What is Flea Shampoo?
In short, flea shampoo is a combination of effective and powerful chemicals that will kill fleas and their eggs for a certain length of time.
There is nothing worse than your pup having fleas. Not only is the dog uncomfortable, but fleas can also bite people and quickly become a real problem for our four-legged friends and ourselves alike. Without treatment, your animal and your home can quickly become infested and it becomes a much more difficult issue to treat. We have made it our mission to bring you and your beloved pooch the top flea shampoo for dogs, you can thank us later!
If you’re in a rush, here’s our top choice for the best flea shampoo for dogs in the UK:
No products found.
Flea shampoo for dogs is a great way to rid your pooch of fleas, especially when caught early. Many people give their dogs flea baths before they get fleas to prevent them from ever becoming an issue, to begin with. You want to choose a product that is effective, but also safe for your pup.
Are All Flea Shampoos For Dogs The Same?
A quick internet search will show you just how many choices for dog flea shampoos there really are, but they aren’t all created equal. Some are made with noxious chemicals that really aren’t safe for your animals. Others are made from all-natural ingredients and prove to be largely ineffective at managing fleas and their eggs. You want to find a happy medium of a shampoo that has powerful chemicals that are actually effective against fleas but that puts your animal at as low of a risk as possible.
Your pup doesn’t like having fleas any more than you do. They are itchy, irritating, and can even leave open sores that are painful for your dog. Like a human with an itch, your dog may scratch and chew on their skin to the point of bleeding or sores, which will bring up a whole host of new issues. For the sake of your pup and yourself, treating this before it becomes a major issue is imperative.
It can be hard to cut through all the marketing talk and claims to find out what is the best flea shampoo for dogs in the UK, but we are here to make this a bit simpler. We have researched countless flea shampoos and come up with our list of the top 5 flea shampoos on the market. We found shampoos that cover different price points and are suitable for prevention or treating an infestation.
While this is, of course, not an exhaustive list of all the quality flea shampoo for dogs, we feel we have a representative range of options that will meet pretty much anyone’s need. Read on for our picks for the top 5 flea shampoo for dogs in the UK.
Related Posts
Our Top 5 Picks for Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs in the UK
Here we round up our picks for the best, highest quality, and most effective dog shampoos available on the market today.
When trying to determine a winner for the best flea shampoos for dogs, we really struggled. These are all great options for your pup and which will work best for you will depend on the age of your dog, the severity of the issue, and your personal preferences as well. Any of these shampoos are effective at killing and preventing fleas, but some are made with more natural ingredients and others also include additives to help heal skin damage and repair the coat. All the options we review here are safe and effective. Overall though, we feel that the best flea shampoo for your dog is Beaphar Flea and and Tick Shampoo but please take the time to read about each and see if other flea shampoos are more catered to your dog in particular.
1. Beaphar Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo
No products found.
Beaphar is a trusted and well-known maker of a wide range of pet products from flea treatment to wormers. They have been in business since 1942 with the motto that pets are family too and striving to provide quality, safe, and effective products for our four-legged family members. They happen to make one of the best flea shampoos we tested.
Their flea and tick shampoo is highly effective and is suitable for use on puppies over the age of 12-weeks. The dog shampoo is also safe to use on cats as well.
The shampoo provides powerful 7-day protection and is made from largely natural ingredients. It is effective at killing adult fleas as well as eggs. The shampoo also contains ingredients that promote healthy skin and coat as well.
Likes
Largely made from natural ingredients and safe for use on both dogs and cats, as well as puppies over 12-weeks.
Dislikes
The biggest complaint about this product is how short of duration it lasts. Other products we review here provide for longer protection.
Overall Value
This is an affordable and effective way to prevent and kill fleas in the short-term on dogs, young and old. It can also be used on cats, which makes it great for a multi-animal household. When used regularly, it will keep your pup flea free and their coat and skin shiny and healthy.
Summary
For those looking for an affordable, effective, short-term solution to fleas and for dogs or cats of all ages, this is a great choice. The formula also promotes skin and coat health, leaving your pup with a flee-free, shiny, glossy coat. In our opinion, this is the top flea shampoo for dogs.
No products found.
2. Animology Flea and Tick Shampoo For Puppies and Dogs
Animology is also another well-known pet care brand that is reliable and popular in more than 50 countries for its highest standards. Animology’s Dog Flea Shampoo is a great product to help keep your furry friend clean, healthy and free of pesky fleas and ticks. The company also produces a wide range of other shampoos for dogs which could be useful when the pesky fleas aren’t a scratchy nuisance!
