Best flea shampoo alternatives for dogs

Our vets believe that shampoos aren’t effective at eliminating fleas. This is because the chemicals in these shampoos only eliminate fleas at a particular point in their life cycle. They don’t kill flea larvae or pupae, meaning it’s only a matter of time until remaining eggs turn into adult fleas.

Instead, our vets recommend an oral medication capable of killing all types of fleas at every point in their life cycle. Simparica, Bravecto, and Nexgard are a few of our favorites. That said, these options do require a written prescription to purchase.

In addition to their ineffectiveness, flea shampoos can also contain some pretty harmful ingredients. Below are a just a few of the additives in flea shampoos that make our vets advise against them:

• Pyrethrin. Most flea shampoos contain pyrethrin, a harsh chemical that’s extremely toxic to cats and fish. A lot of products feature both dogs and cats on the packaging and don’t explicitly say not to use them on your feline. Though rare, dogs with skin sensitivities may also have a reaction to this chemical.
• Essential oils. Depending on the concentration, essential oils can be extremely harmful Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source to both dogs and cats. According to Pet Poison Helpline, the most dangerous essential oils for dogs are tea tree oil, pennyroyal, wintergreen oil, and pine oil.
• Citrus oil extracts. Citrus oil extracts like limonene and linalool are used in flea shampoos and can cause allergic reactions in some pets, though this issue is most common in cats.

👉 If you’re going to use a flea or tick shampoo on your dog, look for an option with an insect growth regulator. Without this, a flea treatment won’t truly address your pet’s infestation.

According to UC Davis, it’s possible but rare for pets to experience allergic reactions and adverse side effects after using a flea and tick product. Some potential side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and other irregular behaviors. If this happens to your pet shortly after applying a flea treatment, wash it off immediately and take your dog to the vet. In some cases, these side effects don’t appear until a few days after the treatment. Always consult with your vet if you think your pet is having an allergic reaction.

If you’re interested in a safe alternative to flea shampoos, look no further. Below are a few vet-recommended solutions to try instead:

• Prescription remedies. If a prescription is required, your vet will be able to provide a recommendation. In some cases, the medication is sold in vet offices.
• Dish soap and a comb. When it comes to young puppies and kittens, most vets recommend a flea comb and a gentle dish soap like Dawn.
• Over-the-counter solutions. Capstar is one example that starts to kill fleas within 30 minutes of applying it to your pup.

Follow our recommendations, and your dog’s fleas won’t be back any time soon:

Don’t brush your dog indoors — Fleas and flea eggs can fall out of your dog’s fur and burrow into your carpet and furniture. It’s always best to comb your pet outside or in the bathtub so you can keep any parasites on your pet contained.

Focus on problem areas — Fleas hide in certain areas on most dogs, most commonly around the abdomen, neck, ears, tail, and lower back. Comb through these spots a few times each before moving on.

Brush in one direction — For best results, start at your dog’s head and work toward their tail.

Clean out the brush as you go — Fleas and their eggs can get trapped in the comb’s teeth as you work. Every so often, make sure to wipe the comb on a damp paper towel to avoid introducing eggs back into your dog’s fur.

Reward your pup with a treat — Giving your pup treats as you work will help them stay put during this process, which, depending on your dog’s size, could take quite a bit of time.

When it comes to fleas, get ahead of the problem. Topical flea and tick preventatives like Frontline, K9 Advantix II, and Effitix are good over-the-counter options. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on these products since fleas are becoming increasingly resistant to these medications.

👉 For more options, check out our full list of vet-recommended flea preventatives.

While prevention is best, there’s a host of other steps you can take to help protect your pup. Below are some of our favs:

Bathe your pup regularly — Keeping your pet clean by bathing them at home or the groomers can help protect your pet from fleas. In addition, regular baths can help you find and treat any pests long before you have an infestation.

Avoid wooded areas during peak seasons — Fleas thrive in wooded brush or sand and are most active during the spring and summer. However, if you live in a warmer climate, they can be an issue year-round. This map is a helpful resource that tracks the prevalence of flea- and tick-borne illnesses in your area.

Wash your dog’s bedding frequently — If you’re currently dealing with a flea infestation, wash your dog’s bedding every day with hot water. Even without an outbreak, it’s best to keep your pup’s bed clean by washing it once a week.

Vacuum a couple of times a week — Fleas can hide in fabrics and carpet fibers, so keep on top of vacuuming (as often as every day!) and pay special attention to carpeted areas and couch cushions.

Try a flea and tick yard spray — Outdoor insecticides are a great tool to limit your pet’s exposure to unwanted bugs. Our list of favorite sprays are completely safe for your animals and your lawn.