Tick & Flea Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats — Intas Softas

Ticks and fleas aren't just uncomfortable for your dog or cat — they can transmit serious diseases and trigger skin infections that take weeks to heal. If your pet has been scratching, biting at their fur, or you've spotted tiny moving dots in their coat, it's time to act fast with a trusted, vet-approved solution. Intas Softas Tick & Flea Medicated Shampoo is one of India's most recommended anti-tick shampoos for dogs and cats, formulated by Intas Pharmaceuticals — the country's largest animal health company. Available at just ₹166 for a 200ml bottle, it delivers effective tick, flea, and lice control in a single wash, making it the go-to choice for pet parents across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and beyond. Whether you have a Labrador, a Shih Tzu, a Persian cat, or an Indie dog, this medicated shampoo works safely across breeds and coat types.

What Is Intas Softas Tick & Flea Shampoo?

Intas Softas is a pharmaceutical-grade, medicated shampoo designed specifically for the management of ectoparasite infestations in dogs and cats. Unlike grooming shampoos that simply clean the coat, Softas contains an active ectoparasitic ingredient — Propoxur — that works directly on the nervous systems of ticks, fleas, lice, and mites, killing them on contact during the bath.

What Is Propoxur and How Does It Work?

Propoxur is a carbamate-class insecticide widely used in veterinary medicine across India. It acts by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in parasites, causing rapid paralysis and death of adult ticks, fleas, and lice within minutes of contact. Per veterinary consensus, propoxur-based shampoos are among the fastest-acting ectoparasitic treatments available over the counter for pets. The concentration in Softas is formulated to be effective against parasites while remaining safe for adult dogs and cats when used as directed.

To learn more about ticks & flea in dogs, and how to get rid of them, read our expert-approved blog: The Ultimate Remedy for Tick and Flea Removal for Dogs

Suitable Pets & Breeds

Intas Softas is safe for adult dogs and cats of all breeds — including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Indie dogs, Persian cats, and Siamese cats. It is suitable for both short and long-coated breeds. Important: Do not use puppies or kittens below 4 weeks of age. If your pet has open cuts, wounds, or skin infections, consult your vet before use.

How To Use Intas Softas?

Getting the best results from your anti-tick shampoo comes down to technique. Follow these steps exactly for maximum efficacy:

• Step 1 — Wet Thoroughly  Use lukewarm water to wet your pet's entire coat from neck to tail. Do not start at the head. In Indian summer heat, room-temperature water is ideal to avoid thermal shock.
• Step 2 — Apply Shampoo  Squeeze a generous amount of Intas Softas shampoo onto your palms and apply starting from the shoulders, working in sections toward the tail. For a Labrador or Golden Retriever, you'll need to use 2–3 pumps to saturate the thick undercoat.
• Step 3 — Massage to Rich Lather  Work the shampoo into a thick, rich lather — don't rush this. The lather carries the active Propoxur ingredient across every surface of the coat and skin. Pay special attention to the neck, underbelly, between the legs, and around the ears where ticks and fleas tend to hide.
• Step 4 — Leave On for 5–10 Minutes  This is the step most pet parents skip — and the most important. The shampoo must remain on the coat for at least 5 minutes (10 minutes for heavy infestations) to allow Propoxur to effectively kill parasites. Use this time to gently comb through the fur if your pet allows.
• Step 5 — Rinse Thoroughly  Rinse completely with clean water until the water runs completely clear. Residue can cause skin irritation. Towel-dry your pet well and keep them indoors for at least 30 minutes after bathing.
• Step 6 — Repeat If Needed  For severe infestations (common during Indian monsoon months), repeat the treatment twice a week for the first two weeks, then move to a monthly maintenance schedule.

Vet's Tip

After bathing your pet with anti-tick shampoo, treat their bedding with Intas anti-tick powder or spray. Shampoo removes parasites from your pet's coat, but eggs in the environment will cause re-infestation within days. Treating the environment is as important as treating the pet.

When Should You Use It?

