How to Rid of Fleas On Puppies

Although we have come a long way in our war against fleas, most flea killing products are too harmful for puppies less than 8 weeks old. But you don't have to wait until your puppy is just the right age in order to eliminate these bloodsuckers. If one puppy has fleas, you can bet all of the other puppies in the litter as well as the mother also have fleas. Other dogs in your home should also be treated for fleas, as well as the dog's bedding and your furniture.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flea-ridden puppy
• Dawn dishwashing liquid
• Soft washcloth, sponge or face washer
• Dry towels
• Sink, basin, bathtub to bathe
• Flea comb
• Measuring cup or shower head spray nozzle

"Ain't No Bugs On Me!"

1. Gather all your the materials for your puppy's bath before you place the puppy in the bath.

2. You only need an inch or less of lukewarm water. If you are familiar with bathing babies, then that's the temperature you need. Puppies do not instinctively know how to swim and can drown in a full tub.

3. Get the puppy wet with the water up to his or her neck until dripping wet. Keep a hold of the puppy if you have to. Use a face washer, soft washcloth or sponge to wet the puppy's head

4. Place puppy on towel. Work the Dawn dishwashing liquid into the coat, trying not to get it in the eyes, ears or mouth of the puppy. Take a couple of minutes to do this.

5. Place the puppy gently back into the bath and rinse, using the measuring cup top bale water over the puppy or by using a spray nozzle. Many fleas should drown this way.

6. Take the puppy out of the bath and onto another dry towel in order to gently dry. Place in a warm spot or room in order to dry off.

7. When mostly dry, get your flea comb and comb your puppy thoroughly for any surviving fleas. You can kill these fleas by either popping them with your fingernails, tossing them into a lit candle, dropping into a cup of boiling water or dropping into a cup with flea powder for adult dogs in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear old clothes, because puppies will do a lot of splashing about
• Human plain baby shampoo may be substituted for Dawn, but this is sometimes thought to be harsher on a puppy's skin
• Don't let your puppy get too cold! Be sure there is a warm place to dry off
• Don't use a hair dryer. That can burn a very young puppy
• Don't yell at the puppy or act angry. This will make your puppy scared of baths for the rest of her life.

Resources

• How To Get Rid Of Fleas On A Puppy
• Get Rid of Fleas on a Puppy

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[amenfarm]

on 6/18/2009 NEVER use Dawn with the citrus sent on dogs or cats, my groomer has seen some Very sick animals from this. Also, she recommends a tiny little bit of Dawn on your hand to apply to the puppy. The water itself will stun the fleas for removal.