What is the Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs?
Today we will show you the best dog flea shampoo. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our pets might still end up picking up some fleas. Fleas can cause a lot of harm if left unattended. Using the best dog flea shampoo is one of the fastest and most effective ways of giving your pet immediate relief from flea infestation.
If your pet spends time outdoors, it is advisable to use a flea shampoo regularly even before you notice a flea infestation to get rid of any parasite that your pooch might have gotten into contact with. Below we have reviewed some of the best flea control shampoos for dogs to make the task less daunting for you.
9 Best Dog Flea Shampoo To Keep Fido Flea-Free
#1) Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
As the overall best dog flea shampoo, Adams Plus not only kills adult fleas but also kills flea eggs, flea larvae and lice. It contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) which kills and inhibits flea development for 28 days thus will prevent reinfestation for 4 weeks. Having Pyrethrin and S-Methoprene as active ingredients, this dog shampoo is quite effective in killing fleas and leaves your dog flea free in just one wash.
This best dog flea shampoo contains soothing aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal that soothe and moisturize your pooch’s skin relieving it from itching. These ingredients help with dandruff, scales and raw skin that result from fleas leaving your dog with a healthy and shiny coat. It has a pleasant and fresh scent that your dog will not react to.
Features
- Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae and lice.
- Inhibits and kills flea development for 28 days thus preventing re-infestation.
- Active ingredients are Pyrethrins and S-Methoprene which are highly effective.
- Contains soothing aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal that soothe and moisturize your pooch’s skin relieving it from itching.
- Gives your dog a healthy and shiny coat that is free from dandruff, scale and raw skin.
- A pleasant and fresh scent
#2) Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
This is a phenothrin-based dog flea shampoo that is effective for killing fleas and ticks through contact. It is citrus-scented and will leave some fragrance on your dog. Some dogs mind it some do not.
The inactive ingredient is oatmeal which soothes your dog’s skin, hastens its healing, and leaves it moisturized. The dog flea shampoo can be used weekly to prevent your dog from flea infestation.
Unlike most of the shampoos that can be used on pups of at least 12 weeks, the Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo is only suitable for dogs older than 6 months. As one of the best dog flea shampoo, Hartz UltraGuard not only kills adult fleas but also larvae and eggs. This shampoo leaves your dog feeling deodorized and fresh.
Features
- It contains phenothrin as the active ingredient.
- Kills fleas and ticks through contact.
- Kills adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.
- Has a citrus scent that will leave some fragrance on your dog’s body.
- Contains oatmeal that soothes your dog’s skin, hastens its healing and leaves it moisturized.
- It prevents infestation if used every week.
- Suitable for pups older than 6 months.
- Leaves your dog deodorized.
#3) Sentry Flea & Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal
This dog flea shampoo contains two active ingredients, permethrin which is both a medication and insecticide and piperonyl butoxide which works with permethrin to kill fleas, flea eggs and ticks while preventing new infestation for 10 days after a wash.
As one of the best dog flea shampoo, Sentry Shampoo is pH balanced and has oatmeal that soothes your dog’s skin and is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.
This formula leaves your dog’s coat conditioned and deodorized leaving it shiny and healthy. It is suitable for dogs that are older than 12 weeks. This shampoo has a very thick consistency and lathers easily giving you value for money. It has a ginger scent that most dogs do not mind.
Features
- Contains permethrin and piperonyl butoxide as active ingredients.
- Effective for killing adult fleas, flea eggs and ticks.
- Prevents reinfestation for 10 days after a wash.
- Balanced pH
- Contains oatmeal to soothe your dog’s skin.
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Leaves your dog deodorized.
- Gives your pooch a healthy and shiny coat.
- Suitable for dogs older than 12 weeks.
- Has a thick consistency and lathers easily.
- It has a ginger scent.
#4) Wondercide Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo Bar
Made with natural essential oils, this dog flea shampoo bar kills and prevents fleas and ticks in all stages. The shampoo is easy to use and a bar will last you a long time.
It contains geranium and citronella that not only cleanse your dog but also moisturize it and gives it a fresh scent. Also, the shampoo contains coconut oil which makes the bar lather, wash and rinse well on your dog’s coat.
This bar is suitable for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. It is free from artificial fragrances, colors, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and any other harsh chemicals making it a very safe choice. It contains other natural ingredients such as castor oil, aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil, honey and coconut oil for your dog’s coat health.
Features
- Made with natural essential oils.
- Kills and prevents ticks and fleas at all life stages.
- Contain geranium and citronella that cleanse, moisturize and give your dog a fresh scent.
- Coconut oil that makes the soap lather, wash and rinse well on your dog’s fur.
- Suitable for dogs of all ages.
- Free from artificial fragrances, colors, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and any other harsh chemicals.
- Easy to use.
- Long-lasting.
