There are many effective methods of eliminating fleas, larvae, and flea eggs on your dog and his bedding.
However, thorough bathing is the easiest and most practical method to get rid of fleas.
Using regular shampoos when bathing your dog may not effectively eliminate all these stubborn fleas.
Using the best flea shampoo for dogs will result in better efficacy while keeping their skin calm and healthy.
If you have ever tried shopping for the best flea shampoo for dogs, you definitely know that there are hundreds of products available on the market.
Some shampoos are made from natural ingredients while others have potent insecticides and other flea elimination products.
To provide the best possible protection to your dog, find a flea shampoo that is gentle, affordable, and effective.
Luckily for you, this guide will ease your shopping experience.
When Should You Use A Flea Shampoo?
Dogs easily pick up ticks and fleas when out playing, and the situation worsens during hot climates.
As such, you should find an effective method to control fleas by either killing, preventing, or both.
The market is wide, and you will find plenty of purported flea treatment modalities on offer.
But, why should you buy flea shampoo?
First, flea shampoos for dogs work well for pet owners who bathe their dogs routinely or for dogs that can tolerate bathing.
If every bath time for your dog is a nightmare, you might consider finding alternative methods of controlling fleas such as flea collars.
However, some flea shampoos are often more effective in removing and preventing flea and tick infestation than other flea treatment methods.
But before you settle on a flea shampoo, ensure that it can be safely used in conjunction with other treatments.
Top 6 Best Flea Shampoo For Dogs
#1: Best Overall: TropiClean Neem And Citrus Pet Shampoo
Top of our list of best flea shampoo for dogs is the TropiClean Neem and Citrus pet shampoo.
Snuggling with your dog after a long day at work is certainly the best feeling.
However, to do this, your pet should be free from fleas and bad smells.
This is exactly what the TropiClean Neem and Citrus Pet Shampoo does.
The shampoo not only ensures that your dog is free from fleas, ticks, and bugs but also makes him smell fresh and clean.
Different pet shampoos are formulated to provide different effects.
The TropiClean Neem and Citrus Pet Shampoo is made to enhance your cuddle sessions.
It comes with natural ingredients that kill fleas and ticks and soothe dry, rough, and irritated skin. This leaves your dog’s coat smooth and fluffy all the time.
Neem, which is the essential ingredient used in this shampoo, is known for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties.
This justifies the soothing effects it has on dogs’ skin.
The shampoo also forms rich lather, which ensures that even your dirtiest dog coat gets clean easily.
Don’t worry about the lather, as it rinses easily as well.
The TropiClean Neem and Citrus Pet Shampoo also work well for dogs with coats that easily grease up.
The shampoo powerfully degreases sticky, dirty, and smelly coats.
Apart from Neem, the shampoo also contains pine extract, natural glycerin, orange extract, oatmeal, and sesame oil.
Pros:
- Forms rich lather
- Can rinse off easily
- Powerful ingredients
Cons:
The scent may not please everyone
#2: Adams Plus Flea And Tick Shampoo With Precor
Second on our list of best flea shampoo for dogs is the Adams plus flea and tick shampoo with precor.
The main goal of using flea shampoo for dogs is to eliminate any flea infestation and relieve itchiness and other health effects on your pet.
The Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor is an ideal and reputable flea shampoo for many reasons.
The shampoo features active ingredients that eliminate fleas in whichever stage of their life cycle. It handles fleas from eggs to larva and fully-grown adults.
Depending on the ingredient content, different flea shampoos offer protection for different periods after use.
As for the Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor, you can be sure that your pet will remain flea-free for several weeks.
This shampoo is the best product of choice for heavy infestations.
The pesticides used in its ingredients are effective for fleas, ticks, and mice.
In most cases, flea shampoos with these benefits are harsh on dogs’ skin.
However, this is not the case with Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo.
The shampoo contains ingredients that soothe and calm the dog’s skin.
Aloe and oatmeal extracts used in its manufacture soothe your dog’s irritated skin and protects it from the effects of harsh pesticides.
It also contains coconut oil that moisturizes the skin, leaving the dog’s coat soft and shiny.
The Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor is incredibly effective in killing flea, ticks, and lice but still gentle on the skin.
It is also very affordable and the bottle can last for several washes.
