How to Get Rid of Fleas on Puppies and Kittens

If your kitten ingests a flea he could get tapeworms.

Removing fleas from a young puppy or kitten is not the same as removing them from an older animal. For older dogs and cats, a simple dose of a topical flea treatment or an oral flea killer is all that is needed. However, when you are dealing with puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks old, you cannot use these over-the-counter products. You have to remove them by hand.

Things You'll Need

• Flea comb
• White towel
• Water
• Basin or sink
• Baby shampoo

Instructions

Ridding Kittens of Fleas

1. 

   Kittens that are infested with fleas are at risk for anemia.

   Turn on the tap in your sink or fill your basin with warm water. Fill the sink or basin deep enough so that you can submerge your kitten. You do not want the tap to be running when you put your kitten in the water because it will cause more anxiety in your kitten.

2. 

   Your kitten may not like the bath, but it's necessary to remove the fleas and ticks.

   Gently lower your kitten's body into the warm bath. Make sure your kitten is completely soaked with water. Wetting your kitten's fur will help you find the fleas much easier. If your kitten is dirty, place a few drops of baby shampoo on his coat and shampoo lightly. Be sure you rinse your kitten completely. Do not submerge your kitten's head. Keep your kitten's head out of the water at all times.

3. Rinse your kitten to remove all soap. This is an important step because if the shampoo dries on your kitten it will cause intense itching due to drying of the skin.

4. Place your kitten on a white towel on your lap and gently dry your kitten. Using a flea comb, comb your kitten's coat and remove any fleas you see on the flea comb. Alternatively, you can search your kitten's coat and body for fleas and remove them with a tweezers or your fingers.

Removing Fleas from a Puppy

1. 

   Wet your puppy's coat to see the fleas more easily.

   Bathe your puppy in warm water. Use pet or baby shampoo if your puppy is dirty. Massage the shampoo and water in your dog's coat for 8 to 10 minutes. The fleas will drown and flush out when you rinse your dog's coat.

2. 

   A flea infestation can cause severe anemia in young puppies.

   Rinse your puppy completely. Flush the fleas and shampoo completely out of the puppy's coat.

3. 

   Place your puppy in a sink or basin with warm water.

   Dry your puppy with a towel but don't dry his coat completely. As with kittens, it is easier to find fleas in a wet coat.

4. Comb your puppy with a flea comb. Drop any fleas you find in a cup filled with soapy water.

Tips & Warnings

• Have someone assist you with wriggling puppies and kittens for best results.

• Never use products designed for older cats and dogs on puppies and kittens. This includes topical and oral flea remedies as well as shampoos.

References

• Dog Topics: How to Treat a Puppy with Fleas
• Cats of Australia: How to Get Rid of Fleas on Young Kittens
• Grandma's Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Fleas