Insect Repellent Shampoo for Dogs
During spring and summer months, using an insect repellent shampoo may help prevent flea and tick infestations. This product can easily be a part of your natural pest control program because it works! Remember, it’s best to use a combination approach to repel pests. One product used alone won’t cut it, or at least not in the South that is! 🙂
When to Use
Usually, I use an insect repellent shampoo when I notice evidence of fleas and ticks scurrying through my dog’s fur. Most insect repellent shampoos kill pests on the skin, but offer little residual effect. This means your dog can easily become infested again so it’s important to follow up with a spray or topical for further protection.
When choosing an insect repellent shampoo, personally, I look for natural ingredients, such as orange, cedar, neem and lemon oils. If your dog is heavily infested, I would use a shampoo with an insecticide to kill pests or add a topical product, such as Frontline.
Don’t get me wrong, natural insect repellent products have come a long way, but when dogs are infested, it’s important to get rid of them quickly to prevent anemia and tick-borne diseases.
RELATED: Using Cedar Oil to Protect Your Dog
Follow Directions Thoroughly
Following insect repellent shampoo directions is the key. Most need contact time with your dog’s skin to paralyze and kill pests. To keep your dog happy in the tub while waiting for shampoo to work, smear peanut butter or cream cheese along the side of the shower or tub wall.
If your dog is on a specific diet, smear a canned version of your dog’s prescription food. If the thought grosses you out, pack these yummy things in a Kong and hold it while your dog licks away. This is much easier than trying to convince your dog to stay in the tub for 10 minutes.
My Favorite Brands
For heavy infestations, I recommend Espree’s Flea & Tick Shampoo. This stuff packs a powerful punch and will clean your dog’s coat thoroughly, meaning all the flea dirt (dried blood) will wash away, leaving a clean and fresh smelling coat.
If your dog has a few fleas or a tick, I recommend Living Young Essential Oils Animal Scents Shampoo. Long name, but it works! This shampoo is packed with herbal blends, such as lemon, citronella, geranium and aloe vera.
More:
Deep Cleansing Shampoo for Dogs
Best Medicated Dog Shampoo
Heavy Duty Dog Shampoo
Does Aromatherapy Dog Shampoo Work?
I must disagree with your recommendation of Espree Flea & Tick shampoo. My pom, Ollie reacted to the poison in this product after 20 minutes. He vomited every few minutes, Could only breath by a loud hacking. He was running constantly and his eyes were shut most of the time. He hasn’t stopped licking…everything for the last 15 hours. he has violent sneezing and his heart is pounding. We rushed him to our vet, and he told us that he had a moderate poisoning. The main ingredient in Espree causes damage to the nervous system of insects and apparently can cause the same damage to dogs !He was given Valium and underwent another bath with a shampoo that would strip away any residual of Espree. This helped a little, but he is still not back to his old self.
I have been up all night with Ollie and I just pray that all the side effects of this poison will go away…and soon!
Oh Michele, I’m so sorry for you and Ollie! I’ve used this product for years, and so have my clients, and we’ve not had an issue. But sometimes, this happens and it’s terrible. We are sending TONS of love, light and prayers to sweet Ollie! I would certainly contact Espree too, they should be aware.