Pet Care Quality Concerns Trending Down
Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Citrus Scent Dog Shampoo

Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Citrus Scent Dog Shampoo

By Hartz 9 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 75% confidence
6.2 /10
Quality
6.0
Value
6.5
Design
7.0
Function
7.5
Durability
5.5
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In a Nutshell

  • Effective in killing fleas and ticks.
  • Citrus scent is well-liked.
  • Serious safety concerns and reports of pet deaths.
  • Some users report the shampoo is too watery and has a bad smell.
  • Use with caution and consider consulting a vet.

Quick Verdict

The Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Citrus Scent Dog Shampoo effectively kills fleas and ticks, but there are significant concerns about its safety. Many users love the citrus scent and its effectiveness, but there are also serious allegations of harm to pets. Caution is advised, especially for cat owners.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9
Would Recommend 75%
Would Buy Again 33%
Avg Lifespan 5.5 years (estimates)

Pet Compatibility

🐕 Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Caution

Critical Warnings

critical

Safety concerns including pet fatalities are reported.

Prevention: Avoid using on cats

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Effective Flea Control (4)

    Many users report that the shampoo effectively kills fleas and ticks.

  • Pleasant Scent (4)

    Multiple users appreciate the citrus scent.

Cons

  • Safety Concerns (2) critical

    Serious safety issues have been reported, including pet fatalities.

  • Poor Quality and Smell (2) major

    Some users find the shampoo too watery and with an unpleasant smell.

  • Packaging Issues (1) minor

    The packaging can be slippery and difficult to handle, leading to spills.

    Tip: Use rubber bands around the bottle to improve grip.

  • Harmed Kittens () critical

    Very dangerous for kittens, especially if applied directly.

    Tip: NEVER apply the shampoo directly to the kitten. Use it the same way you would use a flea dip and rinse well, when soap was mixed with warm water.

Quality Trend: Declining

Recent reviews highlight worsened issues with quality, especially for cat safety.

Older Reviews Said:

positive

Newer Reviews Say:

negative

Who Is This For?

✓ Best For

  • • Dog owners in rural areas — Effective flea and tick control in environments with high pest risk.
  • • Pet owners who prioritize citrus scent — Appreciates the strong, refreshing scent of the shampoo.

✗ Skip If

  • • Cat owners or those with sensitive pets — Serious safety concerns and reports of pet harm.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan 1-11 years

Factors: Correct usage

Cleaning Methods

✗ Machine wash
✓ Hand wash
✗ Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • 💡 Do not leave on too long, rinse right away, and use regularly.
  • 💡 For kittens and cats, never apply shampoo directly.

Floor Compatibility

✓ Hardwood
✓ Tile
✓ Carpet
✓ Vinyl
✓ Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.1
9 reviews
5★
67%
4★
11%
3★
0%
2★
0%
1★
22%
effective (4) citrus (4) harmful (2) fatalities (2) slippery (1)

Highlighted Reviews

— GEP

"I've been using this shampoo for 11 years 4 dogs, and 3 cats. It's the only flea treatment I use along with their heartworm medication. I love it because it gets rid of the doggy smell. I take my dogs with me everywhere and I always hear your dogs smell so fresh. We never have fleas and so far, not..."

— Sara

"HARTZ POISONS PETS - DO NOT USE HARTZ FLEA AND TICK REMOVERS CONTAINS EXTREMELY HARMFUL INGREDIENT CALLED PREMETHRIN"

Bottom Line

While it works well, the safety concerns make this product a risky choice. Consider safer alternatives if possible.

6.2 /10
— Average

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