Tick and flea infestations in India follow predictable seasonal patterns. Knowing when to be proactive versus reactive makes the difference between a mild infestation and a full-blown skin emergency.

• Monsoon Season (June – September) — Peak Risk: If you live in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Chennai, the monsoon is your pet's highest-risk period. Humidity above 70% creates perfect breeding conditions for ticks and fleas. Use Intas Softas every 2–3 weeks during this period, and check your pet's coat after every outdoor walk. Indie dogs and free-roaming cats are at particularly high risk.
• Indian Summer (March – June) — Preventive Window: Start anti-tick treatment in March before the infestation season begins. One pre-monsoon bath with Softas shampoo, combined with environmental treatment, significantly reduces infestation load through the rains. This is the best time to build your tick and flea prevention routine.
• Post-Monsoon / Festival Season (October – November): Diwali gatherings, outdoor celebrations, and post-monsoon grass growth all create renewed exposure risk. Pet parents hosting guests or taking dogs to parks during Navratri and Diwali should give their pet a preventive Softas bath 3–5 days before the event.

Is Intas Softas Safe For Your Pet?

Safety is the first question every responsible Indian pet parent asks about a medicated product. Here is what you need to know about Intas Softas:

Side Effects & Safety Profile — Intas Softas Tick & Flea Shampoo

Intas Softas is a pharmaceutical-grade medicated shampoo, and like all ectoparasitic treatments, it comes with a safety profile you should know before the first bath. The good news: when used correctly on adult dogs and cats, side effects are rare and mild. Here is what to watch for.

• Possible Side Effects: Most pets tolerate Intas Softas without any reaction. In a small number of cases, particularly in pets with pre-existing skin sensitivities, you may notice mild redness or itching at the application site, temporary coat dryness after repeated use, or excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth if the pet licks the lather during bathing. Labradors and Golden Retrievers — two of India's most popular breeds — are more prone to skin sensitivity than short-coated breeds, so observe your pet carefully after the first use.
• When Not to Use It?: Do not apply Intas Softas on puppies or kittens below 4 weeks of age, on open wounds, active skin infections, or broken skin, or on pets that are pregnant or lactating without prior vet clearance. If your pet has a history of seizures, consult your vet before using any propoxur-based product.
• What to Do If a Reaction Occurs?: If your pet shows signs of distress — persistent scratching, facial swelling, laboured breathing, or vomiting — rinse the coat thoroughly with clean water immediately and contact your veterinarian. For ingestion of the shampoo lather, rinse the mouth with water and call your vet without delay. Supertails' vet consultation is available for urgent queries.
• How To Safely Store The Product?: Store Intas Softas in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle.

Softas Vs Softas Plus Vs Softas Max — Which One Is Right For You?

Intas Pharmaceuticals makes three versions of the Softas shampoo. Here's exactly how they differ so you can choose the right one for your pet:

 

IMPORTANT FOR CAT PARENTS

If you have both a dog and a cat at home, always use Softas (standard) — NOT Softas Max. Permethrin in Softas Max is extremely toxic to cats, even through indirect contact with a recently-bathed dog. When in doubt, consult a vet via Supertails' consultation.

Vets Also Recommend…

• Explore our complete collection of Medicated Shampoos

• Explore our complete collection of Dog Tick & Flea Remedies

• Explore our complete collection of Cat Tick & Flea Remedies

Your pet's comfort is always one bath away. Whether you're dealing with the first signs of a tick problem or maintaining a monsoon-season prevention routine, Intas Softas Tick & Flea Medicated Shampoo for dogs and cats gives you a veterinary-grade solution at an everyday price that every Indian pet parent can access. Trusted by Intas Pharmaceuticals and recommended by vets across India, it's the dependable choice when your pet needs fast, effective, proven relief. Shop authentic at Supertails — and give your dog or cat the clean, itch-free life they deserve

(Disclaimer: Supertails' sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate, and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.)

FAQs

Is Intas Softas Tick & Flea Shampoo safe for cats?

