When to Start Flea and Tick Treatment For Puppies & Kittens
Getting a new puppy or kitten is such an amazing experience. The puppy breath, the tiny noses, and sleepy cuddles. But, with every adorable quirk comes new responsibilities. And the reality that you are now in charge of a small, living being.
You may not know where to start when it comes to taking care of a new puppy. But one thing is for sure, protecting your puppy from fleas is important. And flea and tick prevention is a critical and necessary part of their livelihood.
In this article we'll cover:
- Why flea and tick prevention is important
- When to start flea and tick prevention with young puppies (and kittens)
- How to find the right treatments
The importance of flea and tick prevention
Keeping your puppy flea and tick-free is just one of many concerns in pet parenting. But why does it matter in the first place?
Fleas and ticks are some of the biggest threats to your pet's health. Both parasites carry dangerous diseases that your pet can contract with a simple bite. They can also cause irritation from their bothersome saliva and flea dirt (dried blood left behind on your pet's skin).
Dangerous Ticks
If you find a tick on your pet beware. Ticks are small, 8-legged creatures that feed on the blood of animals. After feeding, female ticks will lay eggs on their host, starting the life cycle over again.
There are four common types in the United States including the Lone Star tick and the black-legged deer tick. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia.
Pesky Fleas
Fleas are parasites that also feed on the blood of animals. Their minuscule size makes them difficult to remove with even the sharpest flea comb.
Like ticks, female adult fleas lay eggs after feeding that can remain in your home for up to a year. Fleas often carry Bartonella (cat-scratch disease), tapeworms, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
Dealing with a flea infestation is annoying and on top of that is extremely hard to get rid of. This makes preventive measures like flea treatments important for your pup.
Does my puppy need flea and tick prevention
Absolutely! Once your puppy or kitten is the appropriate age and weight to start flea and tick prevention, they should.
Most flea and tick products are safe to use on young dogs and cats. But, be sure to read the instructions before treating your animal.
There are a couple of types to choose from depending on your needs:
Topical flea and tick treatments
Spot-on, squeeze-on, and other related topical flea treatments are the most effective. Especially when looking for a product that repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Oral (chewable) prevention
Chews, tablets, and pills are a convenient way to treat young puppies for fleas and ticks. And some even cover heartworm, roundworms, and hookworms.
Wearable protection
Collars, sprays, and flea dips are typically affordable options. They often last longer than some topical flea treatments that are effective for 4 weeks.
No matter which flea control you select, preventive solutions are best for protecting your pets from the great outdoors. And the parasites that live there. The best topical flea treatment should:
- Kill fleas including adult fleas, flea eggs, and larvae
- Kill ticks at all life cycle stages
- Repel parasites like mosquitoes, lice, ticks, and fleas biting your pets
- Start working within a few hours
- Protect your dog for the timeframe mentioned (ex: monthly, 4 weeks, 12 weeks)
- Be safe to use around other dogs and cats
If you're unsure about which type of treatment to start and when contact your veterinarian for advice.
Can puppies have flea and tick medicine
Knowing when to start a flea and tick preventative for puppies can be tricky, so it definitely depends. Every flea and tick treatment has different requirements. But generally, your puppies should be:
- At least 7 weeks or 8 weeks old
- At least 1.5 lbs (for cats) or 4 lbs (for dogs)
While older puppies might be old enough, you may need to wait until they are fully grown. This is especially true for smaller breeds like Chihuahuas.
Here are some tips to safely treat your puppy:
- Get veterinary advice before choosing or starting treatment.
- Read the instructions fully and keep them on hand in case of emergency.
- Check the safety label — some treatments aren't safe for both dogs and cats.
- Weigh your pet to ensure they get the right amount of formula every time.
VET TIP
Not sure how much your dogs weigh? If you can lift your pet, step on a scale with your puppy in tow. Write down the number with your dog and then without and subtract to find their weight.
When to start using flea and tick treatment for puppies and kittens
The flea and tick protection that you find in stores and online typically has to pass high safety standards. Most products get tested for safety and efficacy to protect your pets.
These standards also determine the age and weight breaks that are the best for dogs and cats. But, depending on the treatment you use there are a few requirements for each species.
Puppy flea treatment requirements
To start flea treatments for puppies, they should:
- Be at least 6 weeks to 8 weeks of age
- Weigh more than 4 lbs
- Not have any pre-existing health issues
Kitten flea treatment requirements
There are also specific requirements for kittens. Your cat should:
- Be at least 7 weeks old
- Weigh more than 1.5 lbs
- Not have any pre-existing health issues
How to find the right treatment
As a pet parent, you ultimately have to do what is best for you and your puppy (or kitty). Search for a treatment that is:
- Approved by the EPA or other safety entity
- Veterinarian-formulated or vet-quality
- Easy to apply and remember regularly
- Long-lasting (4 to 12 weeks depending on the type)
- Made with active ingredients that kill adult fleas and ticks
- A form factor (like a monthly topical) you'll use consistently
Overall, consult with your veterinarian regularly, especially when your puppy is young. Make sure they get an annual check-up, stay current on vaccinations, and have the right protection to grow up healthy.
