Have you recently noticed some weird physical actions your puppy is making? They’re itching and gnawing at their skin. In that case, there’s a possibility that your pup has some uninvited guests living on their fur.
With 2,200 types of fleas discovered, many dog parents have frequently reported adverse reactions to these parasites. For puppies, ticks and fleas can pose a significant health risk, leading to discomfort and diseases.
As a pet parent, you must recognize the signs of flea infestation. Based on that, you can choose preventive methods and maintain a favorable environment for flea eradication. Early intervention can prevent serious issues from taking over your pup’s health.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything a pet parent needs to know about dealing with external parasites and keeping their little furry friend safe.
Why Are Fleas and Ticks Harmful to Your Puppy?
While fleas and ticks are harmful for all dogs, they’re especially dangerous for a puppy. Your little furball’s immune system may not have developed enough to fight against the potential diseases these parasites carry. The medical conditions include hot spots, anemia, bacterial infections, etc.
Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian, states that puppies are quite vulnerable to flea-related health issues. Both mild and moderate infestations can put their health at risk. A puppy’s small stature and immature physiology can lead to weakness and respiratory distress from fleas.
Other than these, fleas can lead your puppy to develop allergic reactions and skin infections. Puppies cannot control biting where they itch, leading to inflammation and fur loss.
Sometimes, ticks can transmit bacterial diseases to puppies. These include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and Ehrlichiosis. If your pup develops either of these, they’re likely to become feverish, lethargic, and develop joint pain.
Vets believe that these parasites can also become intermediate hosts for tapeworms. When that happens, your puppy’s health will significantly deteriorate. Avoiding treatment can even lead to death.
What Are the Signs of External Parasites in a Puppy?
As a pet parent, you must recognize the clear signs of external parasites in your puppy. Usually, your furball will show the following signs:
- Biting and licking specific areas of their body. (armpits, tail, and groin)
- Tiny brown or black specks or dots (flea dirt) on their skin and fur.
- Ticks appear as dark bumps on parts of the puppy’s skin with less fur coverage.
- You can sometimes see fleas moving.
- Redness, inflammation, and irritated skin are all symptoms.
- Some puppies will exhibit discomfort like whimpering and restlessness.
In some cases, puppies might not show any signs of itchiness, even though they have fleas and ticks. That’s why it’s best to visit a professional for a proper diagnosis. If you notice any unusual physical changes or behavior, remember to take them to the vet promptly.
How Can You Kill Fleas and Ticks Without Harming Your Puppy’s Health?
There are many ways to kill fleas and ticks in adult dogs. However, not everything will be safe for a little puppy. Hence, an effective way to eliminate fleas and ticks without risking their health is to opt for flea and tick prevention medications.
A good product would be the NexGard Chewables. This beef-flavored soft chew is safe for dogs as young as eight weeks old and weighs four pounds or more.
This FDA-approved flea control product kills these parasites before they can lay eggs. On average, your dog must have this chew once every month to keep fleas and ticks at bay. It kills fleas fast and paralyzes ticks from harming your puppy.
According to PetCareRx, this product contains Afoxolaner, so pet parents must be cautious while administering it to a puppy with neurologic disorders. It’s best to consult a licensed veterinarian before giving this to your little furball.
There are some sprays containing selamectin, fipronil, or pyrethroids for flea and tick prevention. However, these can cause allergic reactions and are probably not safe for puppies without a strong immune system.
How Can You Prevent Flea and Tick Infestation in Puppies?
Let’s say you’re administering the right medication or chewable to your puppy for flea and tick prevention. Wouldn’t that be enough? Unfortunately, no. You need to safeguard your furry companion from these parasites in the following way:
Focus On Constant Grooming
Constantly grooming your little furball can help prevent fleas and ticks. The steps include:
- Regular brushing with a fine-toothed comb (you can also use flea combs) to remove pests and debris.
- Bathe your puppy once a month with a mild shampoo, and clean their bodies with vet-approved wet tissues after playing outside.
- Trim your puppy’s nails to prevent them from scratching their skin due to irritation.
Apart from these, pet parents should keep their pup’s ears, eyes, and teeth cleaned. Use a damp cloth and vet-approved pet grooming products for this.
Keep Living Environment Clean
Another way to keep your little furball safe from parasite infestation is by keeping the living environment clean. For that, you can follow these steps:
- Vacuum the rugs, carpets, and furniture regularly.
- Frequently wash the pup’s toys and bedding with hot water.
- Use pet-safe products to clean and disinfect the surfaces and floors.
- In the garden, keep the foliage and grass trimmed.
Keeping your home clean will prevent it from becoming a flea and tick habitat. This way, the environment will become risk-free for your new furry friend.
Conclusion
In summary, pet parents must be vigilant about protecting their little furballs from flea and tick infestations. These parasites are especially harmful to puppies because they have sensitive skin and are prone to diseases.
To do that, you’ll need the proactive measures mentioned in this article. Examples include flea preventive medications, regular grooming, and maintaining a clean environment. These effective methods can easily prevent blood-sucking parasites from making your puppy’s skin their home.
You can also consult a vet to understand the specific flea treatment options based on your puppy’s age and breed. They’ll also recommend products suitable for the dog’s health status. With these, you can ensure a healthy, flea-free, and happy life for your furball.