Pros:
- Affordable and provides great value for money
- Safe for all pets, including cats
- Safe for puppies more than 10 weeks old
- Stops the life cycle
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
#3: Best For Natural Ingredients: Wondercide Natural Flea &Tick Shampoo For Dogs
If you are searching for a natural shampoo alternative to synthetic products, the Wondercide Natural Flea &Tick Shampoo for Dogs should be your product of choice.
This shampoo is a safe option for dog owners who prefer natural regimens over synthetic products on their dogs.
Unlike the majority of shampoos that are in liquid form, the Wondercide Natural Flea Tick Shampoo for Dogs is available in bar-like soaps.
The bars can be reduced to small sizes and packed to plastic packages to avoid the mess associated with other traditional shampoo bottles.
Pet owners can use each bar four times for medium-sized dogs.
However, this depends on how much shampoo you will be applying when bathing your dog.
Geranium oil and citronella are the main active ingredients of the Wondercide Natural Flea Tick Shampoo for Dogs.
These ingredients have proven flea-killing properties.
It also contains other compounds such as palm oil, honey, aloe Vera, and Shea butter.
All these ingredients combine to kill pests while moisturizing and protecting your dog’s skin and coat.
The shampoo also soothes itching skin.
Apart from killing fleas, the bar protects your dog from future infestations.
It also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that protect your dog from other pests such as ringworms.
The majority of those who have used this natural product attest to its effectiveness.
That said, the Wondercide Natural Flea Tick Shampoo for Dogs can be a good product to use if you live in a place with few fleas and ticks.
It might not work well in areas with severe flea infestation.
Here are some pros and cons as to why this made number 3 in our list of best flea shampoo for dogs.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients
- Safe for use on all dogs
- Antimicrobial and antifungal benefits
Cons:
- Some dogs may not like the smell
- Not effective for heavy infestations
#4: Best Budget: Sergeant’s Guardian Pro Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
The Sergeant’s Guardian Pro Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo is an affordable and effective flea shampoo.
At an extremely affordable price, you get a shampoo that will last several baths, depending on the size and number of your dogs.
The shampoo has two main ingredients: piperonyl butoxide and permethrin.
Piperonyl butoxide is technically not an insecticide but facilitates the potency and long-lasting action of permethrin.
The shampoo kills fleas on immediate contact.
It also creates a protective barrier that prevents further or subsequent infestation.
Its protective actions last for approximately ten days, which makes it a good product of choice if you are taking your dog outdoors in areas with heavy ticks and flea infestation.
The shampoo kills flea eggs for 30 days after use.
This is essential is ensuring that flea infection and spread remains under control.
To relieve the effects of powerful flea killing insecticides, this product soothes your dog’s skin, reduces irritation, and prevents swelling.
Pros:
- Provides immediate relief
- Kills ticks, mites, fleas, and lice
- Lovely scent
#5: Best For Dogs With Sensitive Skin: Mycodex Dog Flea Tick Shampoo
We are halfway through our list of the best flea shampoo for dogs.
Mycodex is a popular flea shampoo for dogs from a reputable manufacturer that has been producing quality products for decades.
Like other products from this company, the main selling point of the Mycodex Dog Flea Tick Shampoo is its triple dose of pyrethrin.
The dose kills fleas and ticks immediately on contact. Bathing your dog for at least five minutes is enough to kill all ectoparasites.
Unfortunately, the Mycodex Dog Flea Tick Shampoo doesn’t provide ongoing protection.
Therefore, you will have to use it continuously to get the desired results.
Apart from adult fleas, the solution also kills eggs and larva forms, thus a good choice if you want to break the lifecycle and prevent further infestations.
What makes the Mycodex Dog Flea Tick Shampoo a good product is the extra ingredients content.
The product has not only active ingredients but also has extra ingredients that keep the dog’s coat and fur in good condition.
These include lanolin and coconut oil that provide the extra moisture that soothes your dogs’ irritated skin.
Pros:
- Extra beneficial ingredients
- Good for dogs with sensitive skin
- Kills all forms of fleas
- Has a good scent
Cons:
Should be used regularly for better results
#6: Wahl Natural Flea And Tick Pet Shampoo
Last but not least on our list of best flea shampoo for dogs.
The Wahl Natural Flea and Tick Pet Shampoo is an effective flea shampoo with great effectiveness in killing fleas.
The manufacturer claims that one bath is enough to get off these stubborn pests from your dog.
The most outstanding feature of this product is the natural plant-derived ingredients used in its formulation.
If you are wondering why ingredients are of immense importance, it is because they affect the dog’s skin and health significantly.
