Flea shampoos for cats and dogs: review of popular products and instructions for proper use

Flea shampoo for cats is very popular due to its ability to cause the death of blood-sucking parasites, cleanse the fur and skin of impurities, and make it easier to comb pets with long and thick hair. The correct choice of this hygiene product should be made taking into account the age, physiological condition and breed in order to bring maximum benefit and not harm the health of the animal. An equally important factor is compliance with all instructions when using detergent insecticidal preparations.

Effect of flea shampoo

There are two types of flea shampoos: to get rid of insects and to prevent infection. Synthetic pyrethroids (their list below) and essential oils can act as active substances that take on the fight against parasites.

Shampoos work as follows:

The foam envelops the parasite from all sides, and the active substance (pyrethroid) destroys the cocoon, shell and gets inside.

The active substance blocks the transmission of nerve impulses in fleas, and they die. Complete destruction occurs 48 hours after using the product. Shampoos are active against fleas at all stages of development: pupae, eggs, larvae and adults.

The active ingredients in the ingredient list are as follows:

• pyrethrum (a plant poison extracted from Persian daisies);
• phenothrin;
• etofenprox.

The effect of essential oils in shampoo is somewhat different: the strong smell of plant extracts does not kill the parasite, but only repels it. That is why products containing exclusively oils are classified as preventative.

The most potent poison is pyrethrum. Completely harmless to pets, it copes well with parasites. Even if accidentally licked and put into the mouth, this substance does not cause any harm to pets. Shampoos with these components deserve positive reviews from owners for their safety and effectiveness: for example, Meadow shampoo from the AVZ company. Phenothrin and etofenprox act in a similar way. They are obtained synthetically, therefore they are more resistant to external influences (water and light).

Pyrethroids are poisonous substances used to combat fleas, which come in two types: poisons of plant origin (pyrmethrins, extracted from Persian chamomile) and their artificial analogues (phenothrin and etofenprox).

The World Health Organization recommends permethrin for use. Most medicated shampoos for animals contain this very substance. Preventative agents (for example, Meadow shampoo) are limited to plant extracts (wormwood, tea tree and others).

Both remedies for biting insects take care of the hair, make the fur silky and soft, and also cleanse the skin.

To get rid of parasites, only medicinal shampoo that kills fleas is used, and for prevention, preventative shampoo based on essential oils and natural plant extracts is suitable.

Essential oils that repel fleas on cats and dogs:

• sagebrush;
• eucalyptus;
• anise;
• peppermint;
• thyme (thyme);
• lemongrass (lemongrass);
• conifers: pine or cedar;
• lavender;
• tea tree.

These oils are part of therapeutic and prophylactic products.

Also find out how to get rid of fleas using soap from our article - What types of soap can get rid of fleas once and for all.

Aromatherapy is not only a pleasant activity, but also a way to treat fleas in cats and dogs

Additional components in the composition of medicinal shampoo

In addition to the active ingredients that kill or repel parasites, the product contains additional substances that enhance the therapeutic effect:

• extracts of medicinal plants (calendula, coltsfoot, chamomile) have a calming effect, cope with itching and irritation;
• salicylic acid - anti-inflammatory component;
• water;
• fragrances;
• flavorings (natural or artificial);
• soap root extract or other soap-based skin cleansing ingredients;
• Surfactant (glyceryl laurate, sodium sulfoethoxylate, amidobetaine, cyclimide) - kills bacteria and acts as a hair conditioner;
• methionine (thanks to it, hair grows better, becomes stronger and the animal gets rid of dandruff);
• Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming substance that helps the active components penetrate between the wool and cleanses the wool of dirt.

Pros and cons of shampoos

Each method of treating fleas on four-legged friends has its pros and cons. Shampoo is the simplest, inexpensive remedy, but not always effective.

Advantages

• Shampoos are suitable for all breeds of cats and dogs, including long-haired beauties.
• No unpleasant or complicated procedures: bathe your pet and dry it in the usual way, no additional products will be required.
• Detergents with preventive and therapeutic effects have relatively low toxicity; they rarely cause allergies or side effects.
• They can be used even by babies (puppies and kittens from one month of age). For example, Celandine.

