Why use a flea and tick shampoo?
From redness and itch fleas and even diseases, fleas and ticks are a nuisance for anyone. But they can be especially annoying (and all to common) discomfort for your furry friend. While there are a lot of options made to help you prevent pests from terrorizing your pets, there are very few that don’t add an extra step in your pet care routine.
However, one great and easy tool for preventing ticks is to use a specially formulated shampoo for your pet at bath time! No extra steps necessary!
If this seems like the ideal option for you and your pet family, here are some things to consider when looking into flea and tick care shampoos:
Allergies:
Are you or your dog more prone to allergic reactions from certain shampoos, treatments, or lotions? If so, you may want to consider finding a natural shampoo. These make use of plant-based ingredients and essential oils that are less likely to cause allergic reactions and tend to be more gentle on skin.
Sensitive Skin:
Age:
Not all formulas are safe for every age. Keep in mind the age of your pet and watch out for formulas that are not safe for use on young puppies.
Natural Versus Chemically based:
Most of us know that an organic lifestyle is the healthiest. However, when it comes to effectiveness, sometimes products that are made with solely herbal ingredients are not the most effective. So when should you consider using a chemical formula or a naturally based one? Your answer may depend on a few :
-Youth. many chemical products are not safe for dogs that are younger than 12 weeks old (3 months). If you’re looking for a product for your young puppy, remember to double check the age recommendation and possibly consider opting for a more herbally based product.
–If your pet is nursing. You may want to consider using natural products if your pet is nursing to ensure the best health for young puppies.
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–Sensitive Skin. If you or your pet are prone to allergic reactions or sensitivity to certain products you may want to consider formulas without harsh chemicals. These tend to be formulated with essential oils that are more gentle on skin.
–Desired Results. If you are looking for a product that is long lasting or delivers fast results, you may want to consider purchasing a chemically based formula. While formulas made with natural ingredients can sometimes be as effective, often chemically derived formulas are known to have longer-lasting effects.
Results:
When looking to purchase any new product, it’s important to keep in mind the results you’re looking for. In the case of flea and tick shampoos, you may be looking for:
Deodorizing: Let’s face it. Sometimes our pets stink! You may want to consider scented products or those that claim to be deodorizing.
Works with fleas and ticks: Most products protect your pet from both pests. However, it’s always good to double-check and know what insects are affecting your dog.
Now you may be wondering: What’s the difference between fleas and ticks?
Both ticks and fleas are very common pests. While usually your dog contracting them is not life-threatening, there are some risks involved such as skin irritation or even disease. Here’s the difference between these two common parasites:
Ticks: Similar to spiders, ticks are members of the arachnid family. These pests are parasites meaning they attach to your pet and will use your dog as a host to feed on. Common in wooded areas, these pests easily attach themselves to your dog to feed and lay eggs.
Remember if you live or walk your dogs in forests or near bushy areas, your pet is at risk for contracting ticks! Always use caution around areas that may house ticks and be careful when removing ticks from your pet! The ticks that affect dogs may also bite pet parents as well. Ticks are also carriers of diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Fleas: While fleas that affect dogs seem very small, they may pose a large threat to your furry friend. Some may even transmit parasites to your pet. Often flea bites lead to itchy skin irritation and you may even encounter a mass infestation of fleas if a flea lays eggs on your dog. Fleas tend to be found in shaded outdoor areas but often are passed between pets.
Fleas are a common pest for pets! Most dogs are at risk if they socialize our go outdoors in shaded areas or yards! Fleas that affect dogs may also bite humans too! Always use caution around areas with fleas and when removing fleas from your pets!
Know what you’re looking for? That’s great! Here’s a quick list of products that are suitable for some common concerns:
Natural: (For pet families with sensitive skin or who want to go the safer and more holistic route) – Arava Flea and Tick Botanical Shampoo, Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo, Vet’s Best Flea Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Soothing: (To soothe discomfort and redness commonly caused by flea bites)- Vet’s Best Flea Itch Relief Dog Shampoo, Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal for Dogs and Puppies, Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor for Dogs and Cats, Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo
Rapid Results: (If you are looking to see instant aid or desire a product that kills pests on contact these products are for you) – Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo, Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo, Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal for Dogs and Puppies, Vet Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
Deodorizing: (If you need a product that adds a nice smell to your pet’s coat you may want to consider these options) – Arava Flea and Tick Botanical Shampoo, Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal for Dogs and Puppies, Vet Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
Preventive protection: (Looking for a product that keeps your pet safe from pests before they even come into contact with them? Here’s some products that stop fleas and lice before they even get on your dog) – Arava Flea and Tick Botanical Shampoo, Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo, Vet Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo,
Need some more info while you decide on a product that’s right for your pet? Here’s a detailed break down on some products to consider:
Product Number One: Arava Flea and Tick Botanical Shampoo
Formula: The formula of this product makes use of essential oils to naturally help prevent your pet from picking up any pests. Additionally, this product avoids any chemicals meaning it’s a safer option that won’t dry out your pet’s fur.
