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

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.

Efficiency and operating principle

The products are very effective. Most shampoos contain the following substances:

• permethrin;
• etofenprox;
• phenothrin.

Using cat shampoo will not harm the health of the animal. Pyrethrins penetrate the body of insects and paralyze them.

The natural components included in the products not only destroy insects, but also make the skin and coat softer. Extracts of medicinal herbs soften the effects of toxic substances.

Many detergents contain strong-smelling plant ingredients to effectively repel parasites. Fleas do not tolerate essential oils well.

Cat parasites

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.

Safety rules when treating cats with shampoo

When treating an animal with flea shampoo, the following rules must be observed:

• first carefully study the instructions, act strictly according to them and strictly follow the dosage;
• to prevent water from entering, the cat’s ears can first be plugged with cotton tubes soaked in vegetable oil;
• thoroughly rinse the product from the fur and under no circumstances allow the animal to lick itself;
• do not bathe your pet too often.

The instructions must be read very carefully and the recommendations in it must be followed exactly.

Video: how to get rid of fleas in the house

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);

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

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

Rules of application

Each shampoo has specific features. On the packaging, the manufacturer usually indicates the method of use, composition, and contraindications for use. The pet owner is not recommended to neglect them.

It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and frequency of use.

Dosage

Since the shampoo contains chemicals, when using it it is necessary to maintain the dosage very accurately. For every kilogram of animal weight, you need to use 0.5-1 ml of the product. But the proportions may differ depending on the shampoo used, always carefully study the instructions.

From what age can it be used?

When the kitten is 1 month old (2 months), it can be washed with flea shampoo. Before this age, washing is not recommended, since the baby’s body is still fragile. During this period, the baby’s hygiene is taken care of by his mother, the cat. The kitten will go to hand when it is ready. From this period, you can use detergents until the pet is old (more than 10-15 years).

How to treat an animal with soap?

There are no special rules here. Veterinarians advise taking care of the animal’s mucous membranes, genitals, and ears. Don't rub your pet too hard. You need to use massage techniques. With its help, the animal will not have a negative reaction, it will not break out of your hands and crawl out of the water. He should feel comfortable, good and pleasant.

Important! Particular attention should be paid to skin folds and hard-to-reach places (between the fingers near the claws, behind the ears).

Frequency of the procedure

Home care for your animal must include bathing using detergents. The shampoo helps maintain health and get rid of a significant number of parasites even in 1 procedure. It is recommended to perform it 1-2 times every 7 days. More often it is not worth it, as the cat may develop an allergy or dislike. After this, she probably will not agree to water procedures.

How long does the effect last after using the drug?

There are many products in stores with various active additives. Simple detergents may have a shorter effect - about 5-10 hours. The price for such goods is lower. The price tag for medicinal washes that contain medications is high. They improve the condition of the skin and coat, and also reduce the need to use the product. The use of the drug may be required no more than once every 10-14 days (sometimes there is no need to re-wash). After washing, you should comb the fur, untangle it, and remove dead insects.

What is recommended to combine anti-flea treatment with?

In addition to water treatments against fleas, the following means are used:

• In the form of tablets.
• In the form of an aerosol.
• Impregnated collar.
• In the form of drops.
• In the form of a suspension.
• In the form of powder.
• In the form of an injection.

The most common brands are Comfortis, FrontlineCombo, Delix, Blokhnet, Harts, Doctorzu.

Final table: comparing flea shampoos for cats

Types of shampoos

Products against blood-sucking insects are divided into 2 groups:

• medicinal;
• preventive.

The first variety contains insecticides. It is used to destroy bloodsuckers and to treat infected domestic animals. The latter are used for regular processing. The components in them are non-toxic.

Therapeutic and preventive zoo shampoos.

According to the form of release, drugs are divided into dry and liquid. Dry ones are produced in the form of powders. They are sprinkled on the wool, after which the remains are combed out using a fine-toothed comb. Liquids are classic hair wash products.