Signs of Fleas
Fleas on Puppies
Fleas can cause a wide variety of issues for your pets including intense itching and scratching that can break the skin and invite infection. Anemia is also possible due to continuous flea bites and feeding.
If possible, have your new puppy checked for fleas before you bring them home. Otherwise, look for these signs of flea infestation:
- Itching
- Scratching
- Chewing
Some puppies may not show any of these signs, which can make an infestation on a new pet hard to spot. Pet owners can check their puppy for flea dirt with a flea comb. When smeared on a damp paper towel, flea dirt will turn red.1
What Do I Do if My Puppy Has Fleas?
Treating your puppy immediately can reduce the risk of flearelated issues. However, due to your puppy’s age the steps you take to eliminate or prevent flea infestations may be different than with an older dog. You should discuss flea treatment as well as ongoing preventive care with your vet.
- Bathing with a specially formulated puppy-safe shampoo.
- Talk to your vet about flea products.
- Wash your pet’s bedding using hot water and then dry at the highest setting.
- For more tips, check out Flea Questions for Dogs.
Signs of Ticks
Ticks on Puppies
It’s important to thoroughly search your dog for ticks on a regular basis, especially after they’ve spent time outside. Ticks can be anywhere on the body, but they prefer warm, dark, and inconspicuous hiding places. Run your fingers through your puppy’s fur to feel for small bumps on the skin. Watch for areas where they have been scratching and biting, especially between the toes, inside the ears, under the legs, and around the groin area.2
When a tick first attaches, it will look like a tiny round bug with 8 legs. After feeding, it will appear bloated and bluish-gray, and eventually detach. If the tick has already detached, you may notice a small bump or inflamed area at the site of the bite.
How Do I Get Rid of Ticks on My Puppy?
The CDC recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pulling “upward with steady, even pressure” without twisting or jerking. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.3 Your vet can also provide advice for removing ticks and recommend a reliable tick control product.
When Can I Start Flea and Tick Products on a Puppy?
Not all flea and tick products are appropriate for puppies. Your puppy’s age and weight are important factors to consider when choosing the right treatment. For the best advice, consult with your vet on the right course of action to protect your puppy. NexGard PLUS chews and NexGard chews are safe for puppies at 8 weeks, weighing 4 pounds or more.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is safe for puppies at 8 weeks, weighing 4 pounds or more. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and itching. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection prior to starting a preventive. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.
NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) is for topical use only in cats. Safe for use in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 1.8 pounds or more. Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, lethargy, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur. Avoid direct contact with application site until visibly dry. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.
NexGard® (afoxolaner) is for use in dogs only. Safe for use in puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 4 pounds or more. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.