Bathing your dog is an essential part of routine grooming and requires keen attention. You want to ensure your dog if free from dirt deep under the coat. But, what do you do if you notice fleas? This calls for immediate intervention to prevent the spread and development of this naughty parasite. On this note, you will need an active flea shampoo to help get rid of the eggs and developing fleas.
Finding the best flea shampoo for dogs might not be as easy as selecting a regular shampoo. Flea shampoos have different active ingredients that kill and do away with parasites. Since not all keep up to the promise, it is essential to consider those that have shown to work well previously. That way, you are a step ahead in preventing the spread of fleas.
This article features some of the best flea shampoos available on the market; hopefully, you get to choose a favorite.
10 Best Flea Shampoos For Dogs
1. Vet’s Best
This flea shampoo is formulated to clear fleas from your dog’s undercoat while ensuring it strips off all the dirt.
Key Features
- Effective in killing
- Does not contain harsh chemicals
- Has 100% natural essential oils
- Plant-based ingredients
- Safe for all dogs
The formula is simple and made from high-quality ingredients to ensure your dogs are safe. It comes with plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the dog’s skin yet harsh on the fleas. It is up to two times more effective than most other fleas shampoos.
It is designed to eliminate flea larva, flea eggs, and ticks to keep your dog parasite-free. The natural essential oils used in this formula provide a soothing effect on your dog’s skin, leaving a fresh scent after baths. It is safe to use on all dogs and can work well for puppies 12 weeks and older.
Pros
- Clears fleas and ticks effectively
- Ideal for dogs with itchy skin
- Leaves a fresh rosemary and peppermint scent
Cons
- The scent can be overpowering for some people
- Does not prevent re-infestation
This product works by removing existing fleas on your dog’s skin. It is all-natural and therefore suitable as part of your dog’s routine grooming.
2. Adams Plus
If your dog is always itching and reacting to shampoos, you might want to try this one from Adams. It comes in a mild formula that is gentle on the skin.
Key Features
- Kills fleas, flea eggs, larvae, and lice
- For dogs with sensitive skin
- Has soothing aloe, lanolin, and coconut extract
- Has an insect growth regulator
- Safe for all dogs
- Pleasant scent
This product is best for dogs that have sensitive skin. It comes in a mild formula that includes aloe, coconut extract, lanolin, and oatmeal. These ingredients provide soothing relief from infestation, which helps to clear itchiness. The shampoo kills pests, including eggs, to deliver quality results.
It is enriched with an insect growth regulator that works to kill and prevent flea development for up to 28 days. This means that you can use this dog flea shampoo once in a while as a preventive measure against flea infestation.
Pros
- Prevents re-infestation
- Ideal for all dogs
- Works well for dogs with super sensitive skin
- The shampoo leaves a fresh scent
Cons
- Takes a few baths to eliminate everything completely
It is slow to act but eventually clears parasites from your dog’s coat. It is useful for prevention.
3. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
$9.98
Features
- MAXIMUM FLEA & TICK CONTROL – With up to 3x more active ingredients, this flea and tick shampoo is formulated with pyrethrum – a natural insecticide – to kill and control fleas and ticks on-contact, soothe irritated skin while cleansing & exfoliating.
- WORKS FAST – Give your pet relief from symptoms including droppings/flea dirt in dog’s coat, allergic dermatitis, excessive scratching, licking or biting at skin, hair loss, tapeworms and pale gums. Follow directions on bottle for best results.
- SOAP AND PARABEN FREE – This flea and tick shampoo for dogs and cats is paraben and soap-free. It contains no harsh soaps or damaging detergents, only the gentlest naturally derived cleansers specifically formulated for your pet’s skin.
- FORMULATED FOR PETS – This pet shampoo is safe for dogs, cats, ferrets and horses 12 weeks & older. This pH balanced treatment is ideal for your dog’s skin as human shampoos are formulated at a lower pH level (more acidic).
