Intas Softas Plus Tick & Flea Shampoo for Dogs

Intas Softas Plus — High-Strength Tick & Flea Medicated Shampoo for Dogs

If you've already tried a standard anti-tick shampoo and the infestation keeps coming back, your dog needs something stronger. Intas Softas Plus is a high-strength, pharmaceutical-grade tick and flea shampoo for dogs, formulated with 2% Propoxur — a higher concentration than the standard Softas — designed specifically for moderate to severe ectoparasite infestations. Manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals, India's largest animal health company, Softas Plus delivers faster knockdown on stubborn ticks, fleas, and lice that have resisted lower-strength treatments. At ₹184 for a 200ml bottle, it brings veterinary-grade efficacy to your home bathroom. Note: Softas Plus is formulated for dogs only — if you have cats in your household, use the standard Intas Softas instead.

What Makes Softas Plus Different From Regular Softas?

This is the question every pet parent should ask before buying. The difference is not in the base formula — both Softas and Softas Plus contain Propoxur as the active ectoparasitic ingredient. The difference is in concentration and clinical indication.

• The 2% Propoxur Difference: Standard Intas Softas contains Propoxur at a concentration suited for mild, first-occurrence infestations and routine prevention. Softas Plus contains 2% Propoxur — a clinically higher dose that delivers more aggressive knockdown on established tick and flea populations. Per veterinary pharmacology consensus, higher propoxur concentrations are indicated when infestations are moderate to severe, when standard treatments have been used without complete clearance, or when the dog has a dense, thick coat — such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds — where lower concentrations struggle to reach the skin.

Who Should Choose Softas Plus?

Choose Softas Plus if your dog has a visible, established infestation — you can see multiple ticks or notice your dog scratching persistently. Choose it if you've previously used a milder anti-tick shampoo and the problem returned within days. Choose it if your dog is a large breed with a thick or double coat where deeper penetration matters. For first-time, mild infestations or routine monthly prevention, the standard Softas at ₹166 is the right starting point. For multi-pet households with cats, always use standard Softas — Softas Plus has not been validated for feline use.

VET TIP

The key sign that you need to step up to Softas Plus: ticks reappearing within 5–7 days of a standard anti-tick bath. This suggests either an environmental reservoir (eggs in bedding or carpet) or that the infestation load is too heavy for a standard-strength formula. Use Softas Plus for the treatment phase, then step back down to regular Softas for monthly maintenance once the infestation is cleared.

How To Use Intas Softas Plus?

The higher concentration in Softas Plus requires the same technique as standard Softas but with one critical difference: the leave-on time. For severe infestations, 10 minutes minimum is non-negotiable.

• Step 1 — Wet the Coat Completely  Use lukewarm water to saturate your dog's coat from neck to base of tail. For thick-coated breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or Huskies, spend extra time ensuring water penetrates to the skin — the shampoo cannot work on a dry or partially wet coat.
• Step 2 — Apply Generously  Apply Softas Plus starting from the shoulders and neck, working backward toward the tail. For a large dog, use a generous amount — the foam needs to reach the skin under the coat, not just sit on the surface. Work the shampoo in against the direction of the fur to maximise skin contact.
• Step 3 — Build a Thick Lather and Massage Deeply  This is where technique matters most. Work the lather into a thick, even foam and massage firmly from the neck down, paying particular attention to the underbelly, between the legs, around the ears, and at the base of the tail — the areas ticks and fleas concentrate. Do not rush this step.
• Step 4 — Leave On for Minimum 10 Minutes  For severe infestations, the shampoo must remain on the coat for a full 10 minutes. Set a timer. Use this time to continue gently working the lather into the coat with your fingers. For very heavy infestations, some vets recommend extending to 12–15 minutes — always follow the label and any vet guidance.
• Step 5 — Rinse Thoroughly  Rinse completely with clean water until the coat is fully clear of foam. Incomplete rinsing can cause skin irritation, particularly at the higher propoxur concentration in Softas Plus. Towel dry your dog well and keep them indoors and away from other pets for 30 minutes post-bath.
• Step 6 — Repeat Strategically  For severe, active infestations, repeat twice a week for the first two weeks. Once the infestation is visually cleared, move to once every 2–3 weeks for maintenance. Do not use Softas Plus more frequently than directed — the higher concentration means skin dryness is a real risk with overuse.

