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When do I start worming my puppy or kitten?
When do I start flea treatment for my puppy or kitten?
When do I start tick treatment for my puppy or kitten?
What are the best flea, tick and worm treatments for my pet?
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting moment but with the cuddles and playtime comes an important responsibility: protecting your pet from parasites. Fleas, ticks, and worms are not just a nuisance, they can pose serious health risks, especially for young pets with developing immune systems. Scroll to find out when to start treatments and the signs of fleas, ticks and worms so you can stay on top of their health!
Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable to parasites. Worms can be passed from the mother before birth or through milk, while fleas can quickly infest a young pet and even cause anemia in severe cases. Ticks, though more common in outdoor pets, can transmit diseases that affect both pets and humans.
Starting treatment early helps:
Prevent infestations before they begin
Protect your pet’s growth and development
Reduce the risk of transmission to other pets and people
This early and frequent schedule is essential because young animals are commonly born with roundworms.
Puppies
Puppies should typically begin worming treatment at 2 weeks of age. After that:
• Treat every 2 weeks until 8 weeks old• Then monthly until 6 months• After 6 months, follow your vet’s recommended schedule
Kittens
Kittens should also start worming at 3 weeks of age:
• Every 2 weeks until 8–9 weeks• Then monthly until 6 months
Most flea treatments can be started from 6 to 8 weeks of age, depending on the product.
Important tips:• Always check the product label for age and weight limits• Use treatments specifically designed for puppies or kittens• Never use dog flea products on cats—they can be toxic
Even if you don’t see fleas, prevention is key. Fleas can live in bedding, carpets, and furniture, waiting to jump onto your pet.
Tick prevention usually begins around the same time as flea treatment from 8 weeks of age but this depends on:- Your location- Whether your pet goes outdoors- The specific product used
If you live in a rural area or plan frequent walks in grasslands or wooded areas, starting tick prevention early is especially important.
Some vet-approved treatments can target fleas and ticks at the same time, like Itch Flea Treatment for Cats and Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs - which are suitable for puppies and kittens from 8 weeks old.
There are several options available like spot-on treatments, oral medications or collars. A little bit of advice goes a long way. A qualified professional can help you choose the safest and most effective option based on your pet’s age, weight and lifestyle. This could be your vet or our flea, tick and worm team who are veterinary trained by VetPol to give professional advice to cat and dog owners. If you’d like our help, reach out!
Even with prevention, it’s important to stay alert. If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet, fast. Here’s what to watch out for:
Scratching or biting at the skin (fleas)
Visible fleas or flea dirt
Scooting or dragging their bottom (worms)
Pot-bellied appearance in puppies or kittens
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Lethargy
Parasite control isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing routine. Consistent treatment helps ensure your pet stays healthy year-round.
Here is your simple schedule that you need to follow:
Worming: frequent in early months, then regular maintenance
Flea & tick: monthly or as recommended
Starting flea, tick, and worm treatments early gives your puppy or kitten the best possible start in life. With the right preventative care, you can avoid many common health issues and keep your new companion happy and thriving.
Vet strength flea and worm treatments, tailored to your pet and delivered for free, every month, so you never forget.
Itch Flea kills adult fleas on your pet in 24 hours and halts all other flea life stages. Itch Wormer kills all common intestinal worms and prevents newly hatched larvae from growing and multiplying.
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Ah, fleas. Tiny, jumpy menaces that seem to appear out of nowhere and turn your home into an itchy nightmare. Whether you’ve got pets or not, flea infestations are one of those problems you really want to avoid. And the best way to deal with them? Stop them before they ever start. Here's everything you need to know about keeping the little blighters at bay.
We've create a tailored for new pet owners to navigate world of flea treatment and prevention so your puppy or kitten is happy and healthy! Keep scrolling treatment guidelines for adult dogs and cats, a specialised flea treatment schedule, and why preventative control is crucial.