- EFFECTIVE & AFFORDABLE – Veterinary Formula Clinical Care premium medicated products are created with veterinary-grade ingredients, available at an affordable price. We know dogs and cats are more than just pets because we are pet parents too.
With this flea shampoo, you never have to worry about your dog itching after baths. It has soothing ingredients that provide relief from flea infestation.
Key Features
- 3X more active ingredients
- Formulated with pyrethrum
- Soap and paraben-free
- For dogs 12 weeks and older
- Veterinary-grade ingredients
This shampoo is the best if your dog is heavily infested with different pests. It has high-quality ingredients that are up to 3 times effective in killing fleas. One of the ingredients is pyrethrum, which is a natural insect killer.
This ingredient also soothes irritated skin while cleansing and exfoliating to leave your dog fresh and clean. It does not contain harsh soaps and detergents that would otherwise harm your dog. On this note, it is suitable for all dogs and puppies from 12 weeks old.
Pros
- Highly effective in killing fleas
- Helps to soothe irritated skin
- Safe for dogs’ skin
- Great value for money
Cons
- It does not prevent re-infestation
It is the best flea and tick shampoo; thanks to the relief it provides for irritated skin.
4. SENTRY
SENTRY Oatmeal
$13.95
Features
- CLEANS AND CONTROLS: SENTRY oatmeal shampoo cleans, deodorizes and conditions your dog's coat, and is also pH balanced. It can be used on dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age and over.
- IDEAL FOR DOGS: This rich, conditioning formula with oatmeal kills pests that can harm your pet. Ideal for dogs with sensitive skin. Not recommended for use on cats or kittens.
- RID YOUR DOG OF FLEAS: SENTRY Flea and Tick Oatmeal Shampoo for dogs and puppies has a great Hawaiian ginger fragrance. This tried-and-true formula kills fleas and ticks for up to ten days. It even kills the deer ticks that may carry Lyme disease.
- FLEAS: Fleas are insects that can start your pet scratching with one bite. They have exceptional jumping skills, leaping vertically up to seven inches to hop on a host to feed and lay their eggs — up to 5,000 flea eggs in a female’s lifetime.
- TICKS: Ticks are parasites that belong to the arachnid family (like spiders and mites) and live in wooded or grassy areas where they attach themselves to pets walking by. Female ticks find hosts to feed, mate and lay eggs upon, while the males generally occupy hosts for mating purposes.
The best flea shampoo clears and controls the re-infestation after baths. This formula from Sentry is designed to get rid of fleas while cleaning deep into the coat of your dog.
Key Features
- Oatmeal formula
- PH balanced
- Ideal for all dogs
- Hawaiian Ginger scent
The SENTRY is designed to work as an all-in-one formula for quick grooming sessions. It cleans, deodorizes, and conditions your dog’s coat ensuring it kills all pests. It comes with oatmeal as one of the active ingredients to clean and condition the coat.
More to this is it pH-balanced to suit all dogs and remain safe for puppies 12 weeks and older. The rich, conditioning formula kills pests that can harm your dog without irritating the skin. With the Hawaiian ginger scent, this shampoo will leave a fresh scent that lasts on to the next bath.
Pros
- Effective in killing fleas
- Conditioning and cleaning formula
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Fresh, long-lasting scent
Cons
- Takes a few baths to eliminate fleas completely
This shampoo can be used as part of the dog’s regular grooming routine to eliminate pests while ensuring deep cleaning and conditioning of the coat.
5. Hartz UltraGuard
Hartz UltraGuard
$10.05
Features
- Age Range Description: All Ages
- Included Components: Hartz Ultraguard Rid Flea & Tick Shampoo For Dogs – Fresh Scent (18 Oz)
If you are looking for a gentle flea control shampoo that you can regularly use on your dog, this one from Hartz is one of the best.
