Choosing a tick shampoo specially formulated for your dog is important, and there are several factors that you should consider. If your dog has long hair, you may want to choose a shampoo that has a conditioner in it. Also, you should keep your dog's skin type in mind, and look for a dog shampoo that is age specific. Natural tick shampoos are usually a safe bet for young dogs and dogs with sensitive skin. Finally, you may also want to consider a tick shampoo that will help prevent ticks from attaching to your dog.
A dog's skin is typically very different than human skin, and shampoo made for humans can often irritate a dog's skin. Therefore, it is important to choose a flea and tick shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs. A lice shampoo made for humans, for instance, should never be used on the family pet.
Long-haired dogs may benefit from a tick shampoo that also contains a conditioner. This can make it much easier to brush through your dog's coat, which can also make it easier to find and remove ticks. These types of shampoos can also make a dog's coat shinier.
Like humans, dogs can also have a variety of skin problems. Dogs with dry skin may benefit from a protein-based tick shampoo. If your dog is frequently scratching, he may benefit from a shampoo that contains oatmeal or coal tar.
A regular tick shampoo may be the right choice for adult dogs. If you have a puppy, on the other hand, veterinarians usually recommend using a tick shampoo specially formulated for young dogs. These are usually mild and hypoallergenic. Generally, dogs that are younger than six months old should be washed with special shampoos specifically designed for puppies.
A natural tick shampoo can often be a good choice for just about any dog. These are generally mild, and they contain natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. Some active ingredients in natural tick shampoos can include tea tree oil and pyrethrin. The latter is a natural insecticide extracted from the chrysanthemum flower, and it is commonly used in flea and tick shampoos.
Some tick shampoos will only kill the ticks that are currently on your dog. These often do nothing to prevent a future tick infestation. You can also choose a tick shampoo that will also act as a tick repellent. This type of shampoo can help keep ticks off your dog for a week or two.