Table of Contents
Introduction
The most common parasites – fleas and ticks nest within your puppies’ fur – as they get the most suitable environment there. You prominently find these parasites during summer – as the warm weather helps them grow.
However, parasites, flea, dirt, flea eggs, and other substances can cause various health issues among your puppies – ranging from an allergic reaction to severe health issues.
This article takes you through various aspects of parasites, health problems caused by them, preventive measures, and how vets provide flea treatment.
How do puppies get fleas?
If your puppies spend time in wooded areas or grassy areas, parasites transfer on their skin from high grass. The most common external parasites like fleas and ticks are prominently found in warm climates. The warm weather months encourage the growth of such parasites. Later, they can transfer from one pet to another even in your home.
Your outdoor cats may also get these parasites during this period. There are over 2500 species of flea – and about 300 of them are common fleas found in the USA. Please go through this detailed post to learn more about the common flea species.
These parasites feed on your puppies’ blood. They quickly transform many allergies and infections to your puppy’s or dog’s skin.
What is the difference between ticks and fleas?
A flea doesn’t have wings and has 6 legs. It can jump with these 6 legs. Whereas ticks usually have 6-8 legs. Ticks are arachnids (just like a spider or scorpion).
A flea usually stays on one host for its lifetime – but a tick may have multiple hosts.
These two most common differences will determine which one is a flea or tick.
What is flea dirt?
Flea dirt is the feces of fleas carrying blood meal and flea waste products. Flea dirt on your puppy’s skin may adversely affect it.
Do flea eggs cause health issues among puppies?
Flea eggs are oval-shaped, transparent, or may have a white tint. These eggs cause skin issues and many other health problems for your puppy if they remain on their skin for long.
Female adult fleas can lay about 50 eggs in a day – leading to infestation within a few days.
Symptoms of Fleas
The ‘Warning Signs’ :
Pet parents should know the symptoms of parasite-borne health issues among your puppies. Infections from parasites may affect the red blood cells of your puppy. The common symptoms or warning signs include:
- You may find dark specks or flea droppings in your puppy’s fur,
- You may also find flea eggs in your puppy’s coat,
- You may notice your puppy excessively licking or scratching some particular body parts,
- You may find some hot spots or scrabs on your puppy’s skin due to flea or tick bites.
Parasites may cause other symptoms and lead to many diseases among your puppies. If you notice such warning signs in your puppies – take them to vets nearby for a checkup.
How long do fleas and ticks stay on puppies?
Fleas usually live for about two weeks if they don’t find a host. However, as they find a host – they remain till the animal is groomed and the fleas are unlodged.
Ticks can stay on your puppy’s skin from three months to three years if not removed. They stay unless they swell 10 times their original size. They may change their bite area, causing various skin issues among puppies for a long time.
What health issues do fleas and ticks may cause among puppies?
Your puppies may get any of the following health problems due to fleas and ticks:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Lyme disease
We created an infographic to cover flea and tick preventive measures – We hope that the infographic will help you understand and remember the ways to prevent flea and ticks in puppies. Here is the infographic:
Fleas and Ticks Treatments for Puppies
If you wonder when to start flea and tick treatment for puppies – ideally, the preventive products and treatments to get rid of fleas and ticks may not be safe until your puppies reach an age of about 7-8 weeks.
Using a specially designed squeeze-on formula is one of the best tick treatments for puppies under 12 weeks. The formula kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks causing Lyme disease, allergic reactions, and infections.
There are many medications for treating problems caused by fleas and ticks among puppies and dogs – consult your vet to prescribe the best flea and tick medicine for puppies. Veterinarians consider the puppy’s age, weight, breed, and other factors and prescribe a safe flea treatment for puppies.
Vets will also determine a suitable skin treatment by adopting an appropriate medicine. They know how to treat a puppy with fleas considering various crucial factors. The vets would have adequate experience providing flea treatments and prescribing the most effective flea medications for minor to severe cases.
What home remedies prevent fleas and ticks on your puppies naturally?
If you notice the signs of fleas on your puppy – like itching and scratching, you can try these natural home remedies to get rid of them:
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Flea and tick preventive shampoo
Bathing your puppies under 12 weeks using flea and tick preventive shampoo is an effective way to get rid of these parasites. Ensure the shampoo is vet-approved and suitable for your puppy’s fur and skin.
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Essential oils
Applying lavender essential oil or coconut oil on the puppy’s fur is a great way to prevent fleas naturally.
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Adding Brewer’s Yeast to your puppy’s diet
Brewer’s Yeast helps repel fleas. However, consult your vet for the appropriate dosage based on your puppy’s age, weight, and physical condition.
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Apple cider vinegar
Add apple cider vinegar to your puppy’s food per the vet-approved dosage.
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Apply lemon or orange to your puppy’s fur
Squeeze an orange or lemon to take out the juice – and apply it to your puppy’s fur. Even if your puppy licks its fur, the all-natural juice is harmless.
Finding a veterinarian near you made simple.
Take the aid of our most trusted online vet discovery platform – GreatVet, to find a vet clinic in your city, metro area, zip code area, neighborhood, or county. We are committed to connecting concerned pet parents like you with the best-rated vet practitioners in your area.
To Sum Up
The article covers various aspects of fleas and ticks on puppies and helps you prevent potential health issues among your puppies caused by them. We hope that the information will help you provide a healthy environment for your puppies and avoid parasite-borne health issues.
If you find any signs of health issues discussed here, find a vet near you through GreatVet, and instantly schedule an appointment for your pet.
Disclaimer: The content on the site is for educational purposes only, and it does not provide medical advice. The shared information must not be treated as a substitute for or alternative for medical practitioner advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Regarding any concerns about your pet’s health, seeking veterinary guidance is of utmost necessity. Each pet has specific health, fitness & nutrition needs. Do not disregard, avoid or delay pet health-related advice from veterinarians based on reading the information provided on this site.