Key Features
- Fresh-scented formula
- Can be used regularly
- For dogs six months and older
This shampoo formula provides your dog with relief from pests. It is formulated using gentle ingredients that do not irritate your skin, yet strong enough to kill fleas and other parasites. It is a budget-friendly shampoo that you can use as part of your dog’s regular grooming routine.
The Hartz is suitable for use on all dogs, including puppies from 6 months old. When using the Hartz, it is essential to wet your dog’s coat with water before application. This enhances its permeability into the coat to get rid of the fleas. You can use the shampoo weekly to control flea infestation.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Effective in killing fleas
- Easy to use
- Great value for money
Cons
- A lot of it is needed to kill fleas effectively
This flea shampoo works as an occasional treatment to control flea infestation.
6. TropiClean
TropiClean
Features
- Long-Lasting Pest Protection — Soothing Shampoo helps kill fleas and ticks by contact and repels fleas for up to 7 days. Cocoa helps moisturize dry, irritated skin.
- Light Fresh Scent — Clove, lemongrass, cedarwood, and cinnamon oils act as powerful pest repellents and leave a pleasant citrus aroma.
- Enhanced Shipping Seal — Packaging is now spill-resistant with a reinforced cap to resist damage and an induction seal to reduce spills. NOTE: Product shipped may vary as existing inventory is depleted and enhanced packaging is introduced.
- Crafted with Care — Natural* Flea & Tick Max Soothing Shampoo is tough on pests, not pets. Formula is gentle, effective, and cruelty free.
- Soap Free — Gentle coconut cleanser gives TropiClean shampoos a soap-free clean.
This soothing shampoo is formulated to give your dog the relief it needs with flea infestation.
Key Features
- Infused with cocoa butter
- Natural formula
- Enriched with essential oils
- Safe for routine baths
This formula is the best for regular grooming if your dog is infested with fleas. It is gentle and provides a soothing effect on your dog’s irritated skin. The best part is that is works just like other shampoos to clean your dog’s skin and coat to remove dirt effectively.
The formula is beneficial to your dog’s skin; thanks to the blend of essential oils it has. It features clove oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, sesame seed oil, and cedar-wood oil. These oils irritate fleas killing them immediately they come into contact with the TropiClean. It leaves a pleasant aroma that lasts long after baths.
Pros
- All-natural and gentle
- Effective in killing fleas
- Provides soothing relief
- Useful for routine baths
Cons
- Takes time to kill all fleas
This is a slow-acting flea control formula since it is designed to work as a regular shampoo for routine grooming.
7. Richard’s Organics
Richard's Organics
$8.73
Features
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS – Unlike traditional flea shampoos, Richard’s Organics gentle and safe Flea and Tick Shampoo uses 100% all-natural actives to kill fleas and ticks rather than harsh chemicals. Made with 5 pure essential oils, this dog shampoo smells great and soothes irritated skin while it works hard to rid your dog of fleas and ticks.
- FAST ACTING – You will see fleas coming off your dog as you bathe with Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo. Ticks let go and are more easily removed from the skin. For best results, work the lather thoroughly into the dog’s coat and down into the skin, moving back from the head. Allow lather to remain on the dog for a few minutes and then rinse. The essential oils are calming, and your dog will smell great.
- SOOTHES SKIN: This dog flea shampoo naturally kills fleas and ticks while soothing skin. It does not contain parabens, dye, soap, harsh chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors. It will not remove topical spot-on flea and tick treatments.
- FORMULATED FOR DOGS – Natural Flea and Tick dog shampoo is specifically formulated for dogs 12 weeks and older. The pH balanced treatment is ideal for your dog’s sensitive skin. Due to the active oil ingredients, this shampoo is not safe for cats.
- EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE – SynergyLab’s Richard’s Organics pet wellness and healing products are created with premium ingredients and available at a price that pet parents can afford. We know your dogs and cats are more than just pets, because we are pet parents too.
