Sunday, August 2, 2009

I just got a six week old teacup chihuahua puppy but...?

he has fleas! How do i get rid of them before my other dogs get them? I tried a bath and that helped with a few but today there are even more! he is only 1.3 lbs. so i cant give him meds..help!
Answers:
I've had the same problem, purchasing a chihuahua, Bath the puppy in a gentle soap, use a flea comb while the pup sits on a paper towel, the fleas will land on the paper towel, flush the paper towel. Then apply a flea power that your vet should have that is safe for puppys. I'll never understand how puppys get fleas that young. The conditions at the breeders must be filthy. I breed Chi's myself and have never had a single flea on a puppy from my litters. Oh and by the way get a wormer from your vet fleas carry tapeworm.
contact your local vet. I am sure they can give you some advice on this. This pup is probably too young for preventative measures (advantix, etc.) but it's better to check with your vet.
Call the vet, that many fleas on a pup can kill it, the vet will give you something that is strong enough to kill the fleas but not hurt the puppy.
You probably have another source of fleas (another pet, bedding, etc.) If you gave him a thorough bath, and carefully combed out all the remaining fleas, AND you have control of the sources, you should be able to get rid of his fleas without too much trouble. Try Tea Tree Oil shampoo, it won't irritate him, and it helps loosen the fleas. Its non-toxic to mammals, even tiny dogs.
you should try to put a flea collar on him
He's only six weeks old?! He shouldn't have even been taken from his mother that early. Sorry, there's no such breed as a "teacup chihuahua," and you really shouldn't have bought a puppy no younger than 8 weeks, but, I digress.

Take him to a vet, they'll be able to tell you exactly what to do to stop the fleas. Try some flea shampoo specially made for puppies, flea shampoo is toxic (it does kill the fleas, after all), so don't douse him in it.

When we were fostering a litter of kittens who were flea infested we gave them a bath twice a day, and kept their living area very very clean. Don't let him near fabrics or clothes you can't wash often, keep him in a confined space to minimize exposure.

I still think it was irresponsible to get a puppy who's only six weeks old.
I am sorry your puppy has fleas. I cannot imagine any breeder in their right mind selling you a puppy at 6 weeks, especially a teacup size. Eight weeks is the bare minimum to sell a puppy and a small one, 12 weeks. The dog having fleas is another bad sign that this breeder is a very bad breeder. That being said, about the only thing you can do is ask your vet what can be done for a puppy so small and so young. I hope you can get this under control and that your puppy has a great life with you.
My best advice to you would be to keep him from other animals as much as possible, and bathe all the dogs every week. Also, you may want to sweep the carpets, shampoo the carpets, and wash bedding and clothing to stop the sprading of the fleas. Whatever you do DO NOT use a flea collar on the little one. We used flea collars and it made my two Chihuahuas bald around the neck, and we were told that Chihuahuas are too small for flea collars. If the bathing does not work, I'd ask your vet. I hope this helps! Good Luck!
First -- there is no such thing as a teacup Chihuahua and at 1.3 pounds he's really not so tiny compared to some of the qualtiy Chihuahuas out there that are 3pounds full grown., second -- he should still be with momma at 6 weeks --you are risking many health problems by having him that young.

They do make flea meds for kittens which might work, but if I were you I would take him to the vet and get their advice. Good luck
Fleas can be a pain. Did you bathe your dog again after you saw signs of more fleas?

With a puppy that age, if bathing doesn't work, I would suggest going to your vet. They have mutiple solutions of flea removal. I know people are quick to say "go to the vet" but it is really the best way to get straight forward help. The sooner you rid your pup of his fleas the better it is for you, him, and your other dogs.
bath him in dawn dish liquid..then poweder him with flea powder...
Hello..dang people sure panic about fleas, you can't get rid of them all ...ever...but you can comb, %26 sprinkle borax ( 20 mule team borax in laundry sections ) on rugs %26 under beddings, before going to bed.. then vacuum, in the morning...flea collars are a waste of money, they only work if the flea travels under them %26 this dog is too small..but you can use the little liquid tubes for puppies on her, JUST ONLY put it at the top center of her neck %26 base of her tail - where the body meets the tail ONLY, these are 2 spots fleas love best cuz most dogs can't get to these spots %26 your puppy can't ingest it that way either ...and you can also rub her with some olive oil..helps smother the fleas %26 not bad for her to ingest, this little dog a tablespoon would cover ..LOL !! Take Care :) Bet the vets luv these flea haters ..nothing gets rid of them all %26 treat ALL your dogs, not just the pup !! Do not panic, has nothing to do with cleanliness %26 don't bathe too much..bad for the skin .. also check her poo for little white worms, also common in nursed pups ( again not about cleanliness...) that you might need a vet for due to her size, or read the worming labels for her dosage, if it says TOY %26 puppy dosage, use half that...but am guessing you'll have some vet appts for shots %26 you can also do things then...tho with one this little, even a vet must be careful %26 good, especially about vaccinations !!
You need to take him to a vet .. A vet knows more about getting rid of fleas for that size of a dog.. In the long run its much cheaper to pay a vet bill than have the whole house and your other dogs infested with fleas..You would have to wash everything and then have your other dogs deflead also..Think about what I said and you know I will be right..Do it as soon as possible for everyones sake... Good luck. and make sure you ask your vet how you can prevent other out breaks... Either that or ask who ever you got the puppy from to pay for the vet bill.its only the right thing to do and everyone will be a happy camper, most of all your dogs and your self.
I would contact your vet or take him to the local grooming salon so they can dip him in flea and tick treatment!
If it is possible you need to separate him from your other animals in a room with out carpet . . . such as a bathroom. Get a flea collar.

You can try having him washed %26 "dipped" professionaly but I dont know about him being so young. They also make a liquid (such as frontline) that you put on the neck that is suppossed to work realy well.

If he is already in your house I would also consider treating your carpet and any furniture that is fabrick (including drapes and bed covers.) You can also spray around the outside of your home.

I know it sound extreme but fleas spread quickly especially with multiple animals in the home.

You should also watch for worms. Animals can contract them from eating fleas and other things (such as insects, lizards ect. . .) Good-Luck!!

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