The gentle pH balanced formula is based on pro-vitamin B5 making it compatible with all skin types. Plus, it contains no sulphates, parabens or silicone, and is 100% vegan, so you can feel good about using it on your pup. The tick remover shampoo effectively helps eliminate ticks and fleas from the thickest coats, at the same time having a soothing, calming effect on the irritated bitten skin. And because it’s a built-in conditioner, it doubles as a softening conditioner, leaving behind a healthy looking, shiny coat. Plus, it has a lovely scent that will leave your dog smelling fresh and clean.
The easy rinse formula in this shampoo is perfect for those owners and pups who want to keep their bathing and scrubbing routine minimal. It also has a soothing effect on irritated skin due the inclusion of tea tree oil which helps eliminate ticks and fleas while maintaining your pup’s coat health.
Likes
Customers are claiming this product to be brilliant as it does the job in first time use for many and it’s value for money.
Dislikes
Some people noticed that it does not effectively remove all the fleas and ticks, so it takes multiple bathing sessions to really get the fleas out.
Overall Value
This is the best selling flea shampoo on Amazon UK for a reason. While some people might be better off with the Bephar, you are unlikely to go wrong with this Animology flea shampoo.
Summary
This is a great choice for any dog owner looking to keep their pup healthy and happy. Safely applied, this product will not irritate even the most sensitive skin types which means you can use it year-round without worry! It’s enriched with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, so your pet has an aromatic shine all day long while leaving his coat feeling luxuriously soft!
3. Pro-Canine Bug Buster Shampoo
- For flea, tick and mange problems.
- Reduces itching
- Repairs damaged dry skin
Pro-Canine is a sub-brand of the popular and high-end Pro-Equine line of products. The company is known for making highly effective, safe, and beneficial products that range from supplements to flea and tick shampoos. They are a trusted and reputable brand that is known throughout the world for combining value and quality.
Their Bug Buster Shampoo is 100% natural as well as biodegradable and is made from powerful neem oil. The shampoo not only helps to minimize problems with fleas and ticks, but it is also effective at treating mange and reducing overall itching. The natural shampoo also repairs damaged and irritated skin and promotes a soft and healthy coat.
The base is made from plantacare/coco-glucoside which is a mild surfactant that is made from coconut and fruit sugars. It has no harsh chemicals and is completely biodegradable which means not only is it safe for your pup, it is also safe for the planet.
The shampoo is safe for dogs that are 12-weeks or older and is even suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. The formula is also safe for cats and can even be used on humans.
It comes in a concentrated formula that needs to be diluted with water before use. It can be used as often as twice a week for animals with severe infestations or who are using it to treat mange or mites.
Likes
All-natural and effective for dogs, cats, and even humans, of all ages and is even safe for the environment.
Dislikes
Some people are turned off by the slightly nutty smell of neem oil.
Overall Value
For those looking for an all-natural choice of flea and tick shampoo, this is a great value for the money and is highly effective.
Summary
This is a great choice for people in a multi-animal home and those who want an all-natural, environmentally friendly solution to fleas and ticks. This is a completely natural and biodegradable formula that is effective for dogs and cats over the age of 12-weeks and can even be used on humans. Not only is it effective against fleas and ticks, but it also promotes skin repair and a healthy, shiny, coat.
4. Bob Martin Clear Flea Repellent for Dogs and Puppies
No products found.
Bob Martin is a trusted brand that has been providing for the needs of the UK’s animals since 1892. The company makes a wide range of products for animal wellness ranging from joint supplements for cats and dogs to flea and tick shampoo. They are known for making high-quality products that are safe and effective for animals of all ages.
Their Clear Flea Repellent for Dogs and Puppies is suitable for animals as young as 12-weeks. It should not be used on dogs that are nursing or under 12-weeks of age. The shampoo is highly effective at killing fleas at all stages of their lifecycle and is safe even for dogs with sensitive skin.
In addition to killing and repelling fleas, the shampoo also helps maintain skin and coat health as well. It prevents reinfestation when used regularly and has a pleasant, long-lasting scent.
Likes
People swear by this as being incredibly effective for dogs and puppies and love that it leaves their coats shiny and smelling great.
Dislikes
Doesn’t have long-lasting effects and needs to be applied regularly
Overall Value
This is a great value for the money. You get a powerful and effective flea shampoo that leaves your pup smelling clean and fresh and with a glossy, shiny coat.
Summary
This is a great choice for those looking for all-purpose regular flea treatment for their dog or puppy. For maximum effectiveness, it should be used regularly, about once a week. It is a great value for the money and provides for healthy skin and a shiny, glossy coat as well.
No products found.
5. Cooper & Gracie Flea Shampoo for Dogs
- BEST DOG GROOMING FLEA SHAMPOO: Take Advantage of Our Proudly Cruelty Free and Vegan Flea Cleanser -...
