The 15 Best Dog Shampoos for Lice in 2023
by Patricia Jackson
Dog lice can cause very serious damage to your pooch's health, coat, and skin. You can tell your pet is infested if he/she scratches excessively with red or inflamed skin in some parts, small wounds from the scratching, has bald patches, diffuse hair loss, and sometimes anemia.
To kill these pests, you need to wash your dog using an appropriate shampoo. As compared to regular shampoos, these solutions contain specific active ingredients like S-Methoprene, Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, sulfurated lime, etc. to finish them off.
Editors' Picks for Top Dog Shampoos for Lice
- #PreviewProductRating
- Bestseller No. 1
Rating:
- Bestseller No. 2
Rating: - Bestseller No. 3
Rating: - Bestseller No. 4
Rating:
Contents
With that in mind, these are the best dog shampoos for lice. Take a look!
7 Best Dog Shampoos for Lice: Review
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Adams 100503441 (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Vet's Best 3165810608 (Best Budget) |
|
 | 3. Richard's Organics FG00440 (Best Natural) |
|
 | 4. TropiClean FTMXSH20Z (Best Large) |
|
 | 5. Zodiac 100502209 (Best Multipurpose) |
|
 | 6. Sentry Pet Care 1988 (Best for Sensitive Skin) |
|
 | 7. Hartz UltraGuard (Best for Itchy Skin) |
|
1. Best Overall: Adams 100503441
- Active Ingredients: (S)-Methoprene, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide
- Scent: Coconut
- Usage: Once Every 28 Days
- Size: 12 fl. oz.
What makes Adams' 100503441 the best of the best in this dog shampoo for lice review is its powerful, multipurpose formula.
The product effectively kills lice, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks, which means your pooch gets all-around protection. It remains effective for up to four weeks and is safe to use on all dogs 12 weeks of age or older.
At the same time, the formula is enriched with oatmeal, coconut extract, aloe, and lanolin to condition the skin. These ingredients remove loose dandruff, dirt, and scales.
Another important ingredient is Precor, which is an Insect Growth Regulator that kills and prevents flea development for up to 28 days. The cleaning action is finished off by imparting a coconut scent to leave your pooch smelling fresh.
However, this shampoo is not natural, and therefore, it might pollute the environment when used outside.
Pros:
- Kills multiple pests
- Conditions the skin
- Effective for a long 28-day period
- Fresh coconut scent
Cons:
- Not natural
2. Best Budget: Vet's Best 3165810608
- Active Ingredients: Thyme, Peppermint, Clove, Rosemary and Cedarwood oils
- Scent: Rosemary Peppermint
- Size: 12 fl. oz.
Vet's Best's 3165810608 is a reasonably priced lice shampoo that is easy to lather and rinse. It cleans and deodorizes your dog's coat using a plant-based formula with no harsh chemicals.
This formula contains 100% certified natural essential oils that are safe for your dog and the environment. These oils kill lice, ticks on contact, and fleas, as well as flea eggs & larvae.
Additionally, no artificial fragrance is added. The shampoo gets its scent from two of its active ingredients, which are peppermint and rosemary oils.
On the downside, some buyers complain of a short effectiveness period of about 1 - 2 days. As such, you may have to wash your dog more often to keep the pests at bay.
Pros:
- Economical
- Non-toxic plant-based formula
- No artificial fragrance
- Kills multiple pests
Cons:
- Short effectiveness period
3. Best Natural: Richard's Organics FG00440
- Active Ingredients: Peppermint, clove, cedar, cinnamon & rosemary oils, and eugenol
- Scent: Natural
- Size: 12 fl. oz.
Get the best natural shampoo for your pooch with this FG00440, which has 100% all-natural active ingredients. The product contains no parabens, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, sulfates, or any other harsh chemicals.
Instead, it has five pure essential oils that kill lice, fleas, and ticks while soothing irritated skin and repelling mosquitos. What's more, the solution is pH balanced for minimal sensitivity on your dog's skin.
On top of this, you should not be worried about any topical spot-on flea and tick treatments on your pooch as this formula will not remove them. This makes it one of the best flea-and-tick shampoos for dogs.
The only problem is that the specific scent is not given. Some buyers are okay with the smell but others say it is too powerful. You never know what to expect.
