Flea Shampoo for Dogs

So, confirm the presence of fleas prior to starting any form of control program. Inspect the itchy areas, especially behind the ears, neck, and above the tail for flea dirt. These dirt-like grains will turn red after rubbing with a water drop. Once ascertained, you can proceed for the treatment, of which an effective way is using a flea shampoo.

A flea shampoo contains insecticides for killing the insects, in addition to other common ingredients. With so many promising brands in the market, selecting a safe shampoo is easier said than done.

If you face this problem as well, conduct a brief market research and find out the brands that get satisfactory customer reviews. Select a good-quality shampoo that is effective in repelling and killing fleas of all stages, especially the eggs.

Most flea shampoos contain the chemical pyrethrin. Adult dogs can tolerate this insecticide, but it is strong and not suitable for use on puppies. Hence, if you are dealing with an infestation on your puppy, opt for herbal shampoos that contain tea tree oil, neem oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, oatmeal, cornmeal, and so on.

Importantly, avoid buying heavy-scented shampoos, as they may irritate the flea bites and cause exacerbation of the itchy symptoms.

A natural flea shampoo is always a better alternative to the commercially-sold, chemical-based products. So, instead of purchasing one from a store, you can try making an all-natural one at home.

For homemade shampoos, the base ingredients are curative herbs (e.g. mint, soapwort), essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, neem oil), and vinegar. The oil suffocates the fleas while the vinegar is effectual in killing them. Not only is this homemade concoction better for your pet, but it is lighter on your pocket as well.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lemon-flavored Dishwashing soap
• 1 cup White vinegar
• 1 quart Water

Method: 
The required supplies will be readily available in your kitchen. Select a mild version of a perfume-free, dye-free, liquid dish washing soap for using in the recipe. Add the soap, white vinegar, and water to a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture well and transfer it to a bottle for easy usage. The shampoo is ready.

Ingredients

• 1½ teaspoons Soapwort root
• 2 teaspoons Rosemary or Lavender essential oil
• 2 cups Distilled water

Method:
Soapwort root is sold in health food centers, and is appreciated for treating skin disorders in both humans and pets. It also forms a lather on mixing with water. To make the shampoo, boil the soapwort root in water.

Simmer the liquid for 15 minutes and remove from heat. Allow the soapy base to cool down for one hour, and stir in the essential oil. Fill this in a bottle and store in the refrigerator when you are not using it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup liquid Anti-bacterial soap
• 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup Glycerin
• 1 quart filtered Water

Method:
Take a large bowl that can hold 4 cups of water, and add the soap, cider vinegar, and glycerin to it. Stir the mixture well with a spatula, and pour some water gently into it.

Stop adding water when you get the desired consistency. Mix it well and store in an old shampoo bottle. You can apply this shampoo in the regular way, but make sure that it is left on for 5 minutes before rinsing.

These homemade shampoos may not form a lather like the commercial ones. However, they are safer and less harsh for your dog. However, simply bathing your pet will not completely destroy these pests. You need to eradicate them from the bedding, kennel, carpets, and the areas where the dog spends most of his/her time.