Scent: The purely botanical blend makes use of oils such as rosemary, thyme, geranium, clove, peppermint, geranium and more! Meaning this product will leave your dog’s coat with a fresh natural smell.
Protection: This product contains natural ingredients to protect your pet from any infestations.
Safety: This formula does not use any harsh chemicals, meaning it is less likely to cause any allergic reactions to both you and your pet. This product is designed for both puppies and mature dogs. Arava does not list any age restrictions on their product, so this may be a safe solution for very young dogs with supervision.
Quick Break Down:
Benefits:
– A natural formula is a safer chemical-free option!
-Essential oils are gentle on pet’s skin and will leave their coat with a nice smell!
-Castor, soybean, and Dead Sea minerals soften your pet’s coat!
-For every purchase, Arava will make a donation to animal rights organizations!
-Naturally rids pets of fleas and ticks while preventing them from attaching to your dog in the first place!
Things to Consider:
-Natural formulas tend to work for shorter periods of time. This may mean that you need to use this product more often to maintain its effects.
-This botanical shampoo is made to stop pets from getting fleas and ticks in the first place. While it will rid your dog of existing pests, it may not kill them on contact.
Product Number Two: Vet’s Best Flea Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Formula: Created by veterinarians, this product is made with expertise! Specially made to treat irritation and itches from flea bites, this product makes use of calming ingredients such as oatmeal.
Scent: Since this product is focused on relieving discomfort and allergic reactions due to flea bites, the formula does not contain any additional perfumes (as often these may cause further reactions). However, this shampoo does contain lemon and orange peel extract that may add a pleasant scent.
Protection: This product is geared towards easing pain and itching caused by flea bites. It is not made to prevent fleas and ticks in the first place. However, the product is safe to be used with other topical flea and tick prevention methods.
Quick Break Down:
Benefits:
-Eases pain, redness, and discomfort caused by flea bites!
-This formula includes oatmeal to naturally protect and soften skin!
-Essential oils add a nice scent during bath time!
-This product is specially made by vets, so you know it will be effective and safe!
Things to consider”
-This product is not made to prevent fleas and ticks from reaching your pet. You may want to consider an additional product for pest prevention.
-The Vet’s Best Flea and Itch Shampoo product is not formulated to kill pests on contact.
-The natural essential oil-based scent of this product will most likely only last for a short time.
Product Three: Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo
Formula: 100% natural ingredients are gentle on your pet’s coat and are less likely to cause allergic reactions on your skin! This product promises a fast-acting formula that will kill fleas and ticks on contact. Additionally, this product is PH balanced to protect your dog’s skin.
Scent: A bouquet of cinnamon, peppermint, cedarwood, and rosemary oil will leave your pet with a nice smell.
Protection: This product does not claim to prevent fleas and ticks from attaching to your dog. However, it does kill pests and nourishes affected skin.
Quick Break Down:
Benefits:
-Essential oils add a nice scent without using any perfumes that may cause irritation or allergic reactions!
-Kills fleas and ticks!
-This product does not use any harsh chemicals that can dry out fur, cause allergies, or create an irritating smell!
-Richard’s Organics claims that this product is fast-acting!
-Soothing ingredients such as Vitamin E, Lecithin, and Lanolin helps to nourish and moisturize your pet’s coat!
Things to Consider:
-This product is not intended for use on cats. Meaning you can’t share this product between your two fur babies.
– Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo is not intended for dogs under the age of 12 weeks old (about 3 months of age).
-Often, products that are made from solely natural ingredients are not as long-lasting and therefore need to be used more often to maintain the best results.
Product Four: Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal for Dogs and Puppies
Formula: Made with oatmeal, this product is designed to condition fur and ease irritation. Using chemicals as active ingredients, this product is designed to effectively kill fleas and ticks with a lasting ten-day affect!
Scent: A warm Hawaiian Ginger fragrance will leave your pet’s coat with a wonderful smell that may last longer than other products using only essential oils.
Protection: This product is made to have a lasting effect. Once used, Sentry claims that the shampoo will continue killing fleas and ticks for up to ten days. Additionally, this product is specially formulated to protect against the type of tick known to carry Lyme Disease.
Quick Break Down:
Benefits:
-A PH balanced formula helps to nourish and protect your pet’s skin and coat!
-Oatmeal calms bites that may be irritated and itchy!