When To Use Softas Plus Based On India's Tick Calendar?

Tick and flea infestations in India are seasonal, predictable, and worst in the months after the monsoon. Knowing the calendar helps you be proactive rather than reactive — and tells you when Softas Plus is the right call.

• Post-Monsoon Surge (September – November) — Peak Softas Plus Season: India's monsoon creates ideal breeding conditions for ticks and fleas. By September, the breeding cycle peaks and pet parents across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai start seeing the results: dogs covered in ticks that won't go away after a regular shampoo. This is exactly when Softas Plus earns its place. If your dog's tick count is high, the infestation is persistent, or a standard shampoo has not solved the problem, switch to Softas Plus for the treatment phase. Indie dogs and outdoor dogs in garden homes are at particularly high risk during this period.
• Monsoon (June – September) — Prevention Becomes Treatment: What starts as a prevention routine in April can become a treatment necessity by July. If your dog is picking up ticks on every walk and a regular bath is not keeping up, that's your signal to step up to Softas Plus. Dogs in North India — Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur — experience the worst tick pressure in July and August due to the combination of heat, humidity, and green cover that follows the monsoon onset.
• Pre-Monsoon (March – May) — Build Your Protocol Before Peak Season: If your dog had a severe infestation last monsoon, don't wait until July to act. Start a monthly Softas Plus treatment protocol in March. A pre-loaded treatment routine significantly reduces the infestation load when peak tick season arrives. Follow this with environmental treatment of bedding and sleeping areas — shampoo alone cannot clear eggs already in your home.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of This Product?

Intas Softas Plus is well-tolerated by most dogs when used as directed, thanks to its topical application and the fact that dogs handle propoxur shampoos effectively. The most common side effect is mild, temporary skin irritation or itching at the application site, which usually resolves on its own without intervention.

Overuse or incomplete rinsing can lead to skin dryness, especially with the higher 2% propoxur concentration — this is why thorough rinsing is non-negotiable. Rare issues like excessive drooling or lethargy may occur if your dog licks the wet lather before it's fully rinsed; keep them from grooming during the 10-minute leave-on period.

If you notice redness, persistent scratching, or any unusual behavior post-bath, rinse immediately with water and consult your vet — breeds with sensitive skin like Labs or Goldens may need a patch test first. 

Softas Vs Softas Plus Vs Softas Max — Full Comparison

Three variants, three clinical use cases. Here is the definitive guide to which one is right for your dog's situation:

To learn how to pick the right shampoo for your dog, read our expert-approved blog: How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Dogs

Why Recurring Infestations Happen — And How To Stop Them?

If ticks keep coming back despite regular baths, the problem is almost never the shampoo. It's the environment. Here's what every Indian dog parent needs to know:

The Egg Cycle Problem

A single female tick can lay up to 2,000 eggs before dying. These eggs fall off your dog into their bedding, the carpet, sofas, garden soil, and the corners of your home. Anti-tick shampoo — including Softas Plus — kills parasites on contact during the bath. But it cannot kill eggs already embedded in your home environment. Within 3–5 days, those eggs hatch and re-infest your freshly-bathed dog. This is why the infestation appears to 'come back' — it never truly left. Per veterinary consensus, environmental treatment alongside pet treatment is the only way to break the tick life cycle completely.

The Two-Track Treatment Protocol

• Track 1 — your dog: Use Softas Plus twice a week for two weeks. 
• Track 2 — your home: On the same day as each bath, wash all bedding in hot water (60°C+), vacuum carpets and sofas thoroughly, and treat your pet's sleeping area with an anti-tick spray or powder. In garden homes or ground-floor apartments in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, treat the garden edges where your dog walks. This two-track approach is the only reliable method for clearing a moderate-to-severe infestation completely.

Vets Also Recommend…

• Explore our complete Dog Tick & Flea Shampoo collection

• Explore our complete Dog Tick & Flea Remedies

• Explore the complete Tick & Flea Remedy collection on Supertails

When a regular tick shampoo isn't cutting it anymore, you need something you can count on. Intas Softas Plus gives you pharmaceutical-grade strength at an everyday price — ₹192 for the same formulation your vet would reach for when your dog's infestation needs more than the basics. Whether you're dealing with a post-monsoon surge in Bengaluru, a repeat infestation in your Mumbai apartment, or a stubborn case on your Labrador, Softas Plus is the step up that actually works. Shop 100% authentic at Supertails, with free delivery and a free vet consultation waiting if you need guidance.

