22 Homemade Flea Shampoos for Pets

Flea infestation in pets makes them scratch endlessly. They also carry other dangers, such as the transmission of tapeworms.

Commercial pet shampoo may work in the short term, but it also carries risks that are worth considering.

Many flea shampoos bought in stores contain fairly harsh chemicals that could irritate a pet’s sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions for both pets and their families.

The good news is that you can make gentler homemade flea shampoos for your pets from ingredients you already have in your home.

Read through to check out our collection of 22 homemade flea shampoos that work on dogs, and those that work on cats.

Each recipe includes the ingredients you need, the method, and information on how to use your pet.

So, let’s begin with dog-safe recipes that can effectively kill those pesky fleas without compromising your pup’s system.

---

Homemade Flea Shampoos for Dogs

Dogs can tolerate a range of natural ingredients, so there is quite a bit of leeway for homemade flea shampoos.

Many of the options we provided use Castile soap, oatmeal, or neem oil. All of these are naturally occurring and sometimes mild flea-repelling agents.

1. Vinegar Flea Shampoo for Dogs

What’s needed

• 1 cup liquid dish soap
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1-quart warm water

Method

1. Pour the dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water into a large bowl. Mix the ingredients slowly until they form an evenly blended smooth liquid.
2. Transfer the mixture to a clean squeeze bottle such as an old shampoo container. Before using, shake the solution gently to maintain the mixture of ingredients.
3. First, moisten your dog’s coat with warm water before generously applying the flea shampoo while creating a thick lather across the entire body.
4. Use your hands to work the lather into your dog’s fur for five minutes until it touches the skin. Throughout the grooming process, your dog should remain calm and relaxed.
5. Wash your dog completely using warm water to eliminate all traces of soap. Use a clean towel to dry your dog and rub gently to prevent fur tangling.

---

2. Flea-Fighting Shampoo for Dogs

What’s needed

• Equal parts Dawn dish soap
• Equal parts white vinegar
• Equal parts water

Method

1. Put equal amounts of dish soap, white vinegar, and water into a clean squirt bottle. Gently agitate the mixture until everything blends together and it becomes ready for use.
2. Prepare a warm bath for your dog and allow them to soak until their entire coat becomes fully saturated from head to tail.
3. Make sure to spread the flea shampoo throughout the wet coat while creating a thick lather. Protect your dog’s eyes and mouth from contact with the flea shampoo.
4. Concentrate your cleaning efforts on regions where fleas commonly hide such as the dog’s neck, base of the tail, and belly area. Spend enough time to ensure the shampoo penetrates through every strand of fur.
5. Monitor the water for dead fleas that drop into it. When dead fleas become visible in the water during rinsing you should thoroughly wash out the lather with clean warm water.
6. Use the washing and rinsing process again as necessary with special attention to the head area because fleas commonly hide there during baths.

---

3. Homemade Dog Shampoo with Coconut Oil

What’s needed

• 3 cups water
• 1 rosemary stem
• 1 tablespoon organic extra virgin coconut oil
• 5 tablespoons Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild liquid soap
• 3 – 4 drops of lavender essential oil

Method

1. Bring water to a boil and add the rosemary stems. Allow the rosemary to steep off the heat until it reaches a temperature slightly above room temperature before removing and discarding it.
2. Transfer the rosemary water into a clean bottle. Pour coconut oil together with liquid soap, and essential oil into the mixture. Seal the bottle tightly.
3. Shake vigorously until all the ingredients create a smooth milky cream texture. Use less coconut oil in the mixture when your dog has a thin coat.
4. Saturate your dog’s coat entirely before adding the shampoo to create a lather. Massage the shampoo into your dog until it is fully absorbed before rinsing thoroughly and using a towel to dry.

---

4. Homemade Flea Spray for Dogs

What’s needed

• ½ cup liquid Castile soap
• ¾ cup distilled water
• ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil

Method

1. Fill the spray bottle with Castile soap and distilled water by using a funnel to prevent spillage if needed.
2. Take a small bowl and combine coconut oil with lavender and rosemary essential oils until they merge completely.
3. Pour the oil mixture into the spray bottle. Shake vigorously until all contents form a uniform smooth liquid.
4. Apply the shampoo evenly across your dog’s wet fur before making a lather then rinse completely and use a towel to dry.

