Anti-tick shampoo vs repellent spray: which do you need?
One works in the bath, the other before the walk. How the two fit together in a tick-season routine.
In this guide
Pet parents often ask whether they need an anti-tick shampoo or a repellent spray. The honest answer: they do different jobs, and in tick season, many homes use both.
Anti-tick & flea shampoo
When: at bath time.
What it does: cleans the coat and skin while helping deal with ticks and fleas during the wash. A bath also lets you check every part of your dog closely.
Best for: a regular bath during tick season, or when you've spotted ticks or fleas.
Our Anti-Tick & Flea Shampoo (200 ml, Aqua scent) is made to be part of a tick-season bath routine.
How to use it well:
- Wet the coat fully.
- Lather from the neck down, working into the ears' outer edges, armpits, toes and tail base.
- Leave the lather on for the time the label suggests.
- Rinse very thoroughly.
Tick & flea repellent spray
When: before going out, and between baths.
What it does: helps keep ticks and fleas from settling on the coat while your dog is out and about. You don't need to bath to use it.
Best for: walks in parks, gardens, fields or any grassy area, and in-between days.
Our Tick & Flea Repellent Spray (100 ml) has a lavender scent.
How to use it well:
- Spray lightly on the coat, against the direction of the fur, following the label.
- Focus on the legs, belly, neck and tail.
- Avoid the face, eyes and nose; for the head, spray onto your hand first if the label allows.
Side by side
- Shampoo: used during baths, every few weeks. Cleans and helps deal with pests present at bath time.
- Spray: used before walks, as often as the label says. Helps keep pests off between baths.
A simple tick-season routine
- Every walk: repellent spray before, tick check after
- Every 2–4 weeks: bath with anti-tick shampoo
- Every week: wash bedding in hot water
- Season-long: follow your vet's tick prevention plan
Don't forget the home
Many ticks spend most of their life off your dog, in cracks, bedding and garden corners. Read how to tick-proof your home.
Questions pet parents ask
Can I use anti-tick shampoo and repellent spray together? +
Yes, they're designed for different moments: the shampoo during baths and the spray before walks. Follow each product's label.
How often should I use tick repellent spray? +
Follow the label. Most people use it before walks in tick-prone areas, especially during the monsoon.
Do I still need my vet's tick prevention? +
Yes. Shampoos and sprays are helpful extras, but your vet's prevention plan is the main line of protection.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