Pros:
- 100% all-natural active ingredients
- No parabens, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, and sulfates
- pH balanced
- Repels mosquitos
- Does not remove topical spot-on flea and tick treatments
Cons:
- The specific scent is not given
4. Best Large: TropiClean FTMXSH20Z
- Active Ingredients: Clove, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Cinnamon & Sesame oils, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Scent: Clove & Lemongrass
- Usage: Once Every 14 Days
- Size: 20 fl. oz.
Coming in a 20 fl. oz. bottle, TropiClean's FTMXSH20Z gives you the most shampoo quantity in our review. The shampoo creates a rich lather, which minimizes the amount you need to wash your pooch.
That said, the formula repels lice, fleas, ticks, larvae, and eggs for up to seven days, but the manufacturer recommends application every two weeks. Therefore, the shampoo will last for quite some time.
You can also use the product for routine bathing, but it should be used as directed. After cleaning, the shampoo imparts a sweet-smelling clove and lemongrass scent. However, it can leave the coat dried out, so you need a conditioner or moisturizer.
Pros:
- Large 20 fl. oz. bottle
- Creates a rich lather
- Ideal for routine bathing
- Sweet-smelling clove and lemongrass scent
Cons:
- Can dry out the coat
5. Best Multipurpose: Zodiac 100502209
- Active Ingredients: (S)-Methoprene, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide
- Usage: Once Every 28 Days
- Size: 18 fl. oz.
Zodiac's 100502209 is one of the best lice treatments for dogs as it combines a shampoo and conditioner in one.
This multipurpose cleaner contains oatmeal, aloe, lanolin, and coconut extract, which ensure your dog is free from pests and conditioned afterward. As such, your pooch gets a soft and shiny coat that is easily manageable.
That said, the shampoo has a strong formula that kills lice, ticks, fleas, and flea eggs for up to 28 days. The only downside is a relatively high price. However, it is worth the money.
Pros:
- Shampoo and conditioner in one
- Leaves a soft, shiny, and easily manageable coat
- Kills flea eggs for a long 28-day period
Cons:
- Quite costly
6. Best for Sensitive Skin: Sentry Pet Care 1988
- Active Ingredients: Permethrin, Piperonyl butoxide
- Scent: Hawaiian Ginger
- Usage: Once Every 10 Days
- Size: 18 fl. oz.
Treat your pooch with the Sentry Pet Care 1988, which has a rich conditioning formula that is ideal for sensitive skin. This pH-balanced shampoo will kill ticks and fleas without causing any irritation on your dog's skin.
Apart from conditioning, it cleans and deodorizes to promote the growth of a healthy coat. Also, it kills deer ticks, which may carry Lyme disease. It remains effective for up to 10 days and leaves your pet with a sweet-smelling Hawaiian ginger scent.
However, the shampoo is for indoor use only. The formula is not natural and contains harsh chemicals that are not good for the environment.
Pros:
- Rich conditioning formula
- pH-balanced
- Cleans and deodorizes
- Kills Lyme-disease-carrier deer ticks
- Sweet-smelling Hawaiian ginger scent
Cons:
- Not ideal for outdoor use
7. Best for Itchy Skin: Hartz UltraGuard
- Active Ingredients: Phenothrin
- Scent: Oatmeal
- Usage: Once Every 7 Days
- Size: 18 fl. oz.
With its oatmeal-enriched formula, Hartz's UltraGuard soothes irritated skin to provide relief from itchiness. At the same time, the shampoo kills fleas & ticks through contact and leaves a fresh oatmeal scent on your dog.
The manufacturer recommends washing your pooch using this formula once every week for preventative treatment. That said, you can rely on the brand's reliability as their products protect five million pets every year.
On the downside, this shampoo is not ideal for puppies. You can only use it on dogs that are at least six months (24 weeks) old. Also, the formula is not natural. It can pollute the environment.
Pros:
- Oatmeal-enriched formula
- Kills fleas & ticks through contact
- Fresh oatmeal scent
- Reliable brand
Cons:
- Not ideal for puppies
- Not natural
Other Recommended Dog Shampoos for Lice
8. Revival Animal Health Vet Basics
This product is one of the best dog shampoos for head lice due to its antimicrobial and antiparasitic formula. The lime sulfur dip kills all microorganisms and parasites on your pet's skin and is also ideal to use with non-specific dermatoses.