-This product contains an added fragrance to deodorize your pet!
-A long-lasting formula keeps pets protected for up to 10 days after use!
-Specifically created to protect against the type of ticks that carry Lyme Disease (Deer Ticks)!
Things To Consider:
-Not for use on dogs under 12 weeks old.
-This product is not recommended for use on cats.
-Chemicals are the main active ingredients in this product. While this may lead to longer-lasting results, it may also make this product not suitable for dogs and pet parents with sensitive skin.
-Added fragrance may make this product a less allergy-friendly option than others.
Product Number Five: Vet Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
Formula:This product was created to have a creamy and rich texture to leave your pet’s coat extra soft. However, it has an added fragrance and makes use of strong (yet effective) chemicals as their main active ingredients. Because of this, the Vet Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo may not be the ideal formula for users with pets that have sensitive skin or pet parents that are prone to allergic reactions from fragrances.
Scent: This product makes use of an added fragrance designed to make your pet smell “baby fresh”, most likely hinting that the shampoo will leave your pet’s fur with a smell reminiscent of baby powder.
Protection: The active ingredients formulated in this product are designed to be strong and have a lasting effect. More specifically, this product boasts fast results as it claims to kill lice,fleas, and ticks on contact. Plus, it can prevent flea eggs from hatching on your pet for up to a whopping twenty eight days!
Quick Break Down:
Benefits:
-Long-lasting results are key to this product!
-If you’re looking to see fast acting relief, you will love that this formula kills fleas, lice, and ticks on contact!
-An added scent will leave your pet smelling fresh and may lessen the smell caused by the chemicals in this product!
-The creamy texture of this formula is great for moisturizing dry coats!
-This product can be used on both cats and dogs! If you have both, this product can be a great money saving option!
Things to Consider:
-Formulas that are mostly derived from chemicals or that use chemicals as the main active ingredients tend to be more drying and are more likely to cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin.
-Added fragrances may not be ideal for those with allergies.
Product Number Six: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor for Dogs and Cats.
Formula: This protein rich formula infused with Aloe, coconut, and Lanolin help ease sensitive skin and aid in keeping your pet’s fur easily groomable. However, it’s main active ingredients are chemically derived. This aspect of the formula important to consider if you have young children or if you or your pet tends to be sensitive to chemical products.
Scent: This product claims to leave your pet with a nice “fresh” scent after after bathing.
Protection: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo is great at protecting from a variety of pests. Formulated to keep your pet safe from fleas, ticks, and lice, this product protects against many common pests. For added effectiveness, this product makes use of an insect growth regulator or IGR to stop the growth of flea eggs and tick larvae.
Quick Break Down:
Benefits:
-A long-lasting formula uses an impactful IGR to stop the growth of flea eggs and tick larvae for up to 28 days!
-Protects against a wide range of pests!
-Makes use of skin soothing ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe, coconut oil, and lanolin to ease irritation!
-This formula contains an added fresh scent to leave your pet smelling clean!
-Uses a protein-rich formula to keep your pet’s coat soft and easy to groom!
-The Vet Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo can be used for the treatment of both cats and dogs!
Things to consider:
-The active ingredients in this formula are chemically derived. While often effective and long-lasting, many consider chemically based formulas to be less safe and are thought to be more likely to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
-Not for use on pets under 12 weeks of age (about 3 months).
Product Number Seven: Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo
Formula: Meant to soothe sensitive and irritated skin, this product contains oatmeal to fight the effects of bites from fleas and ticks.
Scent: This product claims to have a “fresh” scent and deodorizing formula to keep your pets smelling clean after bath time.
Protection: Formulated to serve instant results, this product kills ticks and fleas on contact. For additional protection, when used weekly the Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo can be used to prevent fleas and ticks from ever reaching your pet in the first place.
Quick Breakdown:
Benefits:
-This formula is very proactive! With weekly use, it can be utilized as a tool to prevent pests from ever attaching to your dog in the first place! This makes the product ideal if you live in an area where you know your pet will come into contact with fleas and ticks often.
-Oatmeal is a skin calming ingredient contained in this product to help ease irritation for dry or irritated skin.
-Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo contains an added fragrance and is formulated to be deodorizing!
-Fast acting results you can see during bath time! Hartz claims this product can be used to kill fleas and ticks on contact!
Things To Consider:
-This product may not be safe for pets or pet owners that are sensitive to any of the ingredients listed.
-If your dog is nursing, pregnant, older, or medicated, you will need to consult a vet before using this product.
-The main active ingredients of this product are chemically based. For this reason, pet parents that are sensitive or who have young children that may come into contact with this product may find that this is not a suitable choice for use in their home.