Doctor Zoo produces special flea shampoos for kittens.
Veterinarians note several significant disadvantages of this method of treating and preventing fleas.

Flaws

• Most inexpensive shampoos consist of water, soap and thickeners, which means they have minimal benefits. To avoid making a mistake in your choice, we recommend choosing medium-priced products.
• Doctors recommend supplementing shampoos with drops and sprays, as they have a long-lasting effect and protect the animal from re-infection. The effect of detergents (both therapeutic and prophylactic) ends with taking a bath and after some time the treatment has to be repeated again.
• For the same reason, some shampoos do not cope with their task (Dana and Barsik shampoos received the least positive reviews from readers).
• Shampoos that work effectively are expensive.

Directions for use and precautions

Babies should be washed in a basin; adult cats and dogs should be washed directly in the bathtub.

Before swimming, set the temperature and prepare a towel.

Both dry and liquid flea shampoo are diluted in water before use. If you apply shampoo directly to the skin, the concentration will be too strong and the hair will not wash well.

Depending on the brand of product, the shampoo should be left in for five minutes (or less).

Hold your pet tightly to prevent him from breaking free and licking off the poisonous foam. If toxic foam gets into the mouth, it can cause unpleasant consequences and cause the animal to feel unwell.

After curing, the foam is thoroughly washed off with water.

The wool is dried with a towel and combed.

To prevent re-infection, be sure to treat carpets, floors, animal bedding, and furniture with the solution. For washing and washing, you can use the same shampoo diluted in water according to the proportion indicated in the instructions on the package. Experienced owners advise using shampoo in combination with other products: a collar, drops or spray (of the same brand or another manufacturer to choose from).

Bathing a small pet in a basin is more convenient than in a bath or shower

Now is the time to listen to the opinion of an experienced cat owner and find out what the dogs themselves think about fleas. First, a detailed and short video about what to do if your cat has fleas.

Product for puppies

Most shampoos for adult dogs contain high concentrations of insecticidal substances, so they cannot be used to wash puppies, so products with a gentle effect have been created for small pets.

Popular cleaning products for puppies:

1. Celandine shampoo is a good complex product based on essential oil extracts and permethrin that destroys not only fleas, but also ticks and other skin ectoparasites. Price – 65–80 rub.
2. Doctor ZOO is a completely natural product based on extracts of chamomile, bergamot, thyme and red pepper, which gives the wool a pleasant herbal aroma for a long time. The product is absolutely safe and can be used to wash puppies from 1 month. Cost – 65–85 rubles.
3. Beaphar Bea Flea is a concentrated shampoo, one of the most powerful flea control products for puppies, containing the maximum allowable dose of permethrin. The product is suitable for treating pets with fur of any length, the price is 270–300 rubles.
4. Bruno is considered one of the best means for combating parasites in animals; it destroys ticks, lice and fleas in one bath, rarely causes allergies and other negative reactions, moisturizes the skin well, and improves the condition of the coat. The product can be used for puppies that are no longer fed with mother's milk. Price – 290–300 rub.

It is advisable to use anti-flea detergents for treating puppies older than 2 months; if parasites are found in a very small pet, tar or dust soap can be used for treatment. Usually 2-3 procedures are enough to rid the animal of insects.

Which flea shampoo to choose: types of shampoos

Let's see what the most popular flea products are produced in Russia and abroad.

Flea shampoo for cats

1. Miss Kiss. Produced by Swiss. The active substance is permethrin. Dosage - one milliliter per 4 kg of animal weight.
2. BioVax. Production is located in Moscow (“Biosphere”). In addition to the main active ingredient, the composition contains an extract of wormwood, which has both a preventive and therapeutic effect. For quick results, supplement treatment with this shampoo with a local remedy: drops on the withers or spray.
3. RolfClub is also produced in Russia. The active ingredient is permethrin. The list of ingredients includes vitamins and natural flavors. The shampoo strengthens the coat and helps restore the skin. Suitable for all cat breeds.
4. Celandine is produced by the same company, with the same active ingredient. Additionally, the composition includes aloe extract and vitamin B5. The shampoo is not allowed for kittens (up to 2 months) and pregnant cats. Effective in one application.
5. BIO-GROOM is produced by the American company BioDerm. The composition includes natural and synthetic substances that care for pets' skin and coat. The same company produces dry shampoos and care products.
6. Lugovoy is based on a pyrethroid that works in one application. Contains plantain, chamomile and burdock extracts. Effective against flea infections, ticks and lice. According to buyers, this is one of the most effective products at the best price.
7. Faithful friend - used only for preventive purposes, contains plant components (wormwood, chamomile) that repel parasites. It is inexpensive (from 78 rubles per bottle).
8. Barsik is a Russian-made product that costs from 30 rubles. According to the owners, this remedy repels parasites, but the effect does not last long: after 2-3 days (or later, it all depends on the pet’s lifestyle), the treatment must be repeated again.

