Cross Breeds

Can I bathe my three week old chihuahua puppies?

I have six, three week old chihuahua puppies and I was wondering at what age can I bathe them? And is it safe for me to bathe the mother even though she is still nursing? They do have fleas and that is my main concern. And if I can not bathe them does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to get rid of the fleas?

Public Comments

1. Yes, but you may want to get special flea and tick shampoo for such young puppies from a vet. Give the mother normal flea and tick shampoo.
2. Yes you can bathe them, carefully. Do not use flea shampoo on either the mother or the pups. Only puppy safe shampoo. Be sure to rinse well and carefully dry them fully. As for the fleas, I'd get a flea comb, and a cup of diluted bleach water. Comb off those fleas and drop them in the bleach water to die.
3. Man o man. No, you can't wash them. You should've taken the proper precautions beforehand. Blah wash them anyway, one at a time, dry them thoroughly, keep them warm. Clean the place you keep them thoroughly, wash the mom, and hope it turns out right.
4. there are special sprays for fleas,just be real careful if there mom still licks them or ask the vet about safe medicine.DO NOT give them a bath so young.wait 8-12 weeks or even more to be safe.make sure you ask a vet also.
5. No definitely not...puppy's at a young age cant retain their own body temperature so this isn't a good idea...You can wash the Mum but do not bath her in any flea shampoo as if it will leave residue on her coat and around her nipples and the pups will ingest when they feed from her, and this could be harmful. Your best bet is to call the vet to explain the situation and they will give advice on the best product to kill the fleas on both mum and pups. You maybe should have made sure the mum and the house were flea free before she had the pups. The problem maybe egg larvae in the carpets, so it may be a good idea to spray the house.....BUT not while you have young puppies as you have to well ventilate and keep pets away from the house for a few hours.. If you think this could be the problem, spray the house and treat any pets after the pups have gone to their new homes. But before you send your pups to their new homes at 8 weeks they will be stronger, so you can give them each a bath and flea treatment suitable for pups of their age, so they will be flea free when they leave. Always check that any products you use are safe for puppy's of their age. Good luck and hope this helps.