The 10 best flea shampoos for dogs

It’s a dreaded yet inevitable moment in every pet parent’s life. You look over at your pup and they’re busy scratching, little black pinpricks jumping all over them. Fleas.

They make your and your dog’s life an itchy nightmare. But there is something you can do about it!

A specially designed shampoo is a great treatment for fleas and can help to remove eggs whilst being soft on your pup’s hair and skin. So, which is the best flea shampoo for dogs?

What are fleas?

Before we look at the best shampoo for dogs with fleas, we need to know what fleas are.

Fleas are tiny little parasites that infest mammals and birds and survive by sucking blood (sorry). They have a four-stage life cycle – egg, larva, pupa, adult – and you need to make sure you get a shampoo that attacks at all stages. Adult fleas live on pets (and can bite you if there’s nothing tastier around) and one female can lay up to 2,000 eggs. Again, sorry.

How can you tell if your dog has fleas?

There are a few ways you can tell if your dog has fleas so you know when it’s time to reach for a flea shampoo.

• Scratching. If your pup is obviously scratching themselves much more, pesky little fleas may be the cause.
• You can see them. You might be sitting on the couch and see a tiny little black thing jump across your lap. If you do, gently part your pup’s fur and try to find signs of adult fleas, their poop, or eggs.
• Thinning fur. Some flea infestations can cause your dog’s fur to thin and look a little unhealthy. If you notice a change, check for fleas.
• Sore-looking skin. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. They can cause red, itchy, cracked, and sore skin.

Precautions

Not all flea shampoos are suitable for all pups. If you have a dog that comes into close contact with a cat, is nursing, pregnant, or has a skin condition, you should check with your vet to make sure your chosen shampoo is suitable. Always check the label and avoid your dog’s face when washing.

Best flea shampoo for dogs

Luckily for us, we can easily treat a flea infestation with an effective shampoo. Here are some of the best dog flea shampoos so your pup can be happy and itch-free again!

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo

This is arguably the best flea and tick shampoo you can buy and it can be used on any pup (as long as they’re 12 weeks or older). It’s a really effective shampoo that removes adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and larvae and prevents reinfestation for up to 28 days.

Not only does it get rid of dreaded fleas, but it also contains moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and coconut extract which help to soothe the skin and get rid of any loose hairs or dandruff. 

This Adams shampoo comes in 3 different sized bottles, making it an even better price if you have multiple pups or a dog that’s prone to catching fleas. It’s easy to use and doesn’t leave your dog smelling like chemicals.

Sentry Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo

When it comes to flea shampoos, the Sentry flea and tick shampoo is one of the best.

It has a really nice ginger scent (if you like ginger) and contains oatmeal to condition and nourish your pup’s skin and fur. It kills fleas almost instantly and kills ticks within one to two days.

It’s pH balanced so as well as being effective on pests, it shouldn’t irritate your dog’s sensitive skin. It’s well priced and keeps your pup flea free for 10 days, so weekly washing is recommended.

Richard's Organics Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo

Richard’s Organics is one of the best flea shampoos if you want natural ingredients but also results.

Not only does it effectively kill fleas and ticks, but the natural oils also repel mosquitos. It’s paraben-free, gentle on the skin, and smells amazing! It helps to nourish your pup’s hair and skin so they’re left with a shiny and healthy-looking coat.

Arava Flea & Ticks Botanical Puppy Shampoo

Most flea and tick shampoos are specifically designed for pups older than 12 weeks. This flea shampoo, however, can be used on little doggies older than 6 weeks.

It’s 100% natural and all the oils and dead sea minerals help to repel fleas and ticks, kill flea larvae, leave your dog smelling amazing, and all without using harsh chemicals. It helps to soothe irritated skin and stops itchiness without drying out the skin.

It’s a little more expensive than other flea shampoos, but with every purchase, they donate a percentage to an animal rights organization.

TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo

This is a really great, natural shampoo that gets rid of pesky fleas and ticks and that is also good for your dog’s skin and fur. It uses ingredients such as lemongrass, cinnamon, and cedarwood to repel fleas for 7 days and, naturally, has a really fresh scent. It can also be used for routine bathing and is gentle on their skin.

TropiClean also makes a soothing flea and tick shampoo which can be used to treat irritated skin caused by flea and tick bites.

Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo

This shampoo effectively kills adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and larva, providing almost instant relief for your pup.

It’s enriched with oatmeal which helps with skin irritation and can soothe inflammation caused by flea bites. It’s subtly scented and can be used weekly as a preventative treatment as well as an active treatment that kills fleas.

The Hartz UltraGuard shampoo is suitable for dogs older than 6 months.

Natural Care Dog Flea & Tick Shampoo

As the name would suggest, this is another natural shampoo that uses botanical plant extracts to repel fleas, ticks, and flea larva.

It’s gentle on your pet’s skin, and because it’s made without any added extras or alcohol it won’t aggravate sensitive skin.

As well as killing fleas and ticks it also works as a great regular dog shampoo, cleaning away excess dirt and oil, and smells great!

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo

This is a great flea treatment if you have a particularly nasty or stubborn infestation.

Unlike other shampoos on the list, this one is safe for use on dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets – so is ideal for multi-pet households. The shampoo gently cleanses and exfoliates your pet’s skin as your wash them, removing any dandruff or dead hair, as well as fleas, ticks, and eggs.

It contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera to reduce any irritation or inflammation caused by bites. It lathers really well, is easy to use, and has a light scent.

Zodiac Tick and Flea Dog Shampoo

This could definitely be the best flea and tick shampoo for your pup if they have a pretty big infestation. It’s made using insecticidal ingredients which kill pests upon contact and help to repel further infestations.

It’s safe for use on both cats and dogs older than 12 weeks, so can be really cost-effective if you’ve got more than one pet.

The formula is rich in coconut oils which help to smooth out the appearance of your dog’s coat as well as detangle any mats they may have from scratching.

Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment Shampoo

If you’re not too keen on scented shampoos, this one's for you. The scientifically made formula is highly effective in removing adult fleas, ticks, and eggs which could potentially carry lethal diseases.

The ingredients work upon contact to kill fleas instantly, but without being harsh on your pet’s sensitive skin. This shampoo is safe for use on puppies older than 12 weeks but should only be used once every week as part of a preventative measure.

You can choose from 3 bottle sizes so it can be a good option if you’ve got more than one dog in your home!

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By using any one of these brilliant shampoos you can ensure that your pup is flea and tick-free and that there’s no more scratching! Which one will you be using next?