That said, it comes as a concentrated 16-oz solution that can make up to four gallons of shampoo (4 fl. oz. per gallon of water). However, if your pooch's condition is too serious, you can mix it in the ratio of 8 fl. oz. per gallon.
Key Features
- Antimicrobial and antiparasitic formula.
- Ideal to use with non-specific dermatoses.
- Concentrated 16 fl. oz. solution.
- Makes up to four gallons of shampoo.
9. Direct Protect Plus 100536273
If your pooch has sensitive skin, you should consider using this shampoo due to its soothing formula. It contains aloe, lanolin, oatmeal, and coconut extract, which condition the skin to remove scales, dirt, and dandruff.
What's more, the product has an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to kill and prevent flea development for up to 4 weeks. You also get a large 24 fl. oz. bottle with enough solution for multiple wash cycles.
Key Features
- Conditions sensitive skin.
- Insect Growth Regulator.
- Large 24 fl. oz. quantity.
10. Vet's Best Dog Shampoo
As its name suggests, this product has a veterinarian formulated blend of ingredients that provide relief from irritation and itching caused by flea bites & infestations. The ingredients are all-natural and include essential oils, which help to moisturize red & raw skin.
The shampoo does not interfere with topical flea and tick control products that you might have applied.
Key Features
- Veterinarian formulated.
- Provides relief from irritation and itching.
- All-natural ingredients.
- Does not interfere with topical flea and tick control treatments.
11. Adams 100532471
Adams' shampoo is packaged in a 10 fl. oz. bottle with a convenient drip-free dispenser. This component makes washing easy while minimizing wastage.
As for the solution, it contains a rich, creamy formula that foams up quickly for quick washing. It kills lice, ticks, fleas, flea eggs & larvae, and leaves a pleasant cucumber & aloe scent.
Key Features
- Convenient drip-free dispenser.
- Rich, creamy formula.
- Pleasant cucumber & aloe scent.
12. Natural Care 40116-4P
The 40116-4P is one of our best flea shampoos for dogs because it kills these pests and their larvae on contact. Also, the product kills ticks on contact. This is made possible by a unique powerful plant-based formula, which is gentle to your dog.
It lathers & rinses quickly for easy washing, and is safe to use on pooches that are at least 12 weeks old. You also get a light soothing fresh scent after cleaning.
Key Features
- Kills pests on contact.
- Powerful plant-based formula.
- Lathers & rinses quickly.
- Light soothing fresh scent.
13. Vet-Kem 0052-7065
If you have a large pet family consisting of dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, we recommend Vet-Kem's 0052-7065 for cleaning them. The shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and lice in these animals, but they must be at least 12 weeks old.
It contains protein conditioners that restore the luster in coats. There are also aloe, lanolin, and coconut extract for soothing the skin.
Key Features
- Ideal for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens.
- Contains protein conditioners.
- Soothes the skin.
14. Dog Wash FGI06950
Apart from killing lice, fleas, and ticks on contact, the FGI06950 cleanses and exfoliates your pooch to remove all the dirt & debris. It has a 100% paraben, soap, and silicone-free formula that is pH-balanced for safe use on sensitive skin.
This formula leaves a soft, shiny, and lustrous coat, as well as a fashionable fragrance. The shampoo is packaged in a large 24 fl. oz. bottle, which gives you enough quantity for multiple washes.
Note: Use the shampoo once in seven days. Do not reapply it any sooner.
Key Features
- Cleanses and exfoliates.
- 100% paraben, soap, and silicon-free.
- Leaves a soft, shiny, and lustrous coat.
- Large 24 fl. oz. quantity.
15. Advantage 87089401
The Advantage 87089401 is designed to kill lice, fleas & ticks on contact, and should only be used on dogs and puppies above 12 weeks old. It is part of the brand's complete flea control program, which contains products for treating your pet, home, and yard to get rid of pests.
That said, the shampoo comes in an eight fl. oz. bottle, which is redesigned to have a new, better look.
Key Features
- Kills lice, fleas & ticks on contact.
- Part of the brand's complete flea control program.