The best flea shampoo for dogs should cleanse gently and moisturize the skin, ensuring that your pet’s hair remains soft and doesn’t shred.
Therefore, you should carefully read the ingredient content of shampoos to be sure of what you are purchasing.
Apart from killing and controlling fleas, the Wahl Natural Flea and Tick Pet Shampoo has hydration effects.
As the term suggests, it protects the skin of your pet from drying excessively and keeps it naturally moisturized.
It also has soothing effects and prevents itchiness often associated with flea infestation.
The combination of rosemary, cedar oil, and mint naturally repels the fleas and ticks from dogs.
After the application, the shampoo prevents fleas and ticks from attacking your dog for more than one week.
Pros:
- Mild scent
- Made from natural ingredients
- Hydrates the dog’s skin and fur
Best Everyday Shampoo For Dogs
Moving on from our list of best flea shampoo for dogs, we thought we would give you a list of the best everyday shampoos for dogs.
#1: Pro Pet Works Dog Shampoo
A good-smelling shampoo for dogs is the Pro Pet Works Dog Shampoo.
The shampoo leaves behind a pleasant smell of cherries and almonds after use.
This shampoo is designed to suit dry and sensitive skin.
The formulation contains almond oil and Aloe Vera, which ensure that your dog’s itchy skin gets rejuvenated and appears healthy.
The shampoo is hypoallergenic in nature, thus leaves the dog’s fur detangled and easy to comb.
This eliminates the need to visit a professional groomer, saving you costs.
The shampoo also has a perfect combination of Vitamin A, E, and D, which keep your dog happy during bath sessions.
The combination doesn’t irritate the dog’s eyes and nose, which are the main causative factors of unpleasant baths for dogs.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly shampoo
- Good for pets with allergies and sensitive skins
- Does not irritate eyes and nose
Cons:
- A little more expensive
#2: Synergy Labs Groomer’s Blend Shampoo
Most flea shampoos for dogs are not suitable for puppies less than 12 weeks old.
However, the Synergy Labs Groomer’s Blend Shampoo is a good choice for puppies aged 12 weeks or below.
The product eliminates ticks and fleas actively upon contact. It also leaves the dog smelling fresh and clean.
Unlike most budget flea shampoos that leave some sticky residues after cleaning, the Synergy Labs Groomer’s Blend Shampoo doesn’t have such issues.
It effectively cleans and leaves behind a shiny, clean, and easily manageable coat.
The shampoo contains permethrin, which keeps fleas and ticks contained.
It also has cleansers that eliminate all traces of debris and dirt, leaving your pet clean.
What’s more, is that it gently exfoliates the dead skin cells of your pet, leaving the skin lustrous and moisturized.
This contributes to boosting the health of your pet’s hair.
It is also free from parabens. Parabens and various additives contained in various shampoos are known to cause cancer.
Pros:
- Free from parabens
- Mild exfoliating effect
- Improves skin and hair conditions
#8: OxGord Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
The OxGord Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo joins the list of few organic shampoo for dogs.
The shampoo is a tearless and soap-free formulation that protects your dog’s skin and coat without compromising his health.
The formula results from an effective blend of essential oils that every veterinarian recommends.
With this shampoo, you can easily provide maximum care to your pet while bathing.
The natural oils are tear-free and won’t irritate your dog’s eyes, skin, and nose.
Due to the high-quality organic make, you can be sure that your pet is not exposed to any harmful chemicals.
It contains coconut oil, aloe, and jojoba to relieve painful skin conditions.
The shampoo also contains Shea butter, rosemary extract, and oatmeal, which smoothen and moisturize your dog’s skin.
With this product, you can be sure that your dog’s fur remains clean, smooth, and odorless.
Pros:
- Organic ingredients
- Relieves painful skin conditions
- Detangles fur
#9: Maple Holistics Vanilla Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
The Maple Holistics Vanilla Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a vanilla-scented flea shampoo for dogs that eliminates fleas, soothes irritated skins, and leaves your dog with a pleasant smell.
As the name suggests, the shampoo contains oatmeal that helps in relieving skin irritations.
The shampoo also has lavender and jojoba extracts that are natural repellants to fleas and ticks.
All the ingredient contents are 100% natural, making it gentle on your dog’s skin and leaves the coat fresh with a pleasant smell.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Can be used on dogs of all ages
- Nice smelling
How To Choose The Best Flea Shampoo For Dogs – Buying Guide
Before buying a flea shampoo for your dog, you should begin by consulting with your vet.
