Flea Shampoo

Medicated flea shampoo are easily available in the market. Some natural while some are chemicals. Both are effective to a certain extend. 

When buying a flea shampoo, look at the label carefully. Dog flea shampoo are strictly meant for dogs while cat flea shampoo are meant for use on cats only. Do not use one for dogs on cats and vice versa as some chemicals though safe for use on dogs are toxic to cats. Also, make sure that it's safe for use on the younger pets if you are going to use it on your puppies or kittens. I have friends that complained that it is difficult to find one that is stated to be safe for use on kittens and puppies. This is a little advice that I got from my vet. For puppies and kittens, flea shampoo can be used but have them well diluted before using them on the little ones. Instead of applying the flea shampoo directly onto the young puppy or kitty, pour a bit of it into a bucket or pail of water and mixed. You may then use this diluted shampoo on the puppy or kitten. However, having said that, it is best to first check with your vet to ensure that the flea shampoo you intended to use is indeed safe.

Shampoo served to kill the adult fleas on your pet's body and wash away the nasty flea dirt and larvae. However, take note that flea shampoo are only effective for a day or less. They leave little residual chemical on the animal when properly used and hence this not a long term control for fleas infestation.

Here are some tips on how to bath your dog and cat with a medicated flea shampoo:

How to Give Your Dog A Bath With Flea Shampoo       

• Purchase a flea shampoo recommended by your vet or local pet supply store. 
• Read the instructions carefully, and use only on animal(s) it is intended for. Some products are very toxic to cats. 
• Water temperature should be slightly warm or even cool. Dogs can overheat easily and temperatures used for most human baths are too warm. 
• Start by getting the neck fully wet, down to the skin. 
• Leave the rest of the body dry at this point. 
• Apply shampoo and lather thoroughly around the neck. This prevents fleas from gathering at the ears, eyes, and face, where it is difficult to shampoo safely. 
• Get the rest of the body wet, shampoo thoroughly, and let sit for 5 minutes. 
• Rinse very well. Flea shampoo can be very drying. 
• If your dog doesn't have existing skin problems, it is wise to follow up with a flea control conditioner or normal conditioner.
  

 Flea Bath for Cats

For cats, bathing may be rather tricky as they tend to be very nervous when you splash water on them. They can become very violent and you may end up having scratches all over your hands! This is what you can do.

• Cats are naturally averse to being wet to begin with and they hated running water especially.
• Instead of wetting your cat from a running tap, try pouring water from a bucket instead. Your cat will likely to struggle a little bit and it really helps to have someone around to help you hold them down.
• Alternatively, you could fill a tall bucket or container with water and dip your cat into the water. this will give them less room to struggle.
• Apply the shampoo, lather thoroughly and rinse as described above (for dog).

I can guess what's your next question. Which is the best flea shampoo to use.

Well, I don't believe that there is a best shampoo as there are many that are pretty effective to a certain extend. What I have used and is still using is Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo. Adams brand of flea control products have been in the market for a long time and has proven to be effective over the years.

For a chemical free flea shampoo containing natural products, I would suggest to you