Puppy Flea Treatment, Control and Prevention

Fleas on puppies can be distressing for your furry friend and they’re more than just a nuisance. Read on to learn more about puppy flea treatment (including options for flea medication for puppies) and flea prevention for puppies.

A golden retriever puppy lies on a fluffy carpet in the living room.
A golden retriever puppy lies on a fluffy carpet in the living room.

When can you start flea treatment on a puppy?

The minimum age of flea medication for puppies varies by product. It’s important to always check the product information for the minimum age and weight for the product to be used.

Why is it important to use a flea treatment on my puppy?

Fleas can cause skin disease and they can also transmit infectious or parasitic diseases, some of which are a risk to people too. That’s why it’s important to keep on top of flea control for puppies.

Puppy flea treatment

In general, the options for puppy flea treatments will be the same as treatments for fleas in adult dogs.

  • Chewable flea treatments: 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. It is recommended to treat monthly to keep your pet and home flea free. NexGard can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and from 2 kg bodyweight. NexGard SPECTRA can be used from 8 weeks of age and from 1.35 kg bodyweight.
  • Flea powder and shampoos: Instead of using old-fashioned treatments like flea powder or flea shampoos, it’s best to use an effective and proven flea treatment such as NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs.
  • Flea spray: A flea and tick spray called Frontline® Spray is available that can be used in puppies from two days of age. For more information visit https://frontlinepetcare.com.au/
  • Natural flea treatment: There is a lack of evidence on the safety or effectiveness of using natural remedies to treat flea infestations. Please speak to your vet if you have questions about the most appropriate options for parasite control for your puppy.

Flea control for puppies – general recommendations

In addition to using a product that is highly effective at killing fleas, such as NexGard® for Dogs and NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogs, general recommendations to control flea infestations include:

  • Discard all flea infested items (e.g., bedding) where practical.
  • Vacuum regularly; steam clean where possible. This will assist with removal of eggs and stimulate fleas to emerge from any pupae present in the environment.
  • Clean between floorboards and in cracks between tiles and pavers.
  • Wash pet bedding and blankets regularly in water above 60°C for at least 10 minutes.
  • Place any household items that come into contact with pets and cannot be washed (e.g., rugs, cushions, door mats) in direct sunlight for as long as possible, as this may assist with killing flea eggs and larvae.
  • Prevent your pets accessing areas of potential flea contamination (e.g., block access to under the house or veranda and keep moist shady areas free from debris).
  • Where possible, prevent untreated animals from entering your home environment. 

Flea prevention for puppies

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 the dog before they can lay eggs and replenish an environmental infestation.

FAQs

  • Can I treat a puppy for fleas under 12 weeks of age?

    NexGard® for Dogs can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and from 2 kg bodyweight. NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogs can be used from 8 weeks of age and from 1.35 kg bodyweight.

  • How do you get rid of fleas on a puppy?

    NexGard® for Dogs and NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogs rapidly kill adult fleas and are indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations for 5 weeks (35 days), ensuring protection for a full month. NexGard can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and from 2 kg bodyweight. NexGard SPECTRA can be used from 8 weeks of age and from 1.35 kg bodyweight.

  • Do puppies need puppy flea treatment?

    In general, puppy flea treatments will be the same as treatments for fleas in adult dogs. It’s important to always check the product information of flea medication for puppies for the minimum age and weight that the product can be used. Simple monthly dosing with NexGard® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogs prevents flea infestations. NexGard can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and from 2 kg bodyweight. NexGard SPECTRA can be used from 8 weeks of age and from 1.35 kg bodyweight. 

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NEXGARD SPECTRA®, NEXGARD®, HEARTGARD30® and PARAGARD® are registered trademarks of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group.
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