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Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs

Chihuahua Scratching from Fleas We love everything about our dogs – we love their loyalty; we love their cuddles; we even love their slobbery kisses!

The one thing we don’t love about our dogs, though, are the fleas that are an inevitable part of pet ownership. Getting rid of fleas can be tricky and there are as many flea shampoos for dogs as there are dog breeds.

As dog owners ourselves, we have done the research for you and hope it helps take the bite out of keeping your dog’s flea troubles under control.

There are basically three categories of flea shampoo for dogs; homemade, organic, and traditional chemical. Each category has their pros and cons, but knowing what those are will help you find the right flea shampoo for your dog.

Homemade Flea Shampoo

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, then making your own concoction to use as dog flea shampoo is a great choice for you. Not only will it save you tons of money, but may also be a lot safer and healthier for your precious pooch.

Unlike with commercial products, with homemade flea shampoo recipes you know exactly what you are putting on your dog’s sensitive skin.

The downside to this type of flea shampoo for dogs is that homemade remedies aren't always as powerful and may need a few extra applications compared to store-bought options. Here are a couple of our favorite homemade flea shampoo recipes:

Shiny coat, less fleas

This simple recipe not only kills fleas but leaves your dog’s coat shiny and healthy looking. Combine one cup of the following:

  • Apple Cider vinegar
  • Mild, dye-free dish-soap or baby shampoo

After you wet the dog down, lather this potion into his coat and allow to sit for ten minutes before thoroughly rinsing.

Itch Relief

Many dogs are actually allergic to flea bites and can end up with itchy, enflamed skin. If you need a flea shampoo for dogs that not only kills the fleas but soothes your dog’s itchy skin, this is a great recipe:

Combine the following in 1 cup of warm water

  • 1tb cooked oatmeal
  • 1tb pure aloe vera juice
  • 10 drops orange oil
  • 10 drops lavender oil
  • 1tsp vitamin E oil

Wash your dog with a gentle, all natural baby shampoo before you use this homemade flea shampoo. Then allow this itch-relieving recipe to sit for 5-10 minutes before you rinse it.

Organic Flea Shampoo

If you want something safe and all natural but don’t want to have to mix the ingredients yourself, there are several great organic flea shampoos for dogs.

This is a good option if you don’t like the idea of putting unnatural chemicals on your pet but, again, some people say that these types of shampoos are not as effective at getting rid of fleas.

Richard's Organics Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo

This is a wonderfully gentle, yet effective organic flea shampoo for dogs that uses natural ingredients such as peppermint, clove, and cedar to kill and repel fleas.

You can use this shampoo without subjecting yourself or your dog to harsh chemicals while also providing your dog with the relief he needs.

 

BarkLogic Tick & Flea Pet Wash

With lemongrass as the main ingredient, this all natural flea shampoo not only kills fleas but helps keep ticks away as well.

This shampoo is non-toxic, pesticide-free, and biodegradable so not only are you doing something good for your pet, but for the environment as well.

 

Traditional Flea Shampoo

Sometimes you just want a product that you know will get the job done and with the old-school chemical flea shampoos for dogs, you can rest assured that no flea will be left alive on your dog!

The downside is of course that you are using harsh chemicals that could be harmful to you and your dog, so use these types of shampoo with caution.

Pyranha Pyrethrin Shampoo

This flea shampoo for dogs not only kills fleas but also ticks and lice and is effective in repelling mosquitoes, which cause heartworm in dogs.

It also contains coconut oil which will condition your dog’s coat and leave him smelling yummy.

 

Hartz Advanced Care 2in1 Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo

Hartz is a long-trusted name when it comes to dog care products and their 2 in 1 shampoo is no exception.

With the use of strong pyrethrins, you can use this shampoo to kill and repel all those nasty, biting bugs that are such a torment to your dog.