Alongside the cuddles, the training wins, and the occasional sacrificed slipper, keeping your puppy healthy inside and out is a key part of the journey. Parasites are an inevitable feature of puppy life, but tackling them early gives your pup the best possible start. This guide, written by our experienced vets, offers panic-free, practical advice to navigate worms, fleas and mites. We’ll cover the risks and available treatments to keep your new puppy safe and off-limits for unwelcome bugs and beasties.

How do puppies get parasites?

Even puppies from the cleanest, healthiest backgrounds can bring some unwanted guests. Your puppy’s underdeveloped immune system, close contact with mum and natural curiosity make them an easy target. If we find puppies irresistible, so do parasites! 

Common culprits

• Worms: Most puppies start life with roundworms, passed in the womb or through milk - something even top breeders can’t avoid. Tapeworms can also sneak in via fleas.

• Fleas: These super-powered jumpers hop onto puppies from the environment, other pets or even your own outdoor clothing. Once indoors, they drop into carpets and bedding, then start breeding at an alarming rate!

• Mites : 

  • Cheyletiella mites cause flakes of skin that seem to move (“walking dandruff”) - unpleasant but very treatable.

  • Demodex mites cause patchy hair loss on the face, legs or paws, with red or infected skin, and need vet treatment.

  • Sarcoptes mites cause intense itching mange, with red skin, hair loss and scabs; it’s very uncomfortable, contagious and needs a vet.

  • Ear mites cause intense itching and head shaking, often with dark discharge, and require vet treatment to resolve the infestation and secondary infection.

If your puppy has parasites, it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. It’s just part of puppy life. Luckily, parasites are one of life’s more manageable problems.

Spotting the signs of parasites in puppies

Parasites can cause severe health problems, but the signs may be subtle at first:

• Scratching or nibbling more often

• Flaky, dry or irritated skin

• Flea dirt: tiny black flecks in the coat, like coal dust

• A pot-bellied appearance

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

• Visible worms in your puppy’s poo or vomit or near their bottom: like spaghetti or grains of rice

Talk to a vet as soon as possible if your puppy seems itchy, uncomfortable, isn’t growing well or just seems ‘not right’. 

Is parasite control really necessary?

Yes. Parasites aren’t just annoying; they pose significant health problems, especially to growing puppies.

1. Skin and coat health

Bites from fleas and mites irritate a puppy’s skin and interfere with their natural protective barrier. This can lead to redness, scabs, infections and allergies.

2. Growth and general health

Worms steal nutrients in food that your pup needs to grow and develop. Worms can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, anaemia and even intestinal blockages.

3. Spreading disease

Ticks carry Lyme disease. Fleas can pass on tapeworms. Some worms can harm humans (especially young children), so prevention protects your whole family.

4. Home and garden infestations

Parasites quickly spread through your home and garden. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. Suddenly, there are hundreds, thousands of them in your carpets, sofa and bedding, almost quicker than you can say “quit scratching!”

5. The “Yuk” factor

Fleas and Cheyletiella bite people too, although they find us less tasty than puppies. Red, maddeningly itchy bumps on human ankles and tummies are enough to spoil anybody's new puppy experience!

Preventing parasites in puppies

Stick to a simple, reliable routine. There are lots of safe options. Your vet can help you choose the best for your puppy.

Spot-on treatments

Small liquid doses applied between your puppy’s shoulder blades: quick, easy and often puppy-proof.

How they work: They either spread over your puppy’s skin to kill parasites on contact or enter the bloodstream and kill parasites when they bite.

Benefits: Simple to use, long-lasting, effective against fleas, mites, ticks and some worms. Ideal for pups who view tablets as an assault. Some prescription spot-ons also protect against lungworm, spread by slugs and snails. (Puppies do have a habit of licking things they absolutely shouldn’t.)

Tablets and chews

Often designed to taste like treats, many puppies devour tablets and chews with the same enthusiasm they’ll snaffle dirty socks.

How they work: Medication enters the puppy's bloodstream and kills parasites when they feed. Different products target fleas, ticks and various combinations of worms.

Benefits: No residue left on the coat, perfect for dogs who love swimming or need regular baths, often very fast-acting and usually highly palatable.

Worming routine for puppies

Worming is essential for all puppies - no exceptions! A choice of liquid and granule wormers, as well as tablets and chews, ensures accurate, easy dosing - especially for tiny puppies. 

Typical puppy worming schedule

• Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old

• Monthly from 12 weeks to 6 months

• Every 1–3 months thereafter, depending on lifestyle

Prescription wormers often target more types of worms and life stages than over-the-counter options. Talk to a vet about the best options for your puppy.

Whichever parasite preventives you choose, check your puppy’s weight for safe, accurate dosing and check age suitability. 

Getting rid of fleas!

If you’ve spotted fleas on your puppy, their eggs are likely settling into your home!

• Ask your vet to recommend a product that works quickly! Prescription products are generally more effective than supermarket brands. And make sure all other pets in the house are up to date too.

• Wash all your puppy’s bedding on a hot cycle (and yours if your ‘not-on-the-bed’ rule lasted about 5 seconds)

• Vacuum regularly 

• Use a vet-recommended household spray to break the flea life cycle. 

Choosing a parasite prevention plan

Factors to consider

• Your puppies' age and weight.

• Garden explorers and snail nibblers may need a broader-spectrum vet-supplied product.

• Homes with cats, children or multiple dogs need broad, effective treatments that are safe for all.

• Puppies with allergies may need specific options.

• Ease of use: Are you most comfortable using spot-ons, oral treatments or a combination?

Tips for success

• Be consistent: Set reminders! 

• Weekly coat checks: Look for flakiness, redness or flea dirt.

• Hygiene matters: Wash bedding frequently, especially during flea season.

• Talk to a vet for reliable advice!
  

FAQs for parasites in puppies

Q: Why does my puppy keep getting worms?
A: Most treatments only kill mature worms, so immature ones grow and replace them as the wormer wears off. Regular worming is the only way to clear worms fully.

Q: Are fleas dangerous?
A: Fleas cause itching, allergic reactions and can transmit tapeworm. Heavy infestations may cause anaemia in small puppies.

Q: Does my puppy need lungworm treatment?
A: Lungworm is increasingly common in the UK. Puppies who explore gardens or sniff slugs benefit from monthly protection.

Q: Can people catch parasites from puppies?
A: Some worms can affect humans. Regular parasite control and good hygiene reduce the risk considerably.

Come back next month for guidance on travelling with your puppy - minus the itchy surprises and uninvited ‘guests’!