---

5. Simple Baking Soda Bath

What’s needed

• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ cup liquid Castile soap

Method

1. Transfer the water into a big bottle or container and leave space at the top to allow for mixing and shaking.
2. Pour the baking soda directly into the water. Gently mix the contents by stirring or shaking until the powder fully dissolves.
3. Pour in the Castile soap. The liquid will turn milky white. After pouring in all the ingredients, seal the bottle before gently shaking it to mix everything.
4. Fully wet your dog’s coat before applying the shampoo and gently lather the entire body while keeping the face free of product.
5. Ensure your pet’s coat is free from soap by rinsing it completely with clean water until no residue remains. Dry with a towel.

---

6. Aloe & Herb Flea Shampoo for Dogs

What’s needed

• 12 ounces of water
• 1 tablespoon Castile soap
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil

Method

1. Fill a bowl with water alongside Castile soap and aloe vera gel. Keep stirring until the base mixture reaches a smooth and even consistency.
2. Transfer the completed mixture into a plastic bottle with a pump mechanism. Before every use, shake the bottle gently to maintain a blended mixture of ingredients.
3. Wet the dog’s fur before applying shampoo and lathering it through the coat before rinsing thoroughly. Use weekly during flea season.

---

7. DIY Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils

What’s needed

• 1 tablespoon Castile soap
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 350 ml of water

Method

1. Pour essential oils into Castile soap and stir together inside a small bowl. Mix the ingredients by stirring them together completely for a duration of two minutes.
2. First, transfer the oil and soap mixture to a clean bottle before adding water carefully to prevent spills.
3. Always shake the bottle vigorously after sealing it to maintain an even mixture of ingredients before each use.
4. Before applying shampoo to your dog’s coat, wet the fur then create a lather by thoroughly massaging the shampoo across the body before rinsing out with clean water.

---

8. Soothing Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin

What’s needed

1. 1 cup oatmeal
2. 1 cup baking soda
3. 4 cups warm water
4. 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid

Method

1. Use a food processor to grind the oatmeal until it becomes a fine powder similar to flour. The fine texture enables smooth blending with additional components.
2. Mix the ground oatmeal with baking soda in a bowl and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution before adding any liquids.
3. Add warm water, together with dishwashing liquid, to the bowl. Mix slowly until you achieve a consistent, thick, smooth texture in the mixture.
4. Transfer the shampoo to a clean bottle. The shampoo should be shaken before every application to ensure it remains smooth and pours easily.
5. Start by soaking your dog’s coat with warm water before applying shampoo to create a good lather which you should let sit for some minutes.
6. Clean water should be used to rinse your dog until all shampoo residue has been completely removed. Towel dry gently to finish.

---

9. Neem & Cedar Flea Shampoo

What’s needed

1. ¼ cup Dr. Bronner’s soap
2. ¼ cup aloe vera gel
3. 1-quart water
4. 2 teaspoons neem oil
5. 2 teaspoons cedarwood essential oil
6. Optional: 1 tablespoon honey

Method

1. Mix Dr. Bronner’s soap with aloe vera gel inside a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
2. Gently pour the quart of water into the mixture while stirring continuously to maintain an even texture and avoid clumps.
3. Mix the neem oil and cedarwood oil with the liquid until they become completely integrated.
4. Ensure honey dissolves completely into the mixture by stirring it in when you use it for irritated skin.
5. Transfer the shampoo to a clean squeeze bottle. Shake gently before each use. Apply shampoo to wet fur by creating a lather before rinsing thoroughly.

---

10. Oatmeal & Herb Flea Shampoo

What’s needed

• 3 ½ – 4 cups warm water
• 1 cup ground oatmeal
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Dr. Bronner’s soap
• 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
• 10 drops of essential oil

Method

1. Use a blender or food processor to turn oatmeal into a coarse powder with a consistency similar to coffee grounds.
2. Combine Dr. Bronner’s soap, coconut oil, and essential oils in a large container. Swirl gently to start blending the ingredients.
3. Mix the ground oatmeal and baking soda into the container before adding warm water slowly to prevent splashing.
4. Seal the container and shake it gently from side-to-side multiple times to blend the contents uniformly while preventing foam formation.
5. After wetting your dog’s fur apply the shampoo then massage it into the coat thoroughly before rinsing it off completely and using a towel to dry.

---

11. Lavender Aloe Dog Wash

What’s needed

1. 2 cups lavender tea or water
2. 2 – 4 teaspoons liquid Castile soap
3. 2 tablespoons non-GMO aloe vera gel

Method

1. Prepare your mixture by brewing lavender tea or by starting with plain water. Wait until the tea or water reaches room temperature before adding any other components.
2. Mix the tea or water with Castile soap and aloe vera gel inside the squeeze bottle.
3. Place the bottle cap on and shake carefully until all the contents mix smoothly.
4. Use a wet coat during bath time to apply shampoo, then create a gentle lather before rinsing completely and drying with a towel.

