There are various ways to eliminate fleas and flea eggs on dogs. Although bathing is the easiest way, using specially designed shampoos is the best for your dog. Dog flea treatment products are regulated and approved by either FDA or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When looking to identify the best flea shampoos for dogs, always;
- Read the label of the shampoo product
- Follow directions indicated
- Be aware of your dog’s health condition
- Supervise your dog after the bath
There are some ingredients found in pet shampoos that have been linked to causing health issues in dogs. Although the chemicals may be effective at killing fleas, they can also leech into a dog’s body through the skin, causing health problems over time. Be vigilant with what you choose to buy. Here is what to avoid with your purchase;
- Anise oil
- Boric acid
- Benzene hexachloride
- Benzethonium chloride
- DDD
- Chloranil
- Menthols
- Naphthalene
- Sodium arsenite
- Xylene
That being said, here are ten of the best flea shampoos for dogs you might want to consider;
Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs
1. Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo is ideal for adult dogs and puppies over 6 months old. This dog shampoo contains an ingredient called Oatmeal, which soothes your dog’s skin and hastens to heal. Its active ingredient is phenothrin, which is a synthetic pyrethroid and is effective in killing adult fleas, ticks, mites, and a host of other bugs and pests.
This shampoo is synthetically-formulated not to harm your dog’s eyes. However, the main issue is that this anti-flea product has an intoxicating smell, which might not be ideal for anyone who cannot stand a strong smell.
Key facts to note;
- It’s affordable
- Fast-acting at killing flea, ticks, and mites
- Formulated with oatmeal to soothe skin
- Phenothrin is the active ingredient
- Suitable for adult dogs and puppies over 6 months old
2. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor kills fleas in all stages as well as tick and lice. It’s enriched with coconut extract, oatmeal, and aloe that leaves your dog’s fur soft and shiny. It also helps to get rid of dandruff and dirt. This dog shampoo targets pre-adult fleas so that they don’t develop into full-grown fleas.
Key points to note;
- Fairly affordable
- Removes dirt and dandruff
- Kills fleas, ticks, and lice
- Kills pre-adult fleas for 21 days after application
3. Sentry Flea & Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal
Sentry Flea & Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal is a wallet-friendly pick and is available in 12-ounce bottles. The active ingredients are Permethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide. It kills fleas and ticks on contact and for a maximum of an additional 10 days after application. The oatmeal formula is designed to soothe dry and itchy skin.
Key points to note;
- It is wallet-friendly
- Has a pleasant ginger smell
- Contains soothing oatmeal for a dry and itchy skin
- Kills fleas and ticks up to 10 days after treatment
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4. Mycodex Flea & Tick Shampoo P3
Mycodex Flea & Tick Shampoo P3 is strongly formulated with triple-strength Pyrethrin as an active ingredient. It contains coconut extract, aloe vera, and lanolin to soothe and protect sensitive skin. This product kills fleas and ticks on contact. It also has a light fragrance that gets rid of the bad doggy smell.
Key points to note;
- It’s gentle on sensitive skin
- Triple strength formula
- Leaves coat shiny and soft
- Has a light fragrance
5. Wondercide Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo Bar
Wondercide Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo Bar is one of the best flea shampoos for dogs with 100% biodegradable ingredients. It contains coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, castor oil, citronella oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and honey. These natural essential oils kill and prevent fleas and ticks.
It also has one great benefit of requiring no plastic packaging making it an eco-friendly choice. The shampoo naturally cleanses your dog’s skin and coat leaving it silky and smooth. It is suitable for dogs of all ages and has a pleasant natural fragrance.
Key points to note;
- Has a pleasant natural fragrance
- All-natural ingredients
- Lasts 5 times longer than liquid
- Leaves the coat silky, smooth and moisturized
6. Richard’s Organic Flea & Tick Shampoo
Richard’s Organic Flea & Tick Shampoo uses a range of natural flea killing agents, including peppermint oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, and rosemary oil. This shampoo contains no artificial colors and is safe to use for dogs 12 weeks old and above. This formula contains Vitamin E and cedarwood oil to help calm and repair the skin. However, the scent repels fleas and mosquitoes for a limited period of time after use.
Key points to note;
- No artificial ingredients
- It’s an organic treatment
- Has soothing ingredients
7. TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo is free of chemicals and instead uses clove oil, lemongrass oil, cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, and sesame seed oil to kill fleas and all its stages along with ticks and mosquitoes. It contains cocoa to soothe irritated skin and is suitable and safe for bathing puppies from as young as 12 weeks old.
Key points to note;
- Uses natural ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Soothes inflamed skin from scratching
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8. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo
This is one of the best flea shampoos for dogs with a strong formula based on Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, and N-Octyl Bicycloheptene Dicarboximide. It’s safe to use on puppies as young as 12 weeks old. The shampoo kills ticks, fleas, and larvae and also soothes the coat with lanolin.
Key points to note;
- Uses veterinary recommended ingredients
- The formula soothes irritated skin
- It’s formulated to condition coat
- It kills adult fleas and their eggs and larvae
9. PetAG Fresh and Clean Flea & Tick Conditioning Dog & Cat Shampoo
This shampoo offers instant relief to your dog. It’s very nourishing for your dog’s coat as it contains coconut extract that helps keep the skin and coat silky and smooth. It repels fleas for up to two weeks.
Key points to note;
- Has added ingredients to soothe irritated skin
- Quickly eliminates adult fleas as well as larvae
- Leaves the coat soft and conditioned
10.Vet-Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo for Pets
Vet-Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo for Pets is fast-acting relief from fleas and ticks. This shampoo comes in a thick, creamy formula that cleanses your dog’s skin and coat. It kills fleas and ticks on contact with powerful ingredients such as pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. Additionally, the shampoo has a pleasant baby fresh scent.
Key points to note;
- Kills fleas and ticks on contact
- Protect against flea eggs for up to 28 days
- Has a baby fresh scent
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We have just highlighted a few of the best flea shampoos for dogs. All-natural ingredients are the best ingredients to use on your dog’s coat to make it less sensitive, smooth, shiny, and to prevent it from flea and tick attack. If your dog is allergic, then you should consult your vet to recommend the best flea shampoo.