- Ideal for dogs and puppies above 12 weeks old.
How to Buy the Best Dog Shampoos for Lice
1. Dog Age
While these shampoos are safe to use on dogs, it is important to check the lower age limit as most are not safe for puppies. The usual limit is 12 weeks old. You must be extra careful if you are looking for a shampoo for puppies. However, for large dogs, any product can do.
2. Active Ingredients
Some specific active ingredients kill lice effectively. They include S-Methoprene, Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, sulfurated lime, organophosphates, etc.
That said, tick and flea shampoos can control lice if they are not many. However, these ingredients are vital if you are tackling an infestation.
Ultimately, shampoos with these components are better off even for regular use, which is why we recommend Adams' 100503441. It contains (S)-Methoprene and Pyrethrins.
3. Usage
Since they contain powerful active ingredients, dog shampoos for lice should be used after specific intervals as directed by the manufacturer. Some remain effective for a week but others can go as far as four weeks. Ensure you follow these guidelines for the best pest prevention measures without harming your pet.
With that in mind, those that remain effective for long periods are more economical because less will be used over time. For instance, Zodiac's 100502209 is effective for 28 days, which means the bottle will last for a long time.
4. Efficiency
Most shampoos kill lice slowly but some kill them on contact, making it faster to control the pests. These products are more efficient and a perfect example is the Vet's Best 3165810608.
5. Safety
The best dog lice shampoo should be safe to use for both you and your pet. A few may cause skin & eye irritation, and you should be careful when dealing with them.
Aside from that, environmental safety is also very important. Shampoos with chemical formulas are not safe for the outdoors and thus, you should use them to clean your dog indoors.
With natural shampoos, however, you can clean your pooch outdoors as the ingredients don't contaminate the soil or water sources. For this, we recommend Richard's Organics' FG00440.
6. Scent
There are many scent options to choose from. Selection should be based on personal preference as no scent is better than the other.
Q&A
Is Dog Shampoo for Lice Safe for my Dog?
It is safe, so long as you get the right shampoo for your dog age-wise. Also, ensure you follow the application instructions for safe use. If you spot any reactions, visit your vet to find out which ingredients are causing this to avoid them.
How Often Should I Wash My Dog with Lice Shampoo?
This depends on the product. Some are ideal for routine bathing while others must be used after a specified time. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the shampoo's use.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Lice?
If it was a heavy infestation, it might take time to eliminate the pests. However, for a few pests, most shampoos have formulas that kill on contact. After 1 - 2 baths, these should be gone. That said, ensure you clean the dog's bedding and any other surface you feel might have these pests.
Buy on Etsy
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor 12 Ounces - Walmart Link
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo - Walmart Link
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats, 16 oz - with - Walmart Link
the Sentry Pet Care 1988 - Walmart Link
the Vet's Best 3165810608 - Walmart Link
Buy on eBay
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor 12 Ounces - eBay Link
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo - eBay Link
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats, 16 oz - with - eBay Link
the Sentry Pet Care 1988 - eBay Link
the Vet's Best 3165810608 - eBay Link
Conclusion
It is important to keep your pooch free from lice and we recommend Adams' 100503441 as the best shampoo for the job. The product kills the pests and remains effective for a long 28-day period. Additionally, it conditions the skin and leaves a fresh coconut scent.
However, Richard's Organics' FG00440 is the best dog shampoo for lice if you prefer using natural products. It has a pH-balanced formula with no parabens, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, and sulfates. All of the active ingredients are 100% natural.
For itchy skin, Hartz's UltraGuard is the best candidate due to its oatmeal-enriched formula, which soothes the skin.
 |
 |
 |
 |
About Patricia Jackson
Patricia just simply loves pets.
When she was eight years old, her parents got her a beautiful Maine Coon as a gift; and later an affectionate Husky.
Since then, she has raised them as her children; done minor first aid, taken in strays, administered antibiotics, bottle fed them when sick, and even midwifing.
Pat received her bachelor's degree in computer science at Univercity of Califronia Davis. She really hopes to transofrm her programming skills into something that really helpful for all pets someday. For now, lets just do that through writing.
Thoughts on "The 15 Best Dog Shampoos for Lice in 2023"
|
|
|
|
Pet Care Tips
|
|