---

12. Simple Vinegar Flea Cleanser

What’s needed

1. ½ cup water
2. ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
3. ¼ cup Dawn dish liquid

Method

1. Put water, vinegar, and dishwashing liquid into a clean soap dispenser. Shake well to mix before each use.
2. Use warm water to saturate your dog’s fur completely until it touches the skin.
3. Dispense a little shampoo from the dispenser, then massage it through the dog’s fur. Larger dogs require more shampoo, while smaller dogs need less.
4. Keep the lather on your dog for 3 – 5 minutes while gently massaging them to help them stay calm and ensure proper cleaning.
5. Use warm water to thoroughly rinse away the soap. After towel drying your dog, you should comb through their fur to remove any dead fleas.

---

13. Dry Deodorizing Flea Powder

What’s needed

1. 1 cup baking soda
2. 1 cup cornstarch
3. A few drops of lavender essential oil
4. A few drops of rosemary essential oil

Method

1. Add baking soda and cornstarch to a dry mixing bowl and stir until they combine into an even mixture.
2. Gently add drops of lavender and rosemary oil to help evenly distribute the fragrance throughout the mixture without creating clumps.
3. Evenly apply the mixture onto your dog’s coat while steering clear of its eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. A brush or comb should be used to penetrate the powder deeply into the fur until it reaches the skin.
5. After waiting a few minutes, allow the mixture to settle and then vigorously brush out any remaining powder and debris.

---

Homemade Flea Shampoos for Cats

Special attention is required when using flea shampoos on cats. Cats react differently to skin ingredients compared to dogs.

These DIY recipes utilize mild alternatives such as unscented dish soap and diluted apple cider vinegar.

14. Essential Oil Flea Rinse for Cats

What’s needed

• Equal parts cat-safe shampoo
• Equal parts lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus oil (choose one)

Method

1. Combine equal parts shampoo with your chosen essential oil and mix thoroughly until the solution is completely blended. Prepare just enough for a single bath session.
2. Start by gently wetting your cat’s fur while making sure to keep the head and ears dry before applying the mixture to the body and tail.
3. Make sure to massage the shampoo thoroughly into the usual flea-gathering spots along your pet’s back and tail.
4. Give the fur 5 – 10 minutes to let the oils work effectively. Keep your cat calm during this time.
5. Remove all shampoo by rinsing with clean water until the soap disappears. Use an absorbent towel to dry thoroughly while providing gentle care.
6. To complete the grooming process, brush your cat’s coat, which will eliminate dead fleas and create smooth fur.

---

15. Vinegar Flea Shampoo for Cats

What’s needed

• 150 ml baby shampoo
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup 100% natural glycerin-based liquid soap

Method

1. Add baby shampoo to a large bottle before pouring in the water and vinegar. Stir gently to combine the liquids evenly.
2. Introduce glycerin soap to the blend and shake the mixture carefully until it transforms into a homogeneous shampoo.
3. Use warm water to soak your cat’s fur while steering clear of the face and delicate regions.
4. Apply the shampoo with gentle strokes to the coat paying extra attention to the back and tail areas since fleas often hide there.
5. Give the mixture multiple minutes to work effectively through the combined action of vinegar and glycerin.
6. After rinsing the fur with warm water, remove excess moisture with a towel before using a flea comb to brush away any fleas.

---

16. Simple Flea Spray for Cats

What’s needed

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup white vinegar

Method

1. Mix water and white vinegar inside a clean spray bottle. Shake gently to blend the mixture well.
2. Spray a light mist onto your cat’s fur but steer clear of the face, ears, and sensitive regions.
3. Apply the flea-repelling spray to areas around the home with emphasis on bedding, rugs, and places where pets like to relax.
4. Utilize this mixture between bathing sessions to naturally prevent flea infestations. Reapply every few days or as needed.

---

17. Aloe & Lavender Oil Shampoo for Cats

What’s needed

• 2 ounces of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon Castile soap
• 10 ounces of water
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Method

1. Place water, aloe vera gel, and Castile soap into the mixing bowl. Mix slowly until you see a light froth develop.
2. Mix the essential oils in a small bowl separately and then pour them into the soap mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Transfer the final blend into a clean bottle that seals tightly. Before utilizing the product each time, perform a gentle shake to maintain the uniform consistency of the blend.
4. Fully saturate your cat’s fur with water but keep the face dry. Distribute the shampoo evenly through the fur, create a gentle lather, and wait several minutes before rinsing.
5. Wash the area thoroughly with warm water before drying it gently with a towel. To maximize effectiveness during flea season, use this treatment every week.