It is essential to consider the ingredients used in shampoos to ensure what you get is safe for your dog. This particular one from Richard’s Organics has gentle ingredients that do not irritate your dog’s skin.
Key Features
- Fast-acting formula
- Safe for all dogs above 12 weeks
- Effective and affordable
This formula is gentle and safe; thanks to the 100% natural ingredients. It is made of five essential oils that act on the fleas, killing them instantly. More to this, this blend of essential oils soothes your dog’s skin relieving it from itching caused by flea infestation.
This formula is fast-acting. It is soap and paraben-free to ensure your dog’s skin and coat are protected from harsh chemicals. More to this, it does not remove topical flea and tick treatments hence suitable for regular use.
Pros
- Effective in killing fleas
- Acts quickly
- Gentle on the skin
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- The scent can be overpowering
It is the best shampoo is you are looking for all-natural options for dogs with sensitive skin.
8. Fresh’n Clean
Features
- Flea and tick conditioning shampoo is formulated with natural pyrethrins to quickly kill fleas and ticks without harsh chemicals
- Creates a pleasing fragrance that lasts from one grooming to the next
- Scent refreshes instantly by wiping coat with a moist towel
- Fresh 'n clean flea and tick shampoo is safe for use on dogs, cats, puppies and kittens over 12 weeks old
- Measures 9-inch length by 1-4/5-inch width by 6-inch height
You can get the most out of this dog flea shampoo using it as part of your dog’s grooming routine.
Key Features
- Cleansing and conditioning
- Pleasing fragrance
- Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older
- Does not contain harsh chemicals
This shampoo is the best for dogs with sensitive skin. It does not contain harsh chemicals that would irritate your dog’s skin. The best thing is that it comes in a 2-in-1 formula that makes it a useful shampoo for regular grooming. It cleanses deep to reach the skin and conditions the coat leaving your dog clean and fresh.
The shampoo has active anti-flea agents that kill fleas, eggs, and larvae effectively. It leaves a pleasant scent that lasts from one grooming session to the next. The scent refreshes instantly by wiping your dog with a moist towel.
Pros
- Suitable for regular grooming
- Gentle on the skin and coat
- Kills ticks and fleas effectively
- Long-lasting scent
Cons
- The scent can be overpowering for some people
This flea shampoo for puppies and older dogs is one of the few that you can incorporate in your dog’s regular grooming routine.
9. Lillian Ruff
Features
- FLEA COMB INCLUDED – Lillian Ruff Flea and Tick shampoo is formulated to safely cleanse your pet’s coat, while repelling these unwanted critters. The included flea comb makes it easy to pull fleas out of the hair as you bathe your pet. Our shampoo can be used as a routine dog shampoo throughout the year in order to block the occurrence of fleas and ticks.
- POWERFUL ESSENTIAL OILS – Lillian Ruff Flea and Tick shampoo contains natural essential oils like lavender, peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, thyme, wintergreen and lemongrass. These powerful essentials oils are known to combat the presence of fleas & ticks. Our shampoo is safe, non-toxic, paraben free, tear free, dye free, sulfate free and vegan.
- SOOTHE & CLEANSE – Fleas and ticks can leave your dog’s skin feeling irritated and uncomfortable. Lillian Ruff Flea and Tick Shampoo contains rosemary oil and aloe to help soothe your dog’s skin. Rosemary oil acts as a repellent and natural antiseptic to clean and calm skin reactions brought on by fleas and ticks. Aloe is naturally soothing and moisturizing for your dog’s skin providing them with the relief that they need. The fresh eucalyptus thyme scent will leave your dog smelling great.
- MADE IN THE USA – Our pet grooming products are made right here in the USA. No animal testing, 100% Cruelty-free GLUTEN FREE | TEAR FREE | DYE FREE | PARABEN FREE | SULFATE FREE | VEGAN.
- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE- We are so sure that you will love our product that it comes with a 30 day Risk-Free 100% money-back-guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with our product, let us know and receive a full refund.
It is the best flea and tick shampoo and comes with a free comb giving you the best value for money and providing an essential grooming tool for your dog.
Key Features
- Powerful essential oils
- Safe, non-toxic, tear-free formula
- Calms irritated skin
The Lillian comes as a rich formula enriched with powerful essential oils to control fleas. It has lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and, citronella oils. It also includes wintergreen lemongrass and thyme oils that act as the active ingredients to get rid of pests. This makes it useful as a regular shampoo all year around.
Fleas can leave your dog’s skin irritated, and this shampoo can help relieve the irritation. It has rosemary and aloe that work as the soothing agents to rejuvenate the skin and restore it to its glory. The free comb helps to comb out any pests.
Pros
- Gentle and soothing on the skin
- Ideal for regular use
- Comes with a free comb
Cons
- The scent does not last long
With the blend of essential oils in this shampoo, you can rest assured it will deal with flea infestation and leave your dog’s skin and coat fresh and clean.
10. Wahl
Features
- Made in the USA – Our eucalyptus cedar & rosemary pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for defending your pet’s coat
- Defense Formula – This cedar & rosemary scented pet shampoo is great for protecting animal coats. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
- Less is More – Wahl has a higher concentrate of coconut derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much as other dog shampoos. A little bit of shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Allergy Friendly – Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog Cooper – a golden doodle, who has severe allergies. This is the only shampoo we have found safe and effective. He loves the smell too!
- The Brand Used by Professionals – Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. clean, condition fur & hair for a smooth, soft coat. We are a company of animal lovers that want the best for your family member
This dog flea shampoo is enriched with high-quality essential oils to act quickly and eliminate fleas and other parasites.
Key Features
- pH-balanced
- Defense formula
- Allergy-friendly
- Fresh scent
The formula comes with eucalyptus, cedar, and rosemary as the active ingredients. It is pH-balanced and does not contain any parabens or alcohol. It is, therefore, suitable for use as part of your dog’s grooming routine. The defense formula is excellent for protecting from insects.
It lathers into a thick paste that penetrates the coat quickly to ensure it cleans every part of your dog’s skin. It has a high concentration of a coconut-derived agent that means you do not have to use as much as other dogs shampoos. The best thing about this shampoo is suitable for dogs with allergies.
Pros
- Leaves a fresh scent
- Natural active ingredients
- Lathers easily
Cons
- A lot is needed
This shampoo has proven to work well and is recommended as part of the regular grooming routine to remove fleas and prevent re-infestation.
Bottom Line
Finding a flea control shampoo is quite a task considering you need to check the type of active ingredients included in a particular brand. You need to conduct thorough research as you would do with other dog treatments to ensure your choice is safe for your dog. It is important to note that most of the flea shampoos on the market have hidden ingredients that could cause harm to your dog’s skin and coat.
This calls for attention to detail when searching for an appropriate one. It is advisable to go for those with organic ingredients such as essential oils. Although these take time to clear flea infestations, they are much safer than the chemical-filled ones.
If you are looking for flea shampoo for puppies, it is essential to engage your vet. This is to ensure what you get does not harm your puppy’s gentle skin. Also, if your dog is heavily infested with fleas, you might want to consider extensive treatments other than using shampoo for regular grooming.
The above examples have proven to work as shampoos, and you can select the best for your dog. Read our detailed guide for removing fleas from newborn puppies here.
The Review
Best Flea Shampoo For Dogs
We've reviewed the best flea shampoos for dogs to help you choose which brand to trust for your pets.
Review Breakdown
- Vet's Best
- Adams Plus
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
- SENTRY
- Hartz UltraGuard
- TropiClean
- Richard's Organics
- Fresh'n Clean
- Lillian Ruff
- Wahl
Best Flea Shampoo For Dogs DEALS
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