If you notice that your dog is scratching furiously and often, then the chances are good it has a flea infestation. Among the many ways available to treat your dog is a dog flea shampoo, which can be both a good experience for the dog and a nice, bonding experience for the two of you.
A flea shampoo for dogs can be a good way to get rid of dog fleas, as well as any flea eggs clinging to its fur. There are basically two kinds available – one that contains the insecticide, Pyrethrin, and the other, which is all-natural.
It’s always a good idea to give your dog a flea shampoo in late spring to get a jump on the flea season. This is because that once your dog has become flea infested, it is very difficult to get rid of them. In fact, a good combination is to give your dog a dog flea shampoo and then use a dog flea collar as a preventative.
What To Consider In Choosing A Dog Flea Shampoo
There are some factors to consider in choosing a flea shampoo for dogs.
1-Perhaps the most important of these is quality. Spending a bit more for a quality dog flea shampoo is usually well worth it. Be sure to look for one that will kill and repel adult fleas, as well as killing flea eggs.
2-Second, check out the shampoo’s ingredients. A chemical called Pyrethrins is usually the most common insecticide ingredient in dog flea shampoos that contain chemicals. If you have a puppy or small dog, you might choose a natural herbal insecticide. You will find more Flea Shampoo for dogs review later on in this article.
3-Third, make sure you choose a flea shampoo that will get rid of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and all those other annoying pests. The most effective dog flea shampoos against these pests usually contain Pyrethrin so that it is best to check with your vet before using any of these.
4-Finally, you will want to choose a dog flea shampoo that has a pleasant scent because, what the heck, there’s nothing wrong with your dog smelling nice. However, try to be careful of heavy scents that might irritate the sore spots your dog will have from flea bites scratching.
-All-Natural Flea Shampoos For Dogs
Adams plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
the most popular one is Adams plus. this product quickly kills fleas, ticks and lies. It will repel gnats, flies and mosquitoes and both conditions and deodorizes your dog’s fur. It will also restore a natural luster to your dog’s hair-coat.
Davis All Natural D’Limonene Shampoo
This shampoo was originally developed for professional groomers. It is an all-natural, mild citrus shampoo.
The Davis Company says that this shampoo is highly concentrated, is a superior cleaning shampoo and has a special agent that keeps the dog’s coat cleaner, longer.
The shampoo’s citrus ingredient conditions the dog’s coat, leaving it lustrous and manageable. It will eliminate any unpleasant dog odor and leave in its place a nice fragrance.
Defender Organic Shampoo
This shampoo has a blend of citrus ingredients and Aloe Vera. It is said to leave your dog with a fresh, clean scent and a beautiful coat. Plus, the Aloe Vera will soothe your dog’s irritated skin.
Defender Pet Shampoo is detergent and soap free. It can be used as often as necessary and will not strip the dog’s coat.
1-800-PetMeds Be Flea Free Shampoo
The shampoo contains natural ingredients that kill fleas on contact. It has natural oils from rosemary, peppermint, clove and cedar wood, which make this product a great alternative to dog flea shampoos that contain harsh chemicals. The Be Flea Free Shampoo also soothes your dog’s skin with vitamin E and lanolin.
Botanical Dog Neem Dream Dog Shampoo
This product is said to be excellent as a non-chemical flea shampoo and also as a mange shampoo. This is because Neem oil is very effective at killing mange mites.
The manufacturer of Botanical Dog Neem Dream Dog Shampoo says it is specially formulated to wash away your dog’s skin problems and that it also soothes fleabites. Neem Dream Dog Shampoo has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and uses eucalyptus oil as a natural pet deodorizer.
Bug Off Organic Dog Flea Shampoo
This dog flea shampoo features essential oils that are said to gently pamper your dog’s skin and its coat. It is citrus based and will deodorize your dog while repelling fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
Bug Off Organic Dog Flea Shampoo is said to clean deeply without causing itching or irritation. It will leave your dog’s coat smooth and lustrous looking. The product’s main ingredients are essential oils of grapefruit, lemongrass, and peppermint that are blended together with organic olive and jojoba oils.
