Advocate Ultra Chew for Puppies in Australia (2026)

Why Puppies Need Parasite Protection From Day One

Puppies are born more vulnerable to parasites than adult dogs, not less. Roundworm and hookworm can pass from mother to puppy through the placenta and through milk, which means many puppies are already carrying intestinal worms before they leave the breeder. Fleas use puppies as a warm, reliable host the moment one walks past. And in heartworm-active regions, a single mosquito bite at three months old starts a slow infection that won't show symptoms until your dog is two or three years old.

This is why most Australian vets start a parasite-protection conversation at the eight-week health check, alongside the C5 vaccination and microchipping. Skipping or delaying that first treatment compounds — every month a puppy goes without protection is another opportunity for an infection that's far harder to treat than to prevent.

What to Look For in a Puppy Parasite Treatment

The right monthly product for a puppy needs three things. It needs to be safe and registered for use from a low minimum age and weight (most products kick in at 8 weeks and 2 kg, but read the label). It needs broad-spectrum coverage so you're not adding a second product within weeks. And it needs to come in a small enough size that the dose actually matches a 2.5-kg puppy, rather than being scaled down from a 10-kg minimum. A monthly chew that nails all three is a single line in your puppy diary instead of three or four.

Sizing as Your Puppy Grows

A 2.5-kg puppy starting on Extra Small (2–2.8 kg) will likely outgrow the band within weeks. Most owners buy a Single Extra Small to bridge the gap, then move to Small (2.8–5.5 kg) for the next few months and Medium (5.5–11 kg) once the puppy crosses 5.5 kg. Reweigh every monthly cycle until growth slows around 8–12 months. Toy breeds may stay on Extra Small or Small for life; large breeds will move through three or four bands before settling.

Giving the Chew to a Teething or Fussy Puppy

Most puppies eat the chew without prompting if it's offered alongside or just before a meal. If your puppy is teething or food-fussy, break the routine — try giving the chew on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, or hand-feed it as a treat after training. If they spit it out, the dose hasn't absorbed and you'll need to redose, so keep an eye until you're sure it's swallowed. Don't crush or hide the chew in something they might leave behind.