Flea Shampoo for Pets: Which One to Choose and How to Use It

Fleas cause a lot of problems for dogs and cats. Animals can't live peacefully while being bitten by these tiny parasites. To help your pet, you need to act immediately. Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of flea control products for pets. But the most popular is flea shampoo.

Features of flea shampoo for animals

Flea infestation on animals can have serious consequences: due to constant scratching, pets can injure themselves and introduce an infection. Therefore, it's essential to combat these bloodsuckers immediately. Cat and dog owners have a wide range of flea treatments to choose from to protect their pets, including drops, collars, sprays, and shampoos. However, shampoos are the most popular among customers due to their low cost and numerous other advantages.

The variety of flea remedies allows you to choose the right one for your pet.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of anti-flea shampoos include the following criteria:

1. Efficiency. Fleas and other bloodsuckers will disappear within the first or second day after washing the animal.
2. A unique method of combating parasites. The shampoo works through intestinal contact: adult fleas die either upon contact with the product or when they bite; larvae die as they feed on dead skin cells; and insect pupae and eggs are poisoned by the shampoo's components that come into contact with their shells. Thus, the shampoo rids animals of insects at any stage of development.
3. Non-toxic. Because shampoos contain small doses of insecticidal compounds, they are completely harmless to pets. This distinguishes this product from sprays and drops. In addition, the shampoo can also be used for very young kittens and puppies (after two weeks from birth).
4. Affordability. Pet shampoos are inexpensive compared to sprays and drops. A good, high-quality option can be purchased for as little as 100–200 rubles. And such a product will last not just one use, but a whole year or more.
5. Versatility. Shampoos can rid an animal not only of fleas, but also of ticks, lice, etc.
6. Improves coat quality. These shampoos will not only rid your pet of bloodsuckers but also make their coat beautiful and fluffy and help heal wounds and itchy skin caused by flea bites.
7. Ease of use. If your pets enjoy bathing, getting rid of pests won't be a problem.

Each manufacturer makes anti-flea shampoos for cats and dogs from several ingredients, taking into account the characteristics of the animals, so you can choose an effective product for pets of different ages, breeds, and depending on their health condition.

Some manufacturers produce flea shampoos that can be used on sick animals, as well as on pregnant and lactating animals.

However, this remedy also has several disadvantages:

• in some cases, the natural oils contained in the composition may cause allergies in the animal;
• The shampoo has a short period of protection against fleas (1–20 days);
• Some cats and dogs cannot tolerate water procedures at all.

Overall, you'll notice that the shampoo has far more positive qualities than negative ones, meaning you can confidently use this product to rid your pet of pesky fleas.

How does shampoo work and what does it consist of?

Flea treatments consist of foaming compounds and nourishing ingredients. They also contain chemicals that target bloodsuckers. The amount of these substances is strictly dosed based on the animal's age. Therefore, all shampoos are divided into those suitable for kittens and puppies and those for adult cats.

Herbal shampoos (which contain natural herbal infusions and vegetable oils) are considered completely safe, so they are often used for kittens and puppies. However, herbal products can cause irritation if they come into contact with eyes.

The shampoo works by blocking nerve impulses from the parasites, which disrupts their coordination and leads to paralysis and death.

In addition to substances beneficial for the animal's fur, the shampoo contains chemicals that paralyze the nervous system of pests.

The insecticides in the detergent do not kill bloodsuckers instantly, so fleas, in their death throes, begin to bite the animal hard, which can result in strange behavior.

Rules of application

If your pet tolerates water well, shampooing them will be easy. Follow these steps:

1. Place the animal in a basin or bathtub filled with water. Support small pets by the belly with your hand. The water temperature should be slightly warmer than room temperature.
   

   Make sure the water level is comfortable for the animal.

2. Wet the animal's fur thoroughly.
3. Measure out the required amount of shampoo: approximately one milliliter per 1 kg of your pet’s weight.
4. Apply shampoo to your pet's coat and lather thoroughly. Be careful not to let the soap lather get into the eyes and ears.
   

   If the product gets into the animal's eyes, rinse them immediately with water.

5. Wait five minutes and rinse off with water from the shower.
   

   It is necessary to completely remove the product from the animal's fur.

6. Dry and comb your pet's fur.
   

   You need to comb the animal carefully so as not to damage the skin.