- PUPPY SAFE FLEA SHAMPOO: Ensures The Very Best Biting Insect Cleanse And Itchy Skin Soothing For...
- NON TOXIC NON IRRITANT ALWAYS NATURAL: No More Worries About Harmful Treatments, Our Products Are...
Cooper & Gracie is a trusted and well-known maker of high-quality, natural pet products that are cruelty-free, meaning none of these products was developed with testing on animals. Not only do you have the peace of mind knowing that all of their products are made without the use of animal testing, but you also have the peace of mind that their products are made from high-quality, natural ingredients that are safe for both your pet and the environment.
Their flea shampoo is one of the only cruelty-free and vegan formulas on the market and is made from all-natural essential oils. The formula is safe for dogs and puppies that are 12-weeks and older and can also be used on dogs with sensitive skin.
The formula is completely natural and non-toxic, meaning you don’t have to worry that you are harming your dog’s health while also treating a flea problem. Their unique blend contains vitamin E and other added essentials that keep a dog’s coat glossy and healthy and helps to repair dry or damaged skin.
Their formula is also highly absorbent and doesn’t create a ton of foam and lather, so it is easier to get down to the skin of the animal and doesn’t take as long to apply as other shampoos. This product also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to give you further confidence in the quality and effectiveness of the product.
The shampoo is designed to kills fleas and eggs across all phases of their lifecycle and is even effective at treating mites and other biting insects.
Likes
Vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and 100% natural formula.
Dislikes
May not be as effective for animals that have severe infestations.
Overall Value
An incredibly affordable option for those who want an all-natural and cruelty-free solution to fleas for dogs and puppies, as well as animals with sensitive skin.
Summary
This is one of the more unique shampoos we review here, being vegan, cruelty-free, and completely natural and nontoxic. It is safe for dogs, young and old, and is perfectly safe to use even on animals that have sensitive skin. It has proven effective at killing and preventing fleas at all stages of their lifecycle, including eggs. It features essential oils and other natural ingredients that also promote coat and skin health and will work to repair damaged, dry, and irritated skin. This is a safe and effective treatment that is also environmentally friendly and is a great value for the money.
Why should I worry about my dog having ticks or fleas?
Both ticks and fleas will bite and feed on dogs and other pets – and they can bring along with them a host of nasty conditions and ailments you’ll want your pup to avoid.
While common on many dogs, fleas can cause serious irritation and may even transmute diseases or parasites. Much of the time, left untreated, fleas can cause serious dermatological itching, redness and soreness – making for a pretty unhappy pup!
Beyond irritation, it’s important to protect your dog from fleas as they may transfer Bartonella bacteria or may even give way to tapeworms growing on or inside your pet. Flea-borne disease isn’t anything to take lightly – if untreated, it can lead to fever, wastage of muscles, and the development of infections. It’s important to get your dog the care he or she deserves, too – as some diseases may prove fatal in the long run.
Fleas may also cause anaemia in dogs – which means they effectively lose too much blood. Very young pets are at particular risk from this condition – be sure to look for pale gums.
Ticks pose a slightly different threat. Unlike fleas, they normally won’t cling on for very long – but they can do a lot of damage while they stick around.
Many ticks can transfer harmful conditions such as Lyme disease to your pet – which can lead to joint swelling, severe fever, loss of appetite and general malaise – but it’s important to get your dog treated for these critters as soon as you can if they show symptoms. People can get Lyme disease, too – it’s nothing to be laid-back about!
Do also be wary of babesia, a tick-borne parasite that will readily replicate inside your dog’s red blood cells. Left untreated, this parasite can cause jaundice and anaemia and may even result in kidney failure.
How do dogs get fleas, anyway?
Unfortunately, dogs can pick up fleas from just about anywhere – as you may expect, they’ll freely pick up flea eggs (and even adults) while outside. It’s also common for dogs to pick up fleas from other animals. It’s another reason why keeping them bathed in quality flea shampoo is always a good idea!
Believe it or not, the majority of fleas out there aren’t actually living and feeding on animals. They come from the wider environment – meaning your dog is, unfortunately, just another vessel for them to ride and feed on!
It’s possible for humans to pick up fleas, too. Thankfully, the so-called ‘human flea’ is extremely rare, but that won’t stop us from carrying dog and cat fleas on our clothes and bodies – even in our hair. It’s important to carefully clean and vacuum surfaces in your home, as well as bedding and clothes, if you start to notice fleas to make their presence known.
It’s thought for every flea you find, there’s at least 100 more ready to hatch – yikes!
How do dogs get ticks?
