There is a whole industry, the pet grooming industry, which caters to the myriad needs of your pets.
One such product from this industry is dog shampoo. Since human shampoos are too harsh for dogs and adversely affect their oil and pH balance, they need special dog shampoos.
These shampoos generally contain a number of natural and organic ingredients which makes them much gentler than human shampoos.
Variations of the formulations exist to tackle several dog problems like mite, flea, dandruff and itchiness.
Shampoos are usually costlier than human shampoos but they are used less frequently since dogs should not be bathed too often.
Why do dogs get flea?
No matter how careful you are with your dogs when it comes to their general hygiene or their interaction with another animal, there is a high chance that they will be attacked by fleas at some point in their lives.
There are some very common sources of fleas that have been identified. Let us take a look at them.
Other animals
There is a high chance that your dog will interact with other animals. Some of these animals might be sanitary while the others may not be.
For example, racoons in your backyard may contain fleas in their fur which they might transport onto your dog’s coat. Even if you build high fences in your background, wild animals will come into the yard and transport fleas.
Human Transportation
Some people may not be aware that they may be carriers of fleas. When they interact with animals, especially your dog, they transport these fleas with them.
Especially those who spend a long time hiking may carry fleas with them. There is no way of knowing for sure.
Outdoors
The great outdoors is also a great place for fleas to blossom without restrictions. So when you leave your dog out to play in parks and other places, there is a good chance that he might get fleas.
Even during short walks around your neighbourhood may expose your dog to the fleas.
The only way to protect your dog from a full-fledged flea infestation is to be very vigilant around the dog. When you see a few insects around it, take the indication seriously and get the dog checked by your vet.
You can also check it yourself by looking at the dense areas of fur, like the underarm region.
How can Dog Shampoos help with fleas?
There are a variety of shampoos in the market that remove fleas from the dog’s fur.
These shampoos are formulated specially to act against these troublemakers. The key here is to identify the need for a flea shampoo well before it becomes a menace and to treat the infestation from its roots.
Popular Dog flee / itchy skin shampoos
Since flea infestation is such a common problem, there are a number of shampoos in the market that are designed especially for tackling this issue. Let us take a look at some popular products.
1. Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
This special formulation for flea and tick has unique baby fresh scent. The shampoo conditions the fur of your dog in such a way that is moisturizes the skin. The shampoo is rich, creamy and cleansing.
It also has the capability of killing adult fleas, lice and tick. In fact, this shampoo also prevents flea eggs from hatching for a maximum of 28 days. This kind of capability is unique when it comes to shampoos.
2. Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs
This shampoo contains oatmeal which is soothing for dogs. Pyrethrins in the shampoo help in killing ticks and fleas.
Moreover, the soothing power of oatmeal relieves dogs from the discomfort of bug bites, itchiness and irritated skin. Be aware of the fact that this shampoo can only be used on dogs which are 6 months or older in age.
3. DeFlea Ready to Use Flea & Tick for Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
Manufactured by Natural Chemistry, this product is a non-toxic, gentle and chemically free shampoo. Using this shampoo instantly kills fleas, mites, ticks and lice. In fact the shampoo is so potent that even parasites cannot become immune to the formula.
Shampoo your pet with this product and it will deep clean your dog, and leave your dog clean and fresh smelling. The shampoo works by penetrating the hard exterior of these insects and making them defenceless. They then attack the insect.
4. Zodiac Flea and Tick Shampoo
This product is manufactured by Zodiac. It is used to kill fleas, lice and ticks effectively. The shampoo is full of coconut conditioners that give your pet a fresh smelling odour.
You can use this formulation both on dogs and cats. Use this shampoo only when your dog is 12 weeks or older than that. It enhances the lustre of your dog’s coat and grooms your pet very well.
5. Vet’s Best Natural Anti-flea Easy Spray Shampoo
This shampoo manufactured by Vet’s Best is potent that it can kill fleas as soon as the product comes in contact with it. You can use it on both cats and dogs.
Ensure that you are using them only after you pet is 12 weeks old. The shampoo has a invigorating and fresh smell. There are no pyrethrins or cedar oil in this product since a number of pets are allergic to this compound.
The shampoo is made using natural ingredients that are blended together to make a perfect concoction that solves your pet’s problems with flea. The shampoo not only kills fleas but all kills its eggs.
6. Natural Chemistry Natural Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal
This is another product that is marketed by Natural Chemistry. The shampoo contains oatmeal which is very soothing to your dog’s skin and eliminates rashes, dry skin and itchiness.
It does not have harsh chemicals like pyrethrins or permethrins. The ingredients in this shampoo are cinnamon oil, clove oil, cedar wood oil, and vanillin which nourishes and moisturizes the fur well.
The formulation is potent enough to repel and kill ticks and fleas. It even kills mosquitoes and black fliles. The compound in the shampoo keeps working for up to 7 days in the dog’s fur.
7. Vet’s Best Flea Itch Relief Shampoo
This is another potent product manufactured in the United States of America by vet’s Best, a leading company for pet care products. This shampoo is made using the extracts of lemon and orange.
It is an effective solution against skin irritation due to fleas. Its soothing formula calms irritated skin which is generally caused due to fleas.
Although it does not kill fleas, this shampoo is a good defence against the irritation and discomfort caused by fleas. This is a relief spray and needs to be sprayed and left on the coat for it to act effectively in the damaged area.
Precautions to be taken
We always advise pet owners to consult their vet before buying products for their pets. In case you want to purchase products on your own, you should take note of a few things.
For example, be aware of the chemicals that your dog is allergic to so that you only buy products that bond well with your dog’s skin. Let us take a look at some more precautions.
- Do not buy human shampoos for your dog since they are too harsh for use on dogs.
- Always try to get a prescription from a vet since they know pets best
- Some compounds in shampoos might react with your hands as well, so take the needed precautions
- Spray shampoos often contain alcohol. Avoid shampoos with alcohol.
- Some shampoos may cure one disease but cause another. Generally dry and scaly skin is the effect of strong shampoos. Try to take note of these.
- Look for compounds in the shampoo that your dog is allergic to. Take another product.
- Try buying products that are made from natural products rather than synthetic chemicals.
Summary
Once you have identified that your dog has fleas, do not waste time and take your dog to a vet for a consult.
There are a number of anti-flea shampoos that you can purchase from the market that are made by Vet’s Best, Natural Chemistry, Hartz, Zodiac and Ovitrol.
All these shampoos have their own properties which make them unique, so choose the one that suits your pet the best. Get some directions in this area from your pet.