But what should you do if your cat or dog is absolutely afraid of water? In this case, follow these steps:

1. Fill a basin or bathtub with water warmer than room temperature.
2. Measure out the required amount of shampoo and pour it into the water.
3. Whip the shampoo into the water until it foams.
4. Place the animal in water with foam, hold it with one hand and apply foam to the fur with the other.
5. Rinse your pet with water, dry and comb the fur.

Remember that for animals that are afraid of water, washing is always stressful.

Make sure that your cat or dog does not escape during bathing or run off to lick itself. This is dangerous to the animal's health.

It is better if you have an assistant when washing your pet.

To ensure good results from shampooing, avoid the following mistakes:

1. Overdose. Every shampoo comes with instructions that specify precise dosages. Failure to follow these instructions can result in poisoning or severe itching. Reducing the dosage will result in ineffective results.
2. Frequent water procedures. It is prohibited to bathe an animal more than once a month. Insecticides accumulate in pets' skin, and washing them too frequently can lead to poisoning, causing your cat or dog to feel unwell and lethargic. Water also disrupts the skin's natural oils, so frequent bathing can cause itching or a deteriorating coat.
3. Poor drying. Dry your pet thoroughly after bathing. Insecticides remaining in the water on the animal's fur can lead to poisoning when the cat or dog starts grooming itself. Furthermore, wet fur can contribute to hypothermia and illness.
4. Incorrect selection of product. Shampoo must be selected strictly according to the animal's age. It is strictly forbidden to wash small cats and dogs with products intended for adult animals.
5. Using multiple medications simultaneously. Some owners, in order to maximize the effectiveness of a product, immediately put a flea collar on their pet after bathing or apply drops or sprays. This is not recommended. Such measures significantly increase the toxic load on the dog or cat's body, which contributes to the animal's poor health. You can use other flea remedies only after ten days of using the shampoo.

Kittens under two weeks old should not be washed with flea shampoo.

Flea shampoos have no contraindications. There are even products suitable for pregnant animals, as well as lines for puppies and kittens. The only obstacle to treating a pet is its young age (less than two weeks). For all other categories of animals, a product suitable for their weight, age, health, size, etc. can be selected.

Video: How to wash a cat

Choosing shampoo

To ensure effective shampooing, it's important to choose the right product for your pet. Professionals have compiled a list of helpful tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Determine the tasks that need to be accomplished. If your pet is prone to fleas and their fur is covered in larvae, you'll need an insecticide-based product. However, if your pet rarely goes outside and doesn't have contact with other animals, you can choose a shampoo made with natural ingredients. For animals not infested with fleas, there are special preventative shampoos.
2. Consider your pet's age. If your cat or dog is still very young, there are special lines for kittens and puppies. There are also separate lines for adults.
3. The pet's breed and weight are important. Some brands offer shampoo lines for small, medium, and large breed dogs and cats. Each product comes with instructions indicating the appropriate amount for each pet.
4. Before purchasing, consult with friends or veterinarians. They will help you choose the right product for your furry friend.
5. If your pet has a poor coat, choose a shampoo that improves the quality of its coat. It's also a good idea to choose a shampoo that's hypoallergenic and antibacterial.

Popular flea shampoos

A wide variety of flea shampoos for dogs and cats are available on store shelves. Each customer chooses their own brand, as each has its own unique benefits. This flea treatment can be purchased at pet stores, veterinary clinics, and regular pharmacies.

Meadow

The shampoo is available in four types:

• for dogs and cats;
  

  In addition to toxic substances, the shampoo contains extracts of meadow herbs that strengthen the animal's fur.

• for cats;
  

  The product contains a third-generation pyrethroid, which can eliminate parasites in one application.

• for wire-haired dogs;
  

  The use of shampoo is prohibited during illness and lactation.

• for long-haired dog breeds.
  

  According to consumer reviews, Lugovoy shampoo is one of the best products for eliminating lice, ticks, fleas, and biting lice on dogs and cats.

This line of shampoos contains herbal extracts that make your pet's coat shiny and silky. The product has a mild scent, doesn't dry out your pet's skin, and lathers well in water. It should not be used on sick animals. A 270-milliliter bottle of this shampoo costs 140 rubles or more.

Celandine

The most popular product among customers. The shampoo can be used both preventatively and therapeutically. It is effective against not only fleas, but also lice and biting lice. It improves the pet's coat and cares for the skin. The drug does not cause irritation, even if it gets into the pet’s eyes.

It has several types:

• for puppies and kittens "Soft";
  

  The gentle formula helps quickly get rid of parasites without causing skin irritation.

