Health Check - Puppies

Introduction Vaccination Worming Flea Control Common health problems Training your puppy Socialising Microchipping Feeding

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Even the best cared for puppies can still get fleas. Fleas are a hazard of modern living because we all have warm, centrally heated houses with fitted carpets where fleas love to lay their eggs. It is important to remember that if your pup has fleas you must treat not only the pup but any other dogs or cats in the house too. You must also treat your pup's bed and the house, as this is where the flea eggs will be laid.

Remember it is always best to start flea control before your puppy gets fleas. That way when the flea bites it will get killed and your pup won't get irritable and itchy. The best form of flea control should be safe for your pup, easy to administer and suit your budget. Flea products available from your vet are best because they have a much longer lasting effect and are more potent. Talk to your vet about the most effective method.

Different types of flea control

• Flea powders: available from pet shops. These are very mild and need to be applied every one to two weeks. They are messy to use and not advisable if you are asthmatic
• Flea shampoo: only effective if your pup is crawling with fleas. They do not prevent further infestations
• Flea combing: if you groom your pup with a fine comb you can remove the fleas. However this will not stop the fleas in your pet's environment so it will quickly pick up more
• Flea collars: these are unsightly, often leave an imprint on the fur, and have only a mild effect against fleas
• Flea sprays: sometimes the noise of the aerosol spray can scare your pup. The strength of spray varies according to the chemical ingredient and more potent long lasting sprays are only available from veterinary surgeons
• Spot on products: a drop is put on the back of the puppy's neck where it gets absorbed into the skin. There are many types on the market but the stronger long lasting ones are only available on prescription from your vet. These are easy to apply and are less stressful for you and your pet!
• Flea pill: this is a tablet given in the food once a month. This tablet acts against the flea larvae and stops them developing into adult fleas. It is very effective but you may need to use other products for the first month or two to kill off the adult fleas as well

Puppies under 12 weeks

There are few products licensed in puppies under 12 weeks. You can use mild pet shop powder, which may help, but the best one is a water based spray, which is available only through your vet. This usually has to be repeated every 2 to 3 months.

Puppies over 12 weeks

Once your pup is over 12 weeks there are more licensed products available. The selection of an appropriate flea remedy should depend on your budget and which one you find easiest to use.

Environmental control

Treating the pup is not enough. Fleas treat dogs like a restaurant and hop on for a quick meal. The flea eggs then fall off the coat and can lay dormant for up to a year in the carpets, your pet's bed or dark crevices like behind the radiators and skirting boards. In order to stop your pet becoming reinfested from the house it is advisable to spray your house with a product to kill off the flea eggs. These sprays can be long acting and often have an effect for 7 months. Regular vacuuming and keeping your pet's bed clean is also important - wash the blankets and the bed regularly.