The 8 Best Flea Shampoos for Dogs of 2023

Best Overall

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor

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This is a popular and effective all-around flea and tick shampoo. It kills adult fleas, as well as their eggs and larvae, and is effective in getting rid of ticks and lice. The active ingredient is pyrethrins, which are pesticides found naturally in chrysanthemum flowers. The formula also contains aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal to help relieve and moisturize irritated, dry skin. They also leave your pet’s coat shiny and soft.

The long-lasting shampoo typically only has to be used about every 28 days. Thoroughly wet your pet then apply about 1 1/3 teaspoons for every 5 pounds of your pet’s weight. Massage and work up a lather and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse well. The lather can be thick and can take a while to rinse out completely.

The shampoo has a fresh, light coconut scent. It comes in three sizes and can be used in dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old. It is not safe to use on cats.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins | Life Stage: Over 12 weeks | Scents: Coconut | Sizes: 12 ounces, 24 ounces, 1 gallon}

Best Overall Runner-Up

Vet’s Best Advanced Strength Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo

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Vet’s Best offers a line of natural products from shampoos and supplements to home flea sprays and dental products, all without potentially harmful chemicals and added ingredients. This plant-based flea and tick shampoo features rosemary and peppermint as active ingredients. The shampoo kills adult fleas, as well as eggs and flea larvae. It also kills ticks on contact.

The manufacturer says this extra-strength formula is twice as strong on adult fleas as other plant-based flea shampoos. It can safely be used on dogs and puppies that are at least 12 weeks old. Unlike some shampoos, it lathers well and rinses out easily. Although natural, the scent can be strongly herbal and somewhat medicinal.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Active Ingredients: Rosemary and peppermint oils | Life Stage: 12 weeks and up | Scents: Rosemary and peppermint | Sizes: 12 ounces}

Best with Essential Oils

TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo

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This lightly scented natural shampoo kills fleas and ticks on contact, then continues to repel fleas for as long as a week. The formula contains an essential oil blend of clove, lemongrass, cedarwood, sesame seed, and cinnamon that work together naturally to fight pests. It also has cocoa butter to relieve and moisturize irritated skin.

The shampoo is safe to use on dogs and puppies that are at least 12 weeks old. To use, wet your pet’s coat thoroughly and then work shampoo into a deep lather, starting at your dog’s head and moving down their body. Leave it on for 5 to 7 minutes before rinsing completely, then towel dry. Because it only repels fleas for a short time, it’s recommended to use about every two weeks.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Active Ingredients: Clove, lemongrass, cedarwood, cinnamon, and sesame seed oils | Life Stage: 12 weeks and older | Scents: Citrus | Sizes: 20 ounces}

Best Budget

Sentry Pet Care Flea and Tick Shampoo With Oatmeal

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This cost-effective mild shampoo contains oatmeal to soothe and condition skin that has been irritated by pests. It works to kill fleas, eggs, and larvae, as well as ticks on dogs and puppies from age 12 weeks and up. The formula is pH balanced specifically for a dog’s skin and is designed to clean, deodorize, and condition your pet’s coat.

The shampoo kills fleas quickly and ticks within 1-2 days. It only works for about 7-10 days, so you’ll need to bathe your dog regularly (perhaps as often as weekly) to get rid of all the fleas throughout their life cycle. The shampoo has a fresh, ginger scent. It is not safe to use on cats and kittens.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Active Ingredient: Permethrin | Life Stage: 12 weeks and up | Scents: Ginger | Sizes: 18 ounces, 63.5 ounces}

Best Organic

4-Legger Revitalize Dog Shampoo

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This USDA certified organic shampoo contains all natural ingredients like oatmeal, shea butter, and aloe to moisturize skin. These soothing and gentle ingredients work together to calm itchiness and relieve dryness. The active ingredient is organic neem oil. There are no preservatives, parabens, phthalates, or artificial colors and fragrances.

The shampoo is concentrated, so you don’t need to use a lot, but because it has no sulfates, it can be watery and difficult to work up a sudsy lather. The scent is citrus, but it can seem a bit strong to some people. 4-Legger focuses on creating products with only clean ingredients that are made with real plants, sustainably sourced, and cruelty free.

_{Active Ingredient: Neem oil | Life Stage: All ages | Scents: Orange | Sizes: 8 ounces}

Best Anti-Itch Treatment

Vet's Best Flea Itch Relief Shampoo

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Flea bites can make your pup’s skin very itchy and can cause them to scratch and scratch as they try desperately to get some relief. This isn’t an actual flea shampoo—it doesn’t kill or repel fleas— but it helps soothe that irritated skin caused by annoying pests. Natural ingredients include oatmeal and neem oil which help ease the itchiness.

Because the shampoo doesn’t affect fleas, it’s best to use this in conjunction with monthly flea preventatives (topical or oral) or consider alternating with another flea-killing shampoo. This has no added chemicals or fragrances. It lathers and rinses easily and leaves your dog’s fur very soft.

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Active Ingredients: Oatmeal, neem oil, citrus oils | Life Stage: 12 weeks and up | Scents: Citrus | Sizes: 16 ounces}

Best Concentrated

Natural Chemistry De Flea Shampoo Concentrate Flea and Tick

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If you have a lot of dogs or give a lot of flea baths, this concentrated shampoo can save space and money. Mix up one part shampoo to three parts water in another container, then shake well before each use. Don’t rinse your pet before shampooing. Instead, soak their fur thoroughly with the product, rub it in—making sure to include areas like paws—and then wait five minutes before rinsing well.

The shampoo works to kill fleas immediately on contact, as well as their eggs and larvae. It’s also effective when used on ticks and lice. Some users say the shampoo smells medicinal and has a strong chemical scent.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Active Ingredients: Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Undecylenic Acid | Life Stage: 12 weeks and up | Scents: Medicated/chemical | Sizes: 1 gallon}