Flea shampoo for kittens

The following brands of shampoos can be used for small pets:

1. Ms Kiss from Swiss Laboratory Defense AG (from four months);
2. BIO-GROOM is a product from the USA. Produced using a special “tear-free” formula.
3. Celandine also contains substances that do not irritate the eyes of babies.
4. Four with a tail - foams quickly, smells nice, suitable for prevention. Costs about 90 rubles.

To check if the product is working, check the coat several times within 24 to 72 hours after bathing. Comb out dead parasites.

Check to see if there are still fleas and look for any allergy spots or rashes. If the shampoo is not suitable, choose a different brand, or better yet, consult your doctor.

You can reuse the shampoo after ten days. Exact recommendations are indicated in the instructions on the packaging.

You can read the full instructions for shampoos on the official website of “Veterinarka.ru”: https://www.veterinarka.ru/

To choose the right product for your pet, we recommend watching a video from Chihuahua Sophie. She will dispel popular myths about fleas on dogs and tell you how to get rid of the parasites. You'll also learn the truth about whether you can buy an all-purpose flea and tick treatment.

The most effective

To choose an effective flea shampoo for dogs, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the line of drugs in this group.

The safest for the animal, but with highly effective properties are the following::

• Phytoelite shampoos. The products in this line are presented in several varieties, the composition of which is enriched with a large number of components of natural origin. They have a mild antiparasitic effect and are inexpensive. Phytoelite shampoos can be used to treat parasitic infestations in puppies more than two months old.
• Celandine. This shampoo also contains herbal ingredients and contains permethrin, a highly effective flea repellent. It can be used even if the animal is highly infected. In the line of drugs in this group there are several options for shampoos intended for animals of certain breeds and age groups.
• Bifar. This product is in a relatively high price segment and is of good quality. The composition contains a complex of various active ingredients that have a complex effect, helping to remove fleas and improve the condition of human skin and hair.
• Doctor ZOO. This flea shampoo can be used to treat the smallest puppies, less than two months old. The composition of the product includes only natural ingredients of natural origin, which makes it completely safe to use. It can be used for frequent grooming of the puppy’s coat and prevention of fleas.
• Mr. Bruno. This shampoo is highly effective, but its composition includes toxic components, which precludes the use of the product for treating puppies. The drug must be used in strict accordance with the instructions.

Before using shampoos, it is important to make sure that the dog does not have wounds, scratches, or skin diseases.

The presence of these can cause a deterioration in the animal’s condition after antiparasitic treatment.

Video: myths and truth about fleas on dogs

Flea shampoo for dogs

1. Leopard - contains plant components (lavender and cloves), costus, pelargonium, sorbitol and glycerin. Suitable for small pets.
2. Dana - suitable for washing carpets, bedding and furniture. Heals skin, fights odors. It should not be used by pregnant bitches or weakened animals.
3. Bim - contains only natural plant components, the effect lasts for a long time.
4. Phytoelite is the active substance permethrin. Contains hair conditioning herbs.
5. Mr. Bruno - suitable for both treatment and prevention. Does not cause allergies and does not contain harmful additives.
6. Doctor ZOO - works with vegetable oils (thyme, chamomile, red pepper and bergamot).
7. Lugovoy - according to reviews from experienced owners, this is one of the most effective and inexpensive shampoos for dogs. Contains extracts of burdock, dandelion, plantain and chamomile. Suitable for all breeds, including dogs with long hair and coarse hair.
8. Shampoo from the Netherlands Beaphar acts very gently, but effectively gets rid of parasites.
9. Celandine - suitable only for prevention, contains permethrin.
10. Frontline - according to reviews from many dog ​​owners, this product is more expensive than others, so fakes are more common.

Some flea treatments are suitable not only for dogs, but also for cats.

Flea shampoo for puppies

For puppies, the most effective remedies that have shown themselves to be effective are:

1. Leopard;
2. Dana;
3. Phytoelite (for babies from two months);
4. Doctor ZOO (from 14 days);
5. Lugovoi (from one year);
6. Beaphar (from 6 months);

Is it possible to process

It is imperative to treat a flea infestation in a pregnant dog, since the lack of measures taken can lead to unpleasant consequences, for example, the death of the offspring.

However, you should choose a safe medicine for fleas in pregnant dogs, which includes low-toxic substances. It is better to do this under the guidance of a veterinarian.

What veterinarians and experienced owners say

All cat lovers have at least once encountered such a problem as parasites. That’s how it turned out for me, I don’t even know where he got them. First I tried combing them out, but that didn't help at all. They multiply at a tremendous speed and the cat simply could not sit still. The pet store offered me several shampoos. I chose the company CISTOTEL. As for the price, I can’t say whether it’s cheap or expensive. I took it for 60 rubles. At home, after reading the instructions, I caught the cat and began to fight the parasites. I recommend washing with two people. The method of use is simple: wet, rub in shampoo, wait 5-7 minutes, rinse, dry. The effect is visible immediately after the first use. They become lethargic. This is what I observed after the first time: a significant reduction in parasites, from the second the destruction of the remnants, and from the 3rd and 4th the destruction of those that hatched. I washed it the first 4 times every 3 days.

Roman, Chistopol

https://otzovik.com/review_247382.html

I took a kitten from the street who was very weak and looked bad. His body was covered with many fleas, which drained all the vitality from the kitten. I decided to treat the animal with the already well-known Celandine shampoo. I was amazed at the effect of this unique remedy. The fleas first tried to leave the kitten, but after a few minutes their hours were numbered. The shampoo has a pleasant smell and after treatment gives a pleasant smell to the animal. I will give a little advice to beginners - after washing, it is recommended to wipe the animal dry, or you can dry it with a hairdryer. This helps reduce the risk of getting colds. After all, ignorance of animal care does not exempt you from dire consequences. The shampoo is very good and the kitten is protected for two months. The shampoo itself is herbal based and is an anti-allergenic product. The product is especially beneficial for those who keep both cats and dogs in large numbers, because it is universal.

vEN0m

https://otzovik.com/review_1289105.html

At home I have my own small zoo. Its inhabitants: a miniature poodle, a Chinese crested dog, a mongrel and a cat. The topic of fleas ranks first for me. After all, as soon as one animal picks up this nasty thing, it will immediately spread to all the others. Every month I wash my dogs with Frontline, my cat once every three months, then I apply drops of either Bars or BlochNet. Everything works perfectly, they walk in the parks, near the pond (they don’t go into the water), at the dacha and everything is fine (pah-pah-pah). The shampoo is inexpensive, does not dry out the animal’s skin and works quite quickly (each one sits in the foam for 10 minutes, then rinse off). The veterinarian recommended more expensive means of protection, like Frontline, but it is often counterfeited. My animals and I are satisfied with the quality.

Elena

https://irecommend.ru/content/pokupayu-tolko-etot-shampun-foto-shampunya-i-zooparka

Read also:  Bleach for fleas - use at home

Our cat has fleas. I picked it up from my neighbors' dog. She manages to find a common language with him. And so, the result was not long in coming. The cat, of course, began to itch. Did not sleep well. We ran to the store, where they recommended Phytoelite shampoo to us. I don’t know how it is with the prices; I haven’t bought such products before, as they were unnecessary. It cost 64 rubles. The only advantage of it is that it simply makes the cat’s fur clean. But it doesn't kill fleas. When we went to the vet, she said that drops were needed. No shampoo will save you from fleas. After using the drops (dropped on the withers), the fleas were gone, fleas were killed on the spot. And to this day the cat is fine, I'm glad. I’m not urging anyone to do anything, I’m just stating a fact and the words of the veterinarian.