---

18. Citronella Boost Flea Shampoo

What’s needed

• Regular cat shampoo (amount as needed for one bath)
• 3 – 4 drops of citronella essential oil

Method

1. Combine regular cat shampoo with citronella oil inside a small container. Gently mix the oil into the shampoo until the two ingredients have fully blended.
2. Apply warm water to your cat’s fur while keeping the water away from the face and ears. Apply the mixture evenly to the body.
3. Use a gentle lathering technique while applying the mixture to areas prone to flea accumulation. Give the mixture time for several minutes so the oil can work properly.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water. Make sure to wash out all the shampoo from your cat’s fur.
5. Pat your cat dry with a towel before using a fine-tooth comb to eliminate leftover fleas. Repeat every few days if needed.

---

19. Lemon-Eucalyptus Flea Spray Wash

What’s needed

• 6 cups of water
• 3 lemons
• ½ cup Dawn dish detergent
• 3 – 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Method

1. Mix water and lemon slices in a pan. First, boil the mixture for 10 minutes, then add eucalyptus oil before continuing to boil for an additional 5–10 minutes.
2. After removing it from the heat source, allow the mixture to reach room temperature before proceeding. Remove the boiled lemon pieces with a strainer and throw them away.
3. Combine the dish detergent with the mixture by stirring thoroughly until the solution becomes uniform. Transfer the last mixture into a sanitized spray bottle.
4. Spray or apply the solution to your cat’s fur while moisturizing it but stay clear of the face and work it through the coat by massaging.
5. Let it sit for a few minutes. A flea comb should be used during washing to eliminate eggs and fleas from the fur.
6. Use warm water to rinse your cat and dry them completely with a towel that is free of contaminants. Use weekly until the fleas are gone.

---

20. Herbal Vinegar Flea Rinse for Cats

What’s needed

• 4 garlic oil capsules
• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup aloe vera gel
• 3 drops thyme essential oil
• 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil

Method

1. Place the contents of the garlic oil capsules in a large container and squeeze them to extract the liquid.
2. Pour baking soda, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, and essential oils into the container.
3. Mix ingredients slowly until they form a uniform texture without any lumps or oily sections.
4. Apply the shampoo mixture evenly across your cat’s body after wetting their fur but keeping their face dry.
5. Apply the shampoo by massaging gently into the fur and then wait for several minutes before rinsing. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry your cat.

---

Homemade Flea Shampoos for Both

21. Apple Cider & Cedar Flea Blend

What’s needed

• 1 cup unscented liquid dish soap
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup distilled water
• A few drops of cedar essential oil (dogs only)

Method

1. Transfer dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and distilled water into a clean 24 oz. Bottle. Shake well until fully blended.
2. After adding a few drops of cedar essential oil to the mixture for dogs, shake the bottle again. Do not use essential oils when applying this shampoo to cats.
3. To prepare your pet for shampoo application, moisten their fur with lukewarm water by using a tub for dogs and a bucket for cats which keeps them calm.
4. Apply the shampoo generously and lather thoroughly. The shampoo needs to remain on the fur for a minimum of five complete minutes.
5. Cleanly rinse your pet’s coat with lukewarm water until all soap residues are removed before towel drying them thoroughly.

---

22. Oatmeal Cleanse for Dogs and Cats

What’s needed

• 1 cup oatmeal
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 Vitamin E capsule
• 3 ½ cups warm water

Method

1. Turn oatmeal into a powder with a texture similar to flour by processing it in a blender or coffee mill. Pour it into a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine the baking soda with the ground oatmeal by stirring until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Open the Vitamin E capsule using scissors and squeeze its contents into the bowl. Mix it in with a spoon.
4. While stirring the mixture add warm water to the bowl until the shampoo reaches a smooth and consistent texture.
5. Use the shampoo right away. Wet your pet’s coat before applying the mixture followed by a thorough massage and rinsing with warm water.

---

Conclusion

The advantage of homemade flea shampoos lies in their ability to create fresh batches specifically adapted to meet your pet’s requirements.

We highly recommend patch-testing your dog’s skin before using shampoo on the whole body. It’s good to monitor for signs of reaction in a small area first.

These homemade flea shampoos for pets are highly effective when applied in small amounts and stored in cool areas in a dark bottle.

If you’ve used these formulas for some time and your pet is still scratching because of fleas, we recommend you consult a qualified vet for medical advice.

It’s a good idea to try out different recipes to see which works. Feel free to tell us the formulation that has worked best for you and your pet.

---

RELATED:

DIY Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs