other insects require damp places, so you will have to be aware of the dampness around your home, especially in your backyard.
Overwatering your grass, or creeks in pipes fires the issue. Make ways for sunlight to enter and stay in your garden as much as possible.
Sunlight is also a natural disinfectant, so it will curb down the growth of bacteria and parasites in your garden.
#8 Clean Your Garbage
Having a backyard may sound fancy, but it requires a lot of maintenance as well. If you allow bushes and plants to overgrow in your garden, you are indirectly inviting fleas and other parasites to enter your place.
Insects love places where they can hide and make colonies; therefore, you need to keep your backyard clean of garbage and overgrowths.
#9 Steam Clean Your Place
Steam cleaning is one of the best solutions to disinfect your home. Professional help is available, and you may call them at least once every two months to deep clean your house.
FAQs:
How Common Is It for Puppies to Have Fleas?
Unfortunately, getting fleas is quite common for puppies, and they get fleas at some point in their life despite trying prevention and control methods. There are several ways to get rid of fleas on your puppies, and you can find the best that works for your dog.
When Should I Look Out for Fleas on My Puppy?
If you notice flea dirt, fleabites, or flea eggs on your dog’s skin, you need to take some intervention immediately; otherwise, the problem will be out of your hands. Fleas grow inside puppy’s skin rapidly; therefore, quick action is required to eliminate them.
How Do I Know if My Puppy Has a Flea Problem?
Fleas cause irritation and itching on the dog’s skin. It makes a dog very uncomfortable, so your dog may show signs of distress like excessive skin scratching, disturbed sleeping patterns, or start refusing food. The dog may also start losing weight as fleas cause anemia.
What Is The Right Time to Start Flea Treatment on a Puppy?
As soon as possible. Once you have discovered that your puppy has fleas, you need to start the treatment without further a duo. You may go and check with a vet to know the extent of the problem and choose treatment accordingly.
How Do Fleas Get Attached to Your Puppy?
Fleas love dogs and find their way to them. They can hop on your dog from grass, carpet, or any other animal like a cat, rabbit, etc. Your dog may catch them from the dog next door when the two go on a stroll.
What Home Remedies Effectively Kill Fleas on Puppies?
Several ingredients that you may find in your pantry can work effectively to kill fleas. Some of these home remedies are baking soda, apple cider vinegar, neem extracts, essential oils, and lemon rubs.
What Remedy Instantly Kills Fleas on Dogs?
Oral treatments start working within 30 minutes after consumption. You may ask your vet to recommend the best oral treatment for your dog to kill fleas instantly. Most oral treatments are enough for the next 24 hours after their consumption.
Conclusion:
As a dog parent, l completely understand how hard it could be to deal with fleas attacks and seeing your precious fur baby in pain.
I often come across dog owners looking for a permanent solution on how to get rid of fleas on puppies.
So l decided to sum up all the solutions in one place and save your valuable time.
I really hope you’ve found the RIGHT remedy for YOUR dog from the dozens I’ve discussed in this article.
Either choose a home remedy or want a commercial treatment; just do it without wasting time because fleas thrive and grow very fast.
Lastly, l feel honored by your presence on this platform, and hoping that you have got the answer you were looking for in this article regarding how to get rid of fleas on puppies.
Feel free to contact me in case of further queries. I am always available and happy to help.
Cheers!
External sources:
