[Puppy Newbee]

We are about to get an 8 week old puppy from a family member. We live in the country with a fenced in backyard, but stray dogs and wild bunnies often come up to the fence or in the yard. They gave our neighbor's (2 acres away) older dogs fleas once.


We want to spray a flea and tick spray in the yard before our new puppy arrives. Is this safe[//COLOR]?

We plan to go to the vet as soon as we get the puppy, but it is coming on a Friday so there will be a few days before we can get there, and we thought it better for the solution to be there five or so days before the puppy.

Is eight weeks too young to give the puppy a bath? I read about using dawn on the puppy. I am sure it will come free of fleas but just in case. The family member giving us the dog has several dogs at home.

I have gotten a bread specific book to read about my dog. What other advice do you have for a new puppy owner? We have two teenagers and no little ones around.

[shazamataz]

Sounds like you are doing some great research before you get the puppy, good job :)

Here is a site that specialises in natural flea treatments.
I would avoid using any chemical based products until the pup is a little older.
There are some flea preventions available for puppies but I think these would be better on a little one...
There are yard sprays as well as dog shampoos on this site.

Another natural alternative is to feed your dog a little garlic in with his food or buy a dog shampoo with lavendar... fleas hate it.
Apparently apple cider vinegar works as a flea prevention too, you just bathe your dog in it (I have not tried this only read about it)

Flea Free: Garlic Flea Prevention

[Catsmine]

Another product that doesn't involve pesticides is very hard to find but has given good results. I don't remember the name but it consists of a collar made of a bandana-type cotton with an absorbent filling and an oils product that is applied into the collar as a reservoir to provide flea repellant action. I have not seen it since the Frontline/Advantage products came out but you might search your local pet store.