#5) Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo
Looking for the best dog flea shampoo? Look no further than the Veterinary Formula for flea and tick control. The dog flea shampoo not only kills fleas and ticks at all life stages but also prevents future egg and larvae development.
It is made of veterinary-recommended products with active ingredients being Pyrethrin, Piperonyl Butoxide, and N-Octyl Bicycloheptene Dicarboximide making it a very effective shampoo. These active ingredients are very potent and all of the best dog flea shampoo include them in their formula.
Free from harmful chemicals, color additives and fragrances, this shampoo is safe for puppies that are older than 12 weeks. It contains lanolin that soothes and exfoliates your dog’s coat leaving it healthy and shiny.
This shampoo should be used once a week and it protects your dog from flea infestation for 2 weeks after use. It leaves your dog deodorized and has a strong scent that some dogs mind but others do not.
Features
- Kills fleas at all life stages.
- Prevents future egg and larvae development.
- Will protect your dog for 2 weeks after wash.
- Veterinarian recommended ingredients.
- Active ingredients are Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, and N-Octyl Bicycloheptene Dicarboximide
- Free from harmful chemicals, color additives and fragrances.
- Suitable for puppies older than 12 weeks.
- Contains lanolin that soothes and exfoliates your dog’s coat leaving it healthy and shiny
- Deodorizes your dog.
#6) Arava Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs
This is another best dog flea shampoo. The dog shampoo contains lemongrass, peppermint, cinnamon, thyme, clove, eastern red cedar, Geranium, Citronella, Rosemary, Castor, and Soybean and 26 Dead Sea minerals.
It is an all-natural dog shampoo with no irritants thus suitable for all dogs of all ages and also those with sensitive skin. It gets rid of fleas and ticks from your pup quickly and effectively without exposing it to harsh chemicals.
The production of this shampoo is done with strict control to ensure that your pet gets the best. It refreshes your dog’s coat and skin giving it a healthy shine. This shampoo is free from strong irritating scents but still leaves your dog smelling great. Besides, for every purchase made of this shampoo, the company makes a direct donation to the animal rights organization.
Features
- 100% natural.
- Free from irritants.
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Suitable for dogs of all ages.
- Free from harsh chemicals.
- Gives your dog’s coat a healthy shine.
- It has a pleasant scent.
#7) Pampered Paws Flea and Tick Control Shampoo
This is a mild flea and tick shampoo that is made of 100% natural ingredients. The unique formulation makes it the best dog flea shampoo to keep fleas and other parasites off your canine’s skin.
It gets rid of ticks and fleas for dogs of all ages. This flea control shampoo has a gentle mix of essential oils such as peppermint oil and cedar bark oil that not only cleanse your dog’s fur and skin but also moisturizes it.
Besides, it is fortified with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids for the health of your dog’s skin. Enriched with shea butter, this shampoo leaves your dog’s fur smooth and soft.
The minty scent is pleasant to your dog and everyone around while the chemical-free nature of this shampoo makes it safe for your pooch and everyone in your household.
Features
- Made of 100% natural ingredients.
- It cleans and moisturizes your dog.
- Keeps fleas and ticks off.
- Fortified with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Contains shea butter that softens your dog’s skin.
- It has a pleasant minty scent.
- Free from harsh chemicals.
#8) Pet Pleasant Vanilla Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Lavender
The ultra-hydrating formulation of this dog shampoo makes it the best dog flea shampoo and also keeps your pup moisturized. This shampoo is perfect for using in between flea treatment as it helps combat skin irritation. It is made of natural ingredients thus it is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
Enriched with oatmeal, this shampoo soothes your pup’s skin leaving it soft and supple. Fortified with aloe vera, this shampoo will give your dog healthy-looking skin and fur. The pleasant lavender and vanilla scents get rid of the dog’s odor leaving your dog smelling fresh.
Features
- Ultra-hydrating.
- Perfect for in-between treatments.
- Combats skin irritation.
- Made of all-natural ingredients.
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Contains oatmeal that soothes your skin.
- Contains aloe vera that gives your dog healthy-looking skin and fur.
- Pleasant vanilla and lavender scent that gets rid of your dog’s odor.
#9) Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo
Are you looking for an all-natural shampoo that is effective in getting rid of parasites? Then this is the dog shampoo for you. It contains natural flea killing ingredients such as peppermint oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, and rosemary oil to effectively get rid of fleas while calming the skin. It also contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as an active ingredient.
Worry not as this is also a natural ingredient that is derived from plants. Cedarwood and Vitamin E in this shampoo helps in calming and repairing the skin and the balanced pH makes it suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. It is free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances and colors and can be used on dogs older than 12 weeks.
Features
- It is an all-natural shampoo.
- Contains 5 active ingredients including peppermint oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that aid in getting rid of fleas and ticks.
- Contains Cedarwood oil and Vitamin E to calm and repair the skin.
- Balanced pH is thus suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and colors.
- Suitable for dogs older than 12 weeks.