• for cats "Restorative";
  

  The developed formula of the product does not cause irritation if it gets into the animal’s eyes.

• for cats "Detangling";
  

  The shampoo improves the properties of the coat and cares for the skin.

• for dogs "Restorative";
  

  Celandine is used for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

• for dogs "Untangling".
  

  Celandine is deservedly popular among cat and dog owners against fleas.

Manufacturers do not recommend using this drug for pregnant, weakened or infected animals.

The price for 180 milliliters is about 85 rubles.

Leopard

Bars shampoo is suitable for adult cats and dogs, as well as kittens and puppies. It kills not only fleas but also ticks. Contains natural plant extracts and essential oils. It will help improve the condition of the coat, prevent tangles, and soften the skin. The shampoo is available in 250 ml bottles and starts at 190 rubles.

The product gently softens the skin and helps maintain its water balance.

Phytoelite

Fitoelita shampoo is designed for cats, dogs, and kittens. The range includes products for cats and dogs with short, long, and fluffy coats. The shampoo contains infusions of celandine, wormwood, and bischofite. The product can be used as a saturate on your pet's bedding.

The drug is approved for treating the fur of kittens.

The shampoo is available in five bottle sizes, ranging from 100 to 500 milliliters. The smallest size costs 70 rubles.

Gamma

The flea remedy is available in two versions:

• for cats and kittens;
  

  Well suited for washing pregnant and lactating animals

• for dogs and puppies.
  

  Highly effective against all stages of development of various bloodsuckers

This low-toxic shampoo is suitable for pregnant cats and dogs. It effectively treats parasites at any stage of development. It's sold in black 250-milliliter bottles and starts at 68 rubles.

Doctor Zoo

This organic shampoo contains rosemary, thyme, chamomile, sage, and other essential oils. It's suitable for bathing pregnant cats and dogs. It's completely safe and hypoallergenic.

There are 4 types of shampoos available for sale:

• for kittens;
  

  Absolutely safe and hypoallergenic drug

• for puppies;
  

  Can be used for puppies from two weeks of age

• for cats;
  

  Oils give the coat a pleasant shine and silkiness.

• for dogs.
  

  Can be used when bathing pregnant and lactating dogs

The price for 250 milliliters of the product starts from 110 rubles.

Photo Gallery: Other Brands of Flea Shampoos

Flea shampoo reviews

Lugovoy Shampoo: The benefits of chamomile and calendula extract are so well described that you start to believe in the power of nature for 150 rubles. It lathers poorly, but smells nice. After two uses, there were no live fleas or ticks left. For the latter, they offer tweezers for tick removal.

This is our first dog; it was given to our daughter for her birthday after much persuasion. She's a Pomeranian, a tiny ball of fur. The breeder turned out to be a bit sketchy, and I had no idea about dog ailments at the time. The puppy also had lice. The vet recommended treating her with Lugovoy Infectious Shampoo for dogs. The shampoo turned out to be easy to find; it's available at any pet store, and the price was quite reasonable: 112 rubles. The main active ingredient is deltamethrin, which is designed to kill external parasites. It also contains medicinal plant extracts (coltsfoot, calendula, chamomile) and glycerin. The instructions recommend applying 0.5-1.0 ml of shampoo per 1 kg of body weight, but I lathered it up a bit by eye the first time.

We washed and dried him, and the changes were practically instantaneous. Before, his coat was kind of whitish, I even thought he had bald spots, and he was constantly scratching himself. After washing and drying, his coat shone, he looked so handsome, and the smell… The smell is an added bonus to this shampoo; he smelled pleasantly of herbs. He stopped scratching the very next day. We treated him again 10 days later, and we never had any more problems with lice. I'm very happy with this shampoo.

I think Gamma shampoo is excellent. It smells nice, and leaves your cat's fur smooth, not frizzy or sticking out in all directions, and shiny. However, you should only wash it when necessary or as a preventative measure, once every two months. Frequent, unintentional use of insecticidal shampoo can be harmful to your pet. My cat had a lot of fleas; they brought them home from the neighbors' cats, and it helped. I also gave him flea drops and a flea collar.

