Bathing a chihuahua

Question
We have just gotten a 7week old puppy on Friday!

We have discovered that she has fleas. I know she is tooooo young for medicine so what can we do. I know that they are not to be bathed a whole lot, so what can I do.. what shampoo can I use on her. When can she have a medicated shampoo to remove fleas?

Answer
Hello Tammy, you are right, there aren't many products with flea control in it that are safe for puppies younger than 12 weeks.  Before advantage (which is my flea protection of choice) I would use Joy dish washing detergent.  I have used this for dogs that had fleas and could not have flea chemicals for one reason or another on them.  Many vets will tell you that Joy can be effective.  Here are a few hints;  Give your puppy a puppy shower not a puppy bath, meaning spray the warm water over the puppy instead of emerging her in a tub of water.  Also put a towel in the clothes dryer while you are bathing her so that when you are done the towel is nice and toasty warm (make sure it is not to hot) wrap your puppy in the towel and rub.  When bathing with Joy remember it is a concentrate and a little goes a long way.  Start at the head as fleas will run into the open ears when threatened and work your way back,  You do not have to use the Joy on the head unless you see an abundance of fleas there also.  If you want to feel even safer put a drop of mineral oil in each eye to act as an eye protectant from the Joy.  If at all possible leave the Joy on for 5 to 10 min. then rinse, rinse, rinse, I cannot stress that enough.  When your puppy is 12 weeks of age, then you can treat her with advantage.  Enjoy your new puppy! Thanks for asking Cindy Lou :)