(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

What is the difference between Intas Softas and Softas Plus?

Intas Softas (standard) and Softas Plus both contain Propoxur as the active ingredient, but Softas Plus has a higher concentration (2%). Standard Softas is designed for mild infestations and routine prevention in both dogs and cats. Softas Plus is formulated for moderate to severe infestations in dogs only and is not recommended for cats.

Is Intas Softas Plus stronger than regular Softas?

Yes — Softas Plus contains a higher concentration of Propoxur (2%) than the standard Softas formulation. This makes it more effective against established or recurring tick and flea infestations in dogs. If your dog's infestation has not responded to a standard anti-tick shampoo, Softas Plus is the recommended step up.

Is Softas Plus safe for cats?

No — Intas Softas Plus is formulated for dogs only and should not be used on cats. For households with both dogs and cats, use the standard Intas Softas, which is validated for both species. Keep a recently-bathed dog away from cats for at least 2 hours as an additional precaution.

Is Intas Softas Plus safe for puppies?

Do not use Softas Plus on puppies below 4 weeks of age. For puppies between 4 and 12 weeks, consult your veterinarian before first use, as the 2% Propoxur concentration requires extra caution in young animals with developing systems.

How often should I use Softas Plus on my dog?

For moderate to severe infestations, use Softas Plus twice a week for the first two weeks. Once the infestation is visually cleared, reduce to once every 2–3 weeks for maintenance. Do not exceed the recommended frequency — the higher concentration makes skin dryness a real risk with overuse.

How long should I leave Softas Plus on my dog?

For best results with severe infestations, leave the shampoo lather on your dog's coat for a minimum of 10 minutes before rinsing. This is longer than the 5-minute minimum recommended for standard Softas and is critical for the higher-concentration formula to achieve full efficacy against established parasite populations.

When should I upgrade from Softas to Softas Plus?

Upgrade to Softas Plus if ticks or fleas return within 5–7 days of a standard anti-tick shampoo bath, if you can see multiple ticks on your dog simultaneously, if your dog has a dense or thick coat, or if a mild infestation has been present for more than 2 weeks despite regular treatment.

What is 2% Propoxur and is it safe for dogs?

Propoxur is a carbamate-class ectoparasiticide used in veterinary medicine in India for decades. It kills ticks, fleas, and lice by disrupting their nervous systems. At the 2% concentration in Softas Plus, it is considered safe for adult dogs when applied correctly and rinsed thoroughly. It should not be used on cats, as it can cause adverse reactions.

Why do ticks keep coming back even after using anti-tick shampoo?

Re-infestation almost always comes from the environment, not the dog. Tick and flea eggs drop into your dog's bedding, carpets, and garden soil where shampoo cannot reach them. Eggs hatch within days and re-infest your pet. The solution is a two-track approach: Softas Plus on the dog simultaneously with washing bedding and treating sleeping areas with an anti-tick spray or powder.

What is the difference between Softas Plus and Softas Max?

Softas Plus contains 2% Propoxur and is the recommended step up for moderate to severe infestations in dogs. Softas Max contains Permethrin — a different class of ectoparasiticide — for stubborn, drug-resistant infestations. Softas Max is more powerful but is also toxic to cats and should only be considered if Softas Plus has not cleared the infestation after two full treatment courses. Both are dogs-only products.

Is Intas Softas Plus available without a prescription in India?

Yes — Intas Softas Plus is an over-the-counter (OTC) veterinary product in India. No prescription is required. You can purchase it directly on Supertails with free delivery on orders above ₹699. For severe or persistent infestations, a free vet consultation through Supertails can guide your complete treatment plan.

Can Softas Plus be used on dogs with sensitive skin?

Use with caution on dogs with a history of skin sensitivity or allergic conditions. Breeds prone to skin issues — Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers — should have a patch test done before full application. If redness, excessive itching, or distress occurs, rinse immediately and consult your vet. The standard Intas Softas (lower concentration) may be more appropriate for sensitive-skinned dogs.