Yes, the standard Intas Softas shampoo is safe for adult cats when used as directed. However, do not use Softas Max or Softas Plus on cats without vet guidance, as higher concentrations may cause irritation. Always rinse thoroughly and prevent your cat from licking the lather during the bath.

How often should I use Intas Softas Tick & Flea Shampoo on my dog?

For mild to moderate infestations, use once every 2–3 weeks. For severe infestations — common during Indian monsoon season — you can use it twice a week for the first two weeks, then reduce to monthly maintenance. Do not use more frequently than recommended, as overuse can cause skin dryness.

Is Intas Softas safe for puppies and kittens?

No — Intas Softas should not be used on puppies or kittens below 4 weeks of age. For older puppies (above 4 weeks), consult your veterinarian before first use, as young animals have more sensitive skin and metabolise compounds differently than adults.

What is Propoxur and is it safe for my pet?

Propoxur is a carbamate-class ectoparasiticide used in veterinary medicine across India for decades. It kills ticks, fleas, and lice by disrupting the parasites' nervous systems. At the concentrations used in Intas Softas, it is considered safe for adult dogs and cats when applied externally and rinsed off completely, per veterinary pharmacology consensus.

How long does Intas Softas take to work on ticks and fleas?

Propoxur acts fast — you should see paralysed or dead ticks and fleas during and immediately after the bath. For full efficacy, allow the shampoo lather to sit on the coat for 5–10 minutes before rinsing. In cases of heavy infestation, continue treatment for two weeks before expecting complete clearance.

What is the difference between Intas Softas, Softas Plus, and Softas Max?

Softas (standard, ₹166) contains Propoxur and is safe for both dogs and cats — ideal for mild infestations and prevention. Softas Plus contains a higher Propoxur concentration for moderate to severe infestations in dogs. Softas Max contains Permethrin and is recommended only for dogs with stubborn ectoparasite infestations — it is toxic to cats. Choose based on severity and always consult your vet for severe cases.

Can I use Intas Softas without a vet prescription in India?

Yes — Intas Softas is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) veterinary product in India. You do not need a prescription to purchase it on Supertails. However, for severe or recurring infestations, we recommend a vet consultation to rule out underlying skin conditions. Supertails offers free vet consultations for all members.

Does anti-tick shampoo kill flea eggs too?

Contact-kill shampoos like Intas Softas are highly effective against adult ticks, fleas, and lice but have limited action on flea eggs embedded in bedding, carpets, and furniture. For complete infestation control, treat your pet's sleeping area with an anti-tick spray or powder after bathing — the combination approach prevents re-infestation within days.

Is Intas Softas effective during Indian monsoon season?

Yes — and this is exactly when Indian pet parents need it most. The monsoon season (June–September) creates ideal breeding conditions for ticks and fleas, especially in high-humidity cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Use Intas Softas every 2–3 weeks during the monsoon and check your pet's coat after outdoor walks. Indie dogs and outdoor cats are at especially high risk.

What should I do if my pet accidentally licks the shampoo?

Do not allow your pet to lick the shampoo lather during the bath. If ingestion does occur, rinse your pet's mouth immediately with clean water, monitor for signs of distress (drooling, vomiting, shaking), and contact your veterinarian at once. The Supertails vet consultation line is available for urgent queries.

Can I use Intas Softas on a dog with sensitive skin?

Intas Softas is generally well-tolerated, but pets with known skin sensitivities may experience mild irritation. If your dog has a history of allergic skin conditions (common in Labradors and Golden Retrievers), do a patch test on a small area first and consult your vet. A natural, herbal shampoo may be more appropriate for highly sensitive dogs.

Is Intas Pharmaceuticals a reliable brand for pet medicines in India?

Intas Pharmaceuticals is one of India's largest and most trusted animal health companies, with decades of experience in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Their products are manufactured in WHO-certified facilities and distributed through authorised veterinary channels across India. All Intas products on Supertails are 100% authentic and sourced directly from authorised distributors.