Mafiona

https://irecommend.ru/content/shampuni-ne-pomogayut-ot-blokh-slova-veterinara-foto-spasennoi-kaplyami-koshki

How to bathe a dog

Before using and after using shampoo, you must comb the animal's fur well. Before starting water procedures, you need to study the instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended dosages.

How to wash a dog:

1. Measure out the required dose of shampoo – 0.5–1 ml/kg, depending on the degree of parasite infestation.
2. Tie the dog with a leash.
3. Place a tall glass container with diluted shampoo on the edge of the bathtub for fleas that have jumped off.
4. Rinse your pet well with warm water.
5. Apply detergent to the wool, beat with light movements into a stable foam, leave for 3-5 minutes.
6. Rinse off the product with plenty of running water.
7. After bathing, remove all parasites that have collected on the face and other dry areas.
8. If there are bite marks or wounds on the skin, they need to be treated with Rescuer and Levomekol ointment.

It is necessary to use antiparasitic shampoos as insects become infected, but not more than once every 2 months.

If the animal does not respond well to water treatments, you need to fill the bath with water, add the required amount of shampoo, whip into a foam, and bathe the animal.

In case of accidental poisoning, the dog becomes lethargic and salivation increases. To eliminate signs of intoxication, you need to give the animal warm milk, activated carbon, Enterosgel, or any other adsorbent.

When bathing, you must ensure that shampoo or foam does not get on the mucous membranes of the animal.

Final table: comparing flea shampoos for cats

Important instructions for use

A direct contraindication to the use of any product is the presence of individual intolerance to the components. It manifests itself in an allergic reaction on the skin - itching, burning, redness, inflammation, rashes. With severe allergies, there is a deterioration in well-being - tremors of the limbs, trembling throughout the body, loss of appetite, drowsiness, apathy, irritability, anxiety, increased salivation, lacrimation. At the first sign of an allergic reaction, the dog should be washed with regular soap and given an antihistamine by mouth. The condition returns to normal within a day.

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You should not use flea shampoo frequently. The instructions for each product indicate the duration of action and the re-treatment period. Violation of this rule leads to an overdose and side effects. The most common phenomenon is irritation, peeling of the epidermis, itching.

The shampoo is applied to damp hair, foamed thoroughly, left for 5 minutes, and rinsed off. Dry the wool with a towel, napkins, and comb with a comb. If your pet is afraid of water or does not like water procedures, whisk the foam separately in a basin, apply to the fur, leave for 5 minutes, and rinse off. This method is also suitable for small puppies.

Doctor ZOO for dogs

As practice shows, Doctor Zoo is somewhat less effective than other shampoos due to the lack of synthetic insecticides in it. However, the antiparasitic effect of the product is achieved by adding a large amount of natural essential oils to the drug: thyme, bergamot, chamomile, sage and red pepper. When bathing with this shampoo, the animal gets rid of fleas, but ticks and lice may remain on the body.

On the other hand, Doctor Zoo does not irritate the dog's skin at all. Moreover, it has an antiseptic and calming effect.

The cost of a 250 ml bottle of shampoo is about 80 rubles.

Review

The veterinarian advised us to regularly bathe our dog (poodle, female, 11 months) with Doctor Zoo shampoo, and then put on a collar from the same company. This is what we do; throughout the entire summer season we have never seen fleas on her.

Alla, Tver

Why are insect bites dangerous?

The constant itching sensation from flea bites is a lesser problem that may bother your dog. There are much more serious problems, namely:

• Fleas carry parasites such as cucumber tapeworm and certain types of worms.
• An animal can become infected with salmonellosis, brucellosis, and plague from fleas.
• When flea saliva enters the dog's body, an allergy develops.

In addition, the pet ingests fleas and helminths that are at intermediate stages of the life cycle, i.e. beginning their development in the dog’s body. Worm infestation poses a danger to the animal, especially if it is a puppy, the dog is weakened, or pregnant.

With severe infestation, fleas can cause anemia in puppies.

To eliminate the risk of diseases and their consequences, annual vaccination of your pet is required.