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
This shampoo treats hotspots and flea and ticks itching problems. It revitalizes your dog‘s skin and coat with Omega 3 fatty acids. It has a nice, fresh mint fragrance and is also said to reduce pain and itching symptoms associated with troubled skin.
Bobbi Panter Charlie Dog Flea Shampoo
This all-natural flea and tick shampoo contains clove oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, cedarwood essence, and citronella. It will kill and guard against fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and more.
Natural Care Veterinarian’s Best Oatmeal Flea Relief Dog Shampoo
The company named Natural Care Veterinarian’s Best provides a number of different dog products, not the least of which is its Best Oatmeal Flea Relief Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is said to soothe your dog’s sore skin and provide fast, flea allergy relief. It has a natural ingredient derived from such resources and kills fleas and ticks quickly. Best Oatmeal Flea Relief Dog Shampoo contains no harsh chemicals and can be used with puppies six weeks and older.
-Dog Flea Shampoos With Pyrethrin
Davis Triple Pyrethrin Shampoo
Davis Triple Pyrethrin Shampoo, which comes from the same company that makes Davis All Natural D’Limonene Shampoo, is a concentrated, lathering shampoo that has been enriched with coconut extract, and Aloe Vera. It kills fleas, mites, and ticks on dogs, including puppies. This shampoo also removes loose dandruff, dirt and scales; and leaves your dog’s coat soft and shining.
Pyrethrin Dip By Virbac
Technically speaking, this product is considered to be a dip and not a shampoo.
Pyrethrin Dip repels and kills fleas, lice, gnats, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. To use it, you thoroughly mix ½ ounce of the dip with one gallon of warm water.
Perfect Coat Flea And Tick Shampoo
This dog flea shampoo is said to safely and effectively kill adult fleas and ticks as it cleans your dog’s coat. It will prevent a flea re-infestation for up to two weeks, and leave your pet smelling fresh and clean.
Perfect Coat Flea and Tick Shampoo also ends snarls and tangles and cleans your dog’s coat thoroughly.
Pyrethrin Shampoo
This product is an insecticidal shampoo that has coconut conditioners that are said to add luster and groomability to your dog’s coat. It is highly effective against fleas, ticks and flies.
Mycodex Flea & Tick Shampoo With 3x Pyrethrin
This flea and tick shampoo controls fleas on dogs as well as lice. It is a soothing formula that cleans, softens, and deodorizes your dog’s coat. It is also said that using Mycodex will bring back your dog’s coat’s natural luster
Mycodex Flea Tick Shampoo P3 Triple Strength Pyrethrin
Sensitive skin formula specially for dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old
Fido’s Fre-Itch Pyrethrin
This is a mild shampoo, which its manufacturer says will gently clean your dog’s coat, leaving it soft and lustrous. Because it also contains Pyrethrin, it will control fleas and lice on your dog.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dog Flea Shampoo
The biggest advantage of a dog flea shampoo as a dog flea treatment is that it can be a nice bonding experience for you and your pet.
Also, Flea Shampoo for dogs is relatively inexpensive and easy to use – assuming that you don’t mind having to shampoo your dog. Dog flea shampoos are relatively effective if used correctly and it will provide some protection against a reinfestation.
The biggest disadvantage of Flea Shampoo for dog is that you must have a dog that will sit still in a tub long enough for you to shampoo it.
Some dogs find this very difficult. Furthermore, if you live in an area where fleas and ticks are a constant hazard, you’ll have to shampoo your dog several times during flea season to provide continuous protection.
Also, if you find you have to give your dog numerous shampoos, you may dry out its skin.
In this case, you will want to get a skin lotion from your local vet or pet store to keep its skin moisturized.
For that matter, many people would not even want to try to shampoo their dog. In this case, there are other alternatives available, such as anti-flea drops, that are much easier to apply and more effective. Or, you could choose one of the new anti-flea pills that will not only kill the fleas but will also prevent new infestations for months.
In terms of general effectiveness, dog flea shampoo ranks about fourth, behind flea medicine, flea drops, and anti-flea sprays.