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Best Dog Flea Shampoo Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Dog Flea Shampoo
Effectiveness
The whole point of getting a flea shampoo is to get rid of fleas and maybe other parasites. Get one that gets the job done. Check reviews of the shampoo and you can also ask around from other pet parents.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in a shampoo contribute to the effectiveness of a flea shampoo. Pyrethrins kill not only adult fleas but also their larvae and eggs. Natural ingredients might not be as strong but they are good for pets with sensitive skin. Get a shampoo with effective and safe active ingredients.
Soothing Ingredients
Fleas cause a lot of itching and might damage your pet’s skin. Soothing ingredients such as chamomile, Vitamin E and tea tree help in reducing itchiness and rebuilding your dog’s damaged skin. Aim at shampoos with soothing ingredients.
Scent
Most dogs find strong scents irritating. Aim at non-scented shampoos or ones with very mild scents to save your dog from the irritation it might get from the scented shampoos.
Types of Flea Shampoos
Chemical Flea Shampoos – These shampoos are deemed to be the most effective. They contain chemicals such as pyrethrin and pyrethroids. These chemicals might however be harmful to your dog so in case you notice some reaction after use, discontinue immediately.
Natural flea shampoo – These kinds of shampoos have ingredients that aim at your dog’s central nervous system. They contain ingredients such as citrus peel extract and limonene as active ingredients.
Organic Shampoos – Organic shampoos contain ingredients that aim at soothing the skin and also repelling bugs and parasites. Some of the ingredients in these shampoos include peppermint, cedar oil and clover.
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Tips for Getting Good Results from Best Dog Flea Shampoo
Whereas best dog flea shampoos are generally effective, only when used properly will you reap the intended results. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using the best dog flea shampoo:
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Be Conversant with the Product
Understanding the product, you will be using on your canine is important to having a parasite-free house. The majority of the best dog flea shampoo products are only effective at killing fleas, ticks, and other bugs on a dog. They might not kill the larva eggs that could be buried in your dog’s bedding.
To ensure your dog is free of fleas you are required to bathe them with such shampoos regularly preferably on weekly basis to eradicate fleas. You may consider using a flea comb to help in the removal of killed parasites and flea eggs from the dog’s coat. Use the comb concurrently as you bathe your canine for excellent results.
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Use Shampoo According to the Manufacturer’ Instructions
When using the best dog flea shampoo on your pooch, you are required to let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing. This is quite different from other shampoos that you rinse right away after application.
Before applying the shampoo to your dog, carefully read the directions on the bottle and stick to them to the latter. Only then will the treatment be safe and effective. Besides, the sitting time vary among the dog shampoos and double-checking the instructions whenever you bathe your dog is crucial.
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Consult your Vet
Before adding a product to your dog’s bathing routine, it is wise to seek your vet’s input. This is particularly important if your pooch has an underlying skin condition or suffers from skin sensitivity.
You do not want to use a shampoo that will worsen the condition. Also, during puppyhood, we recommend you seek your vet’s input before using a particular shampoo.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Best Dog Flea Shampoo
Q: How do I safely use dog Shampoo?
First of all, ensure that you read the label of the shampoo when purchasing. Look at the ingredients and research to know the benefit or side effects of each. Make an effort of consulting your Vet before using the shampoo on your pooch.
They will advise accordingly. Always consider your dog’s health condition while getting a shampoo. Most shampoos are designed for adult dogs and if you use them on sick, pregnant, or senior dogs, they might have adverse effects. Ensure that you double-check on this.
Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. For instance, if a shampoo is meant to be used weekly and you end up using it daily, you might cause some skin irritation to your pooch.
Also only use the recommended amount. Wash your hands and use a pair of gloves when using the shampoo on your dog. Monitor your dog for 24 hours after using the shampoo. Take immediate action if you notice any side effects.
Q: What To Do to Your House if Your Dog Has Fleas?
Sometimes our canine friends come home scratching your heads and drops the fleas almost everywhere in the house. When this happens, you should take immediate action to eradicate them as they can be a nuisance in your home. To help eradicate fleas in your home do the following:
- Remove and wash all the bedding in warm soapy water
- Clean the carpets, hardwood floors and tiled floors using a vacuum cleaner and discard the vacuum bag
- Call a local exterminator to apply Methoprene or do it yourself is you can
- Choose an effective spray or pellet and apply it
- Continue treating your pets with weekly or monthly preventative treatment
Q: Do Flea Shampoos Work?
Flea shampoos are effective in getting rid of the fleas on your dog’s body. They however do not help in getting rid of fleas in the house.
Conclusion
Which dog flea shampoo will you try first? The best dog flea shampoo products are an effective way of relieving your pooch from a flea infestation. Just like all other health products it is wise to consult your vet to avoid harming your pooch while attempting to get rid of fleas. Ensure that you always strike a balance between efficiency and safety when it comes to using a dog shampoo.