Flea Shampoo for Dogs: 7 Top Selections of 2024

Fleas are a dog’s worst enemy (well, that, and ticks). Fleas are itchy and annoying. They can also be deadly to dogs. There exists a staggering number of flea species, at least 2,500. Most pets have the cat flea or Ctenocephalides felis. (1)

A good flea shampoo for dogs can kill fleas and prevent their return. The key is knowing which flea shampoos are safest and best for your dog. Flea preventatives and treatments come in many forms, including topical liquids and oral medications. If you suspect an uncontrollable flea infestation in your dog, check with your veterinarian.

We’ll outline our favorite flea shampoos for dogs and cover their effectiveness, benefits, and safety precautions. A flea shampoo that works for one dog may not work on another, depending on their specific flea issue.

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Overall Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs: Espree Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs
• Best Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs: Sentry Pro Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs
• Best Flea Shampoo for Puppies: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
• Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs with Essential Oils: Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs
• Best Flea Shampoo on a Budget for Dogs: PetArmor Flea & Tick Oatmeal Shampoo Hawaiian Ginger Scent
• Best Unscented Flea Shampoo for Dogs: Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies
• Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs to Control Itch: Warren London Neem Oil Flea and Tick Itch Relieving Dog Shampoo

Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs: 7 to Consider

Each flea shampoo must meet certain criteria to rank on our list. These include effectiveness, safety, ingredients, ease of use, and manufacturer reputation.

All the flea shampoos on our list are for dogs only. Do not use them on cats. Always check that the shampoo is safe for your puppy. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your dog has any pre-existing skin conditions or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian. You can use some flea shampoos with topical treatments and preventatives to prevent fleas. Pay close attention to any warnings of adverse reactions on the label.

As a pro tip, consider doing a patch test with the flea shampoo on your dog first. By using the product in a small area and waiting 24 hours, you can assess if there is a reaction.

Here are seven selections of flea shampoo for dogs to consider.

Overall Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs

Our Pick: Espree Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs

Espree Flea and Tick Shampoo ranks high on our list for several reasons. It kills fleas and ticks on puppies and dogs over 12 weeks of age. The coconut and plant-based cleansers make your dog’s coat smell good and feel clean. The active ingredients are pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide. It works for all breeds and life stages. The scent is pleasant but doesn’t linger. This product has been around for years. Many pro pet groomers use it, so pet parents can feel good using it, too. 

Highlights

• Kills both fleas and ticks on canines over 12 weeks old.
• Designed to condition and clean the coat.
• Made in the United States. 
• Touted as a plant-based formula.
• The generous 20-ounce bottle lasts a while. 

Things to Consider

• Consult a veterinarian before using this flea shampoo on older, pregnant, nursing, or weak dogs.
• Like all shampoos, do not let the product get in your pet’s eyes. 
• Do not repeat treatment for seven days. 

Best Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs

Our Pick: Sentry Pro Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs

Sentry Pro is ideal for targeting both fleas and ticks on your dog in shampoo form. Designed to kill fleas and ticks for up to 14 days, it features a fresh green tea and ginger scent. Each application contains permethrin and piperonyl butoxide. The pet-safe formula kills flea eggs for up to 30 days, making this a wise choice for pet parents. As the product works to kill fleas and ticks, it also cleans, deodorizes, and conditions your dog’s coat. 

Highlights

• Safe for dogs and puppies of all ages.
• The price point is ideal for most budgets.
• Lathers well and has a light, clean scent.
• Permethrin works by disrupting the nervous systems of insects.
• Also available in other scents, including sun-washed linen and tropical breeze. 
• The generous 18-ounce bottle lasts a while. 

Things to Consider

• Works best to prevent fleas and ticks but does not prevent them. 
• Permethrin and piperonyl butoxide are both chemical compounds.
• Follow instructions to ensure safety.

Best Flea Shampoo for Puppies

Our Pick: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor

If you have a puppy who is at least 12 weeks old, Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor is an ideal consideration. The sensitive skin formula is perfect for puppies. Each application contains aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal for a puppy’s delicate skin. Each bottle contains methoprene, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide. The combination of ingredients prevents flea eggs from hatching for up to 28 days. 

Highlights

• This company makes this shampoo for fleas and ticks in America. 
• The light scent leaves puppies smelling clean and fresh.
• A little bit goes a long way (use about 1 1/3 tablespoons per five pounds of pet’s weight).
• It also kills ticks and lice on contact. 
• The shampoo conditions and restores shine to your pup’s coat.
• It is available in a variety of sizes for multi-pet households.
• Use it at full strength or diluted with two parts of water.

Things to Consider

• If you plan to use a regular pet shampoo afterward, wait at least 48 hours.
• It will not kill scabies or mites.
• This is not a tear-free formula. 

Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs with Essential Oils

Our Pick: Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs

Many pet parents prefer a chemical-free flea shampoo for dogs. Richard’s Organics offers a natural, gentle shampoo to kill fleas and ticks. As a bonus, it also repels mosquitoes. The five essential oils are cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, peppermint, and rosemary. It will not wash away flea and tick treatments on your dog. As long as your puppy is 12 weeks of age or older, you can use Richard’s Organics. Because it is pH-balanced, the formula is safe for dogs with sensitive skin. 

Highlights

• Made without harsh chemicals.
• Made in the USA. 
• Contains no parabens, dyes, soap, harsh chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.
• Will not remove topical flea and tick treatments.
• Value-priced for all budgets. 
• Contains vitamin E for moisture. 

Things to Consider

• The product must remain on your dog for at least five minutes before rinsing. 
• Ideal for use once a week.

Best Flea Shampoo on a Budget for Dogs

Our Pick: PetArmor Flea & Tick Oatmeal Shampoo Hawaiian Ginger Scent

If you prefer a budget-friendly flea and tick shampoo for dogs, PetArmor is a great choice. The combination of permethrin and piperonyl butoxide kills fleas and ticks. The addition of oatmeal deodorizes and conditions the coat. It works quickly and is safe for dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old. The product begins eliminating ticks within one to two days. This is a non-staining formula infused with a light Hawaiian ginger scent. It is affordable for any budget, and you can apply it weekly. 

Highlights

• Kills fleas and ticks in one easy step.
• It is a rich, conditioning, non-staining flea and tick shampoo.
• Helps to soothe and condition irritated or dry skin.
• You can use it year-round.
• Made in Omaha, Nebraska, in the United States.
• Ideal for households on a budget.

Things to Consider

• The product reaches its maximum effectiveness within 7 to 10 days. 
• Lather must stand at least five minutes before rinsing.
• This product is not tear-free.
• Cats that groom or touch a treated dog may be at risk of serious harm.

Best Unscented Flea Shampoo for Dogs

Our Pick: Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies

Not everyone enjoys scented flea shampoo for dogs. Advantage offers an unscented flea and tick treatment shampoo for dogs and puppies. Safe for use on pups over 12 weeks old, the formula can be used every seven days. This shampoo contains pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide to kill fleas and ticks. It helps prevent flea dermatitis, Lyme disease, and more. Use this product in conjunction with a comprehensive flea prevention program. 

Highlights

• Lathering shampoo without any scent for sensitive people and dogs.
• Ideal for pups over 12 weeks of age.
• Kills fleas and ticks on contact. 
• Available in several bottle sizes for convenience.
• This is a scientifically formulated lathering shampoo. 

Things to Consider

• Lather must stand at least five minutes before rinsing.
• Does not kill flea eggs or larvae. 
• Do not use it more than once every seven days.

Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs to Control Itch

Our Pick: Warren London Neem Oil Flea and Tick Itch Relieving Dog Shampoo

Warren London is a luxury dog grooming and spa brand based in the United States. They offer an itch-relieving shampoo based on neem oil. This product aims to treat, kill, repel, and prevent fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae. 

The gentle formula soothes the itch and irritation of flea and tick bites on your dog’s skin. It leaves a light citrus scent. It won’t interfere with flea and tick preventatives, whether topical or chewable. When used as directed, this flea shampoo also acts as an insect repellent. This cruelty-free formula doesn’t strip your dog’s coat of their natural oils.

Highlights

• Made with neem oil and oatmeal so your dog isn’t exposed to traditional chemicals.
• Safe to use with topical flea and tick preventatives.
• Light, odor-neutralizing citrus scent pet parents will enjoy.
• Can be used on all coats and breeds.
• Made in the USA.
• Safe to use on puppies. 
• Made without parabens, soap, or detergents that may irritate the skin.
• Infused with oat proteins, almond oil, and vitamins A, D, and E.
• Helps soothe irritation and relieve itching caused by flea and tick bites.

Things to Consider

• Recommended pet parents should use the product at least weekly for best results.
• The citrus scent may be too strong for some.

Where to Learn More About Managing Dogs and Fleas

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to keep fleas off your dog is with a combination method. This includes preventative options, paying attention to your dog’s skin and coat, running the vacuum, treating your yard, and regular veterinary checkups. 

Here are some further resources to assist in keeping fleas and ticks off your dog.

Preventing Dog Fleas: Methods, tips, and product options.

Can Fleas Kill a Dog: All about flea anemia and flea prevention.

Will Garlic Keep Fleas Away: What one veterinarian has to say on the topic.

Resources
(1) “Flea Facts for Pet Owners.” Spring Branch Vet. https://springbranchvet.com/uncategorized/flea-facts-for-pet-owners/