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Fleas and ticks are tiny parasites that cause big problems for dogs. Their bites make a dog's skin itchy, and they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and tapeworms. The best flea and tick shampoos for dogs are one of the many options pet parents have to kill and repel these pesky parasites. They contain either chemical insecticides or natural essential oils.
We spoke with two veterinarians about how flea and tick shampoos work and what to look for in these shampoos. We also researched dozens of options and selected our top picks according to several factors, such as their ingredients and how long they are effective. The best overall is Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor, which kills fleas, ticks, and lice on contact and works for up to 28 days.
"Compared to topical and oral flea treatments, flea and tick shampoos do not last as long," says Dr. Breanna Green, an associate veterinarian at Veterans Memorial Drive Animal Hospital. These shampoos can be a great first line of defense against fleas and ticks, especially when a dog has a heavy flea infestation. However, make sure to use one of the best flea treatments for dogs year-round. If you're looking to treat a dog younger than 12 weeks old, read about the best flea treatments for puppies.
Editor's note: Flea and tick shampoos that contain pyrethrins and permethrin are toxic to cats and can be fatal. With exposure, cats can develop symptoms such as tremors, twitching, and vomiting. If you have a cat, choose a flea and tick shampoo free of pyrethrins and permethrin.
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Our top picks for the best flea and tick shampoo for dogs
Best overall: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor - See at Chewy
This shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and lice on contact and works for up to 28 days. It also has a variety of ingredients to soothe red and irritated skin.
Best with essential oils: Richard's Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo - See at Chewy
Richard's shampoo uses a combination of essential oils to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Best budget: Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal for Dogs and Puppies - See at Chewy
This shampoo with oatmeal has a pleasant scent and kills fleas and ticks for 7 to 10 days at an affordable price.
Best fast-acting: Zodiac Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo for Dogs and Puppies - See at Chewy
Zodiac's shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and lice on contact and provides long-lasting parasite protection for up to 28 days.
Best long-lasting: Sergeant's Guardian Pro Shampoo - See at Chewy
This shampoo kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and ticks and keeps working for 30 days.
Best unscented: Advantage Treatment Shampoo for Dogs and Puppies - See at Chewy
Advantage's shampoo is fragrance-free and kills fleas and ticks for up to 7 days.
Best anti-itch: Vet's Best Flea Itch Relief Shampoo - See at Entirely Pets
This itch-relief shampoo contains natural ingredients to provide immediate relief for skin that is irritated and itchy from flea and tick bites.
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