Much like fleas, ticks can spring attacks on pets simply by them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many tick species will thrive in woodland and long grass, where dogs are likely to wander around and maybe even roll about!
It’s unlikely you’ll find ticks in a very cold climate, meaning you’re most likely at risk of a tick attack during summer in the UK. Ticks will lie in wait to feed for a long time – up to a year, in some cases!
Commonly, your dog will pick up ticks between the months of March and June, though you may start to see them again between August and early November. That’s not to say you won’t find them throughout the year otherwise – if you’re walking your pets through wooded, grassy areas, you’ll run the highest risk of picking ticks up.
How can I tell if my dog has fleas?
The most obvious sign that your dog has fleas is that they’ll be scratching themselves more frequently than usual. However, you can also spot flea eggs in dog fur fairly easily – they are tiny white specks.
You’ll also find flea droppings occasionally – which are even smaller brown or dark spots and specks that scatter across your dog’s fur. It’s also likely you’ll find your pup has a few ‘hot spots’ on their skin, or that they have visible scabbing.
How can I tell if my dog’s got ticks?
It’s normally easy to tell if a dog has ticks simply by stroking or grooming your dog – they’re round creatures that gradually ‘fill up’ as they absorb blood from a host. In many cases, you’ll be able to pick ticks off your dog – you’ll often find them in and around paws and around the neck. While using tick shampoo is a must, you should always remove ticks from your dog if you find any.
Types of fleas to look out for
The most common fleas dogs suffer from is the Ctenocephalides canis, which is frequently referred to as the ‘dog flea’ – for obvious reasons! However, there are cat fleas and human fleas, too – which can cause serious irritation if not worse. There are a mind-boggling 2,500 different species of flea thought to breed across the world! Thankfully, there’s only the three that we’re currently aware of breeding in the UK.
Types of ticks to be wary of
There’s no real good news when it comes to ticks in the UK – there are 12 species, and while only three are likely to harm your dog, they’re still pretty nasty. You’ll typically find sheep ticks, hedgehog ticks and fox ticks on your dogs – and it’s the hedgehog tick, or the Ixodes hexagonus, that’s the most commonly spotted.
This is all the more reason to keep wary of hedgehogs in your garden at night – your dog can easily pick up ticks if they come across these prickly beasts. While hedgehogs may seem sweet enough, they are carriers of fleas, too – keep your pets away at all costs!
How To Use Dog Flea Shampoo Properly?
The best way to rid your pooch of fleas is with a flea bath. A flea bath is easiest to do in the bathtub. Before going further, make sure you check the label of your particular flea shampoo in case there are any special instructions. If your dog is used to normal baths, a flea bath shouldn’t be too different for them.
Step 1
Get your dog into the bath and get them comfortable.
Step 2
Use warm water to soak your dogs coat. Don’t use water too hot as you may burn your best friend
Step 3
Put the recommended amount of shampoo (check the label) on your dogs fur and lather them up! Try to keep the shampoo out of their eyes as it can sting since it is harsher than normal dog shampoo.
Step 4
Check the label to see how long you should leave the dog flea shampoo on.
Step 5
Rinse the shampoo off thoroughly with more warm water.
Step 6
Let your dog shake off any excess water and then dry them properly.
Step 7
Give your pooch a treat and let the zoomies begin!
Conclusion
When looking for the best dog flea shampoo in UK, you want to make sure you are getting something that is safe and effective. Which will work best for you will depend on the severity of the infestation, the age of your dog, how sensitive their skin is, as well as your preferences for scent and other benefits. Many of these shampoos also promote a healthy coat and skin with natural ingredients that soften and moisturize the skin and fur. You want to make sure you choose a shampoo that is safe for the age and sensitivity of your animal and that uses clinically proven ingredients that are shown to be safe and effective.
No products found.
FAQs
How To Tell If a Dog Has Fleas?
To check your dog for fleas, you need to carefully comb or brush your dog and regularly check the brush for adult fleas. You should also keep an eye on your dog to see if they are itching more than usual. Red spots or bumps on your dogs belly and groin may also be a sign of a flea infestation. If your pup is still scratching excessively and you couldn’t find any fleas, then you should have a vet look at them just to be safe.
Who Should Use Flea Shampoo?
Anyone who is worried about fleas should try flea shampoo. Not only are they annoying for your best friend, they can also end up all over your house.
Should I Use Flea Shampoo on My Puppy?
No, most flea shampoos aren’t safe to use on puppies under 12 weeks old. Even then, you should seek out a specially formulated puppy flea shampoo just to be safe.
How Do I Prevent Fleas In The Future?
The number 1 way of preventing fleas is by using a flea treatment like Frontline Plus. This requires top up treatments regularly but it will prevent a lot flea baths in the future.