Some dogs are more sensitive to these treatments than others.
Senior and young dogs will also use different treatments compared to healthy adult dogs.
That aside, below are other features to keep in mind when shopping for the best flea shampoo for dogs.
Types Of Flea Shampoos
Flea best flea shampoo for dogs can be classified into three main types:
- Chemical flea shampoo – as the name suggests, these shampoos contain chemical ingredients such as pyrethroids and pyrethrins. Such chemicals may be harmful to your dog’s skin.
- Natural flea shampoo – natural shampoos contain active ingredients such as citrus peel extract and limonene. They kill fleas by targeting their central nervous systems.
- Organic flea shampoo – these products are made from organic ingredients such as peppermint, cedar oil, and clove. They not only kill and repel the bugs but also soothe your dog’s skin.
Effectiveness
The best flea shampoo for dogs is the one that is most effective.
Without this, the shampoo won’t succeed in killing fleas or keeping them away, making it a worthless purchase.
The best place to confirm if a shampoo is effective is by checking online reviews.
Honest customers who have used these products before will share their experience using the shampoo, and this will guide you in finding an effective shampoo.
If previous users have complained about a specific product, the chances are that it will disappoint you as well.
Ingredients
The ingredient composition of a shampoo is a significant factor to consider as well.
Even with proven efficiency, never overlook the ingredients used in producing the product.
In most cases, ingredients either make or break the product.
That said, begin by finding out if your dog is allergic to any ingredient in the product.
If you are not sure of this and want to avoid possible skin allergies, go for flea shampoos that contain soothing ingredients.
Some of the best flea shampoo for dogs contain ingredients such as:
- Honey
- Vitamin E
- Chamomile
- Tea tree oil
- Rosemary
Similarly, consult your vet or check your dog’s medical records to determine if your dog is allergic to a specific ingredient that could cause itching or excessive shedding.
Scent
Just like human shampoos, flea shampoos for dogs are scented.
With that regard, you should consider the type of scent that you like or one that your dog prefers.
This is just to ensure that your dog doesn’t smell like a trash can after bathing.
You should as well recognize that some scents might cause several problems to dogs with sensitive skin.
Therefore, if your dog has sensitive skin, be cautious not to use a shampoo with excessive scent.
What You Need To Treat
Not all flea shampoos are effective against all pests.
Some shampoos are only effective against fleas but don’t work against ear mites and ticks.
You should find a product that offers multiple benefits to your pooch.
Ensure that you read the manufacturer’s labels to ensure that you are purchasing the right shampoo for your needs.
What You Should Avoid
Whereas it is important to know what to look for in the best flea shampoo for dogs, it is equally important to know what to avoid before making a purchase.
Below are some things to avoid when buying a shampoo.
Unknown Chemicals
Shampoos definitely contain pesticides and other chemicals that are included to kill the pests.
However, some products contain harsh chemicals that are not necessary.
Avoid products with many chemicals with unknown efficacies.
Unknown Brands
Reputation is an important aspect when it comes to purchasing any product online.
You shouldn’t purchase shampoos from brands with a questionable reputation.
Even if you are completely unaware of a product, checking on the brand name can guide you in getting a good product.
Shampoos Without Extra Features
Whereas extra add-ons are not a key concern, they can be beneficial in the long run.
Avoid products that don’t have additional features such as soothing skin, healing dry skin, and softening fur.
In most cases, shampoos leave the skin of your pooch dry.
However, getting a product with such extra features leaves your dog in a better state.
Benefits Of Using Flea Shampoo For Dogs
The best flea shampoo for dogs will not only kill the fleas, but they also offer the following extra benefits:
- Kill fleas and ticks – flea shampoos are designed to kill fleas and ticks. Some shampoos kill the eggs, larvae, and lice. The labeling on shampoos specifies the parasites that the shampoo will take care of.
- Preventive measures – the majority of dog flea shampoos provide protection from infestation for up to 30 days after use. Some also contain ingredients that repel mosquitoes and other dog parasites.
- Helps repair dog skin – fleas, ticks, and other ectoparasites cause severe itchiness, infections, and dry skin to the dog. Using shampoos helps in rehydrating, moisturizing, and soothing the skin after an infestation.
- Stops flea lifecycle – flea shampoo for dogs will not only kill the fleas but also stop their lifecycle. However, not all shampoos can do this.
