Fleas, Ticks and Worms in Puppies and Kittens: What New Pet Parents Need to Know
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten? Congratulations! But along with the snuggles and zoomies comes a big responsibility: protecting them from parasites. Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms can pose serious health risks to young animals, so early and ongoing prevention is essential.
This guide is your crash course in keeping your new four-legged friend parasite-free from day one.
Why Puppies and Kittens Are at Higher Risk
Puppies and kittens often inherit parasites from their mothers—either in the womb or through nursing. Their developing immune systems also make it harder to fight off infestations, which can lead to:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Anemia or dehydration
- Stunted growth
Left untreated, worms or fleas can quickly escalate into serious, life-threatening issues in very young pets.
Step 1: Start Deworming Early
Most vets recommend beginning worm treatment at 2–3 weeks of age, then repeating every 2 weeks until they’re around 12 weeks old. After that, monthly preventives can be introduced.
Ask your vet which broad-spectrum wormers are safe for your puppy or kitten’s size and age.
Step 2: Tackle Fleas & Ticks Safely
Puppies and kittens can’t use all the same flea/tick products as adult pets, so choose treatments specifically formulated for young animals.
Once they’re old enough, consider introducing long-lasting options like:
- Bravecto for Dogs – safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age (weighing at least 2 kg)
- Bravecto for Cats – safe for kittens from 9 weeks of age (weighing at least 1.2 kg)
Explore more age-appropriate flea, tick and mite treatments for cats and dog flea and tick protection to find the perfect match.
Step 3: Clean the Environment Thoroughly
Fleas reproduce fast. Even after treatment, eggs and larvae can remain in your home’s environment for weeks. For every adult flea on your pet, there could be 100 eggs in your carpet.
To stop the cycle:
- Wash bedding and blankets weekly
- Vacuum daily during outbreaks
- Treat the environment if infestations persist
Step 4: Keep Up With a Regular Schedule
Once your puppy or kitten is 12+ weeks old, it’s time to move to monthly protection. Set reminders or use subscription options so you never miss a dose.
Parasites don’t take a break—and neither should you.
Welcoming a new pet is an exciting adventure, but their health starts with prevention. By staying ahead of fleas, ticks, and worms with proper care and treatments, you’ll give your puppy or kitten the best possible start to a long, happy life.
Check out Scriptly’s full range of Bravecto for Dogs, Bravecto for Cats, and flea and tick treatments to stock up on essentials today.