I adopted a kitten from the countryside; she was about 1.5 months old. Of course, it's summer in the countryside, so the kitten was running around in the grass and picked up fleas. I brought her home and was shocked—they were all over her. I didn't hesitate to buy her some shampoo. I chose Gamma shampoo, but I don't know why. It costs about 50 rubles, for starters. So, I washed the kitten with the shampoo, and it worked. The fleas were indeed gone, but I noticed they were coming back soon after. I washed her again and got rid of the fleas completely. Now she's 7 months old and she's flea-free! The shampoo comes in a convenient bottle, is inexpensive, and smells pleasant. Overall, I recommend it.

I have two dogs and am a black belt in flea control. Incidentally, when we lived in the countryside, we had no problems; we used flea collars, but in the city, the fleas would simply eat the poor dogs. VetExpert (drops on the withers) proved very effective, but it's highly toxic, and our dogs are older and can't handle it once a month. After trying a bunch of shampoos, I settled on BARS repellent pet shampoo. I'll say right away that it's more of a preventative measure, but it helped us deal with existing fleas. I also needed something to relieve the itching from the bites, as the dogs would scratch and lick them. Few people know, but regular treatment is key to controlling these parasites, as killing the adult fleas doesn't kill the larvae, as they don't eat and therefore can't be poisoned.

The most important thing about using this shampoo is to lather it on your dog for a long time, about 10-15 minutes, really working it into a lather. Only then will it work. The first time I used it, I only left it on my dog ​​for three minutes, as instructed, and it definitely didn't reduce the number of fleas. A week later, I was washing it "properly" until dead fleas started appearing. Immediately after bathing and drying, the scratched areas "calmed down," and the dogs stopped scratching. A week later, I bathed him again to kill any hatched larvae.

I've made it a rule to bathe my dog ​​with this shampoo every two weeks. So far, I haven't found any fleas or ticks. Overall, the shampoo does its job, and it only contains plant extracts, which is important to me because I have a small child in the house and don't need any extra poison. And even if my dog ​​accidentally licks it, it's no big deal. The scent is pleasant—a distinct lavender aroma. The coat is silky after bathing, very pleasant to the touch, and smells like grass. The only downside is that my hands get very itchy after washing. I think it's the cloves in the shampoo, so if you're comfortable, wear gloves.

In my short life, we've had and still have a lot of pets, most often strays or pets we've raised ourselves, but they often interact with free-ranging cats and dogs. The most common gift from such interactions is skin parasites. To rid our pets of this scourge, we regularly give them "bath days," and Chitstotel antiparasitic shampoo for cats and dogs helps with this. It's also great for washing your pets as a preventative measure, and it's also effective for both four-legged and two-legged pets! It contains roughly the same ingredients as regular shampoo, but the texture, scent, and feel are very pleasant. Considering our furry, hairy, and woolly fur, the shampoo also contains additives for easy combing, which is an added bonus! A very cool shampoo in every sense, I recommend it, I tested it personally!!!

We found a tiny kitten in our basement. We brought him into the apartment and were horrified by the number of fleas on him! We ran to the store for antiparasitic shampoo. Dr. Zu was the only one available for kittens, so we bought it. That same evening, we bathed baby Simba (that's what my daughter named him). The shampoo lathers well and rinses out easily. It has a light, pleasant, unobtrusive scent, but in my opinion, it would be better if it had no scent at all; animals don't like that. Unfortunately, the shampoo didn't do its job. The fleas came back to life after his fur dried. They were scurrying and jumping, and we had to deal with the problem using other products. In short, it's just a regular shampoo! It didn't cause any harm or skin irritation, but it didn't get rid of the parasites either.

It so happened that four tiny kittens temporarily moved into my home. They were tiny, just 2.5 weeks old, and already had a ton of fleas. I won't go into all the details, but at that age, the kittens were lying outside without their mother, unable to eat or walk on their own, and were also carrying a virus. Naturally, the ubiquitous fleas didn't spare them.

I needed to get rid of these insects as quickly as possible, so I chose Doctor ZOO shampoo for kittens. Results: Of course, shampoo alone won't get rid of fleas, as they lay eggs that are almost impossible to wash off, and they hatch very quickly. So, as the fleas hatch (1-2 times a week), I wash my flea-dealers with this shampoo and remove the larvae by hand. This shampoo kills fleas effectively and cleans the fur perfectly. So, I give this product 5 stars, as it's a really good product, especially for the price.

Fighting bloodsuckers requires not only effective treatments but also ones that are safe for your pet. Therefore, when choosing a flea shampoo, consider the individual needs of your cat or dog. Ensure that the chosen product does not cause discomfort or pain to your pet.