Tips For Safe Use Of Flea Shampoo For Dogs
Despite choosing the best product, you should use the best flea shampoo for dogs properly to achieve maximum effect.
Follow the following tips for maximum effectiveness:
- Always read labels – selecting a safe flea shampoo for dogs is not different from picking healthy dog foods. That said, always look at the ingredients that make the compounds. If you are not sure about some ingredients to use, ask the pet store attendant, do your research, or consult a veterinarian.
- Follow the given directions –flea shampoos should be used according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you bathe your dog daily, pick a shampoo specifically designed for daily use.
- Check the dog’s health condition – most shampoos are designed to be used on healthy adult dogs. Therefore, avoid using them on sick, pregnant, nursing, young, or very old dogs.
- Keep your eyes on the dog – like any other drug, shampoos may have side effects on your dog. You should observe your dog after using the shampoo for few times for any signs of side effects. Stop using if you notice something out of the ordinary. You should also avoid applying the shampoo to close to the eyes as it could trigger issues such as tear stains or eye infections.
Best Flea Shampoo For Dogs – Brands
Wahl
Wahl is a popular brand and a leader in the manufacture of various dog products.
The company specializes in the manufacture of professional and home grooming products, ranging from hair clippers to dog shampoos.
Wahl is headquartered in Illinois, the USA, with a presence in more than 165 countries and more than 3,300 employees worldwide.
TropiClean
TropiClean is another established company that specializes in keeping your pet’s coat clean and fresh.
From the beginning, the company has been passionate about creating natural and healthy products that not only improve but also enrich the pet’s lives and those of people around them.
As such, the company has developed leading products ranging from luxurious pet shampoos to oral care products that give pets a better life.
Synergy Labs
Synergy Labs claim to be the pioneer, explorer, and purveyor of innovative dog and cat products.
The company specializes in the manufacture of grooming aids, training aids, stain and odor removal solutions, oral health products, flea and tick solutions, disinfectants, natural and organics, deodorizers, fragrances, pesticides, and nutritional supplements for pets.
Final Thoughts
Dog fleas are a common problem that pet lovers should deal with, especially in hot climates.
Note that fleas can lay up to fifty eggs daily, perhaps explaining the reason behind their rampant infestation.
If your dog has fleas, your home is also most likely infested, which can make it irritating for you and your pooch as well.
The best way to resolve this is by finding effective treatments for your dog and your upholstery.
The best flea shampoo for dogs have been proven to be effective in killing and preventing various forms of fleas.
They work on the eggs, larvae, and adult fleas, ensuring that your dog remains flea-free for several weeks.
Finding the best flea shampoo for dogs requires that you consider various factors we’ve outlined in this guide.
More importantly, always use flea shampoos as directed by the manufacturer for maximum effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Often Should I Wash The Dog With Flea Shampoo?
In as much as you want to get rid of fleas in your dog, you shouldn’t overdo it.
Using a flea shampoo with several chemicals may result in serious side effects on your dogs.
Also, remember that flea shampoos have a drying effect on dogs.
If your dog has an active infestation, it is prudent to consult your vet on the best washing frequencies.
If your shampoo of choice prevents flea infestation, you can bathe your dog with it once every month.
If the shampoo only kills and doesn’t prevent, use it only if you notice fleas on your dog.
Will The Shampoo Get Rid Of Fleas Completely?
Flea shampoos kill the eggs, larva, and adult forms of fleas.
This should completely eliminate fleas on your dog.
However, to prevent re-infection, you should treat your house as well.
In most cases, fleas inhibit the carpet, furniture, and other upholstery.
They can then hop back onto the dog, causing re-infestation.
Similarly, you should check the specific type of shampoo that you are purchasing.
Some shampoos are effective only against adult fleas but will leave the eggs and larva to mature into adults.
Can I Use Flea Shampoo On Sensitive Skin?
Yes. You can use flea shampoo on dogs with sensitive skin.
However, you should pick the correct type to prevent complications.
In this case, find unscented shampoos with natural ingredients.
Can Flea Shampoos Be Used On A Puppy?
Flea shampoos are not recommended for puppies less than 12 weeks old.
As such, always consult your veterinarian if your puppy is infested and needs treatment.
Can I Use Flea Shampoo For Dogs On My Cats?
In most cases, dogs and cats have the same skin PH.
Therefore, there might be no harm if both pets share the same flea shampoo.
