The Stop Bugging Me shampoo bar is a natural dog shampoo bar, handmade in the UK, that cleanses everyday dirt from your dog's coat using neem oil and a strongly aromatic blend of citronella, lavender, tea tree and peppermint essential oils. It is made for outdoorsy dogs who love long grass and woodland walks, and for owners who want a sulphate-free, silicone-free and plastic-free alternative to bottled dog shampoo.
If you have been searching for a natural dog shampoo bar in the UK that genuinely suits muddy, adventurous dogs, this guide covers what is in the bar, which dogs and owners it suits, how to use it properly and how to make it last.
What makes this natural dog shampoo bar different?
Most of us grew up with shampoo in a plastic bottle, so a solid bar can take a moment to get used to. The idea is simple: the cleansing and conditioning ingredients are pressed into a compact 80g bar, which you wet and rub straight onto your dog's damp coat. There is no bottle to throw away and nothing to spill in the car boot after a weekend away.
What sets Stop Bugging Me apart is its character. It is deliberately strongly aromatic, built around neem oil and citronella essential oil – two ingredients traditionally used in outdoor products for their distinctive scent – along with lavender, tea tree and peppermint. If you like your dog to come out of the bath smelling fresh and botanical rather than of synthetic perfume, this is the bar to look at. There is no synthetic fragrance in it at all.
It is worth being clear about what it is: a cleansing shampoo for dirt and everyday outdoor odours. It is not a flea, tick or insect treatment, and it is not described as one. For parasite prevention, speak to your vet about a suitable product for your dog.
Key ingredients in this neem and citronella dog shampoo
The ingredient list is short and readable, which is part of the appeal of a natural grooming routine. According to the maker, Paws Right There, the bar contains:
- Neem oil – a naturally aromatic botanical oil traditionally used in outdoor grooming products.
- Citronella essential oil – gives the bar its strong, fresh aroma, particularly suited to outdoor adventures.
- Lavender, tea tree and peppermint essential oils – round out the botanical scent.
- Olive oil and coconut oil – help cleanse and condition the coat while creating a rich lather.
- Shea butter – helps moisturise the coat so it feels soft after rinsing.
- Kaolin clay – supports the bar's cleansing action, helping to lift everyday dirt and build-up.
The full INCI list is: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Kaolin, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Aqua, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Linalool.
Because it uses natural oils, the colour of the bar can vary slightly from batch to batch – that is normal and nothing to worry about.
Which dogs and owners suit a citronella dog shampoo bar?
This bar was designed with a particular kind of dog in mind: the one who comes home from a countryside walk with burrs in their feathers, mud up to their elbows and a distinctly "outdoors" smell. Think spaniels charging through bracken, terriers who treat every hedge as a personal invitation, or Labradors who find every puddle on the route.
It is a good fit if:
- Your dog spends a lot of time in long grass, woodland or open countryside, especially in the warmer months.
- You want a sulphate-free, silicone-free shampoo without synthetic fragrance.
- You are trying to cut down on single-use plastic in your home – the bar is a plastic-free alternative to bottled shampoo.
- You care about vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and palm-oil-free products.
- You like supporting small makers – it is handmade in the UK.
It may not be the best choice if your dog has very sensitive skin, a known skin condition or a strong dislike of scented products. Essential oils are a matter of preference for some owners, and every dog is different. If you are unsure, ask your vet or groomer before switching shampoos, and if you would prefer a softer scent, our Goodbye Anxiety lavender and chamomile shampoo bar has a gentler, floral aroma.
How to use a dog shampoo bar properly
Using a solid bar is easy once you have done it once or twice. The maker's directions are:
- Thoroughly wet your dog's coat and the shampoo bar with warm water.
- Gently rub the bar directly over the wet coat using circular motions to create a lather.
- Massage the lather through the fur, avoiding the face, eyes and mouth.
- Rinse the coat thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry your dog – then prepare for the inevitable post-bath zoomies.
A few practical tips from our own bath-time experience:
- Brush first. Bathing a matted or tangled coat tends to tighten knots. A quick going-over with a brush such as our Self-Clean Slicker Brush before the bath makes lathering and rinsing much easier.
- Work in sections. On a big or thick-coated dog, lather the back and sides first, then the legs, chest and tail. It is easier to keep track of what you have done.
- Rinse more than you think. Leftover shampoo can leave the coat feeling heavy. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and the coat no longer feels slippery.
- Use a cloth for the face. Keep the bar well away from the eyes and mouth; a damp flannel is enough to freshen up the muzzle.
- Do not over-bathe. Most dogs do not need frequent full baths. How often depends on coat type, lifestyle and skin, so ask your groomer or vet what suits your dog.
Plastic-free dog shampoo: storage and care tips
A shampoo bar lasts longest when it is allowed to dry out between uses. Leave it sitting in a puddle on the edge of the bath and it will soften and wash away much faster than it should.
- Rinse the bar after use to remove loose fur and residue.
- Let it air-dry completely between baths.
- Store it in a cool, dry place, away from standing water – a draining soap dish or a breathable tin works well.
- Keep it out of reach of children and dogs. Do not let your dog lick or chew the bar.
Safety information
The bar is for external use only. Avoid contact with the face, eyes and mouth, and do not allow your dog to lick or chew it. If irritation or an adverse reaction occurs, stop using it immediately and seek veterinary advice. If your dog is pregnant, very young, elderly or has any existing skin condition, check with your vet before introducing a new grooming product.
Stop Bugging Me at a glance
- Natural dog shampoo bar with neem and citronella
- Made with citronella, lavender, tea tree and peppermint essential oils
- Conditioning olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter, plus kaolin clay
- Strong, fresh botanical aroma; no synthetic fragrance
- Sulphate-free, silicone-free and palm-oil-free
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Handmade in the UK by Paws Right There
- Plastic-free alternative to bottled dog shampoo
- Net weight: 80g
- Price: £6.99
Frequently asked questions
Is Stop Bugging Me a flea or tick treatment?
No. It is a cleansing shampoo bar with a strong botanical aroma from neem and citronella. It is not described as a flea, tick or insect treatment. Ask your vet about suitable parasite prevention for your dog.
Is this natural dog shampoo bar sulphate-free?
Yes. The formula is sulphate-free and silicone-free, and contains no synthetic fragrance. It is also palm-oil-free, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
How do I stop a shampoo bar going soft?
Rinse it after use, let it air-dry completely between baths and store it somewhere cool and dry, away from standing water.
Can I use it on my dog's face?
No – avoid the face, eyes and mouth. Use a damp cloth to clean around the muzzle instead.
Where is it made?
Stop Bugging Me is handmade in the UK by Paws Right There.
Get your Stop Bugging Me shampoo bar
If your dog lives for long grass and woodland trails, a fresh-smelling, plastic-free natural dog shampoo bar is an easy upgrade to your grooming kit. Shop the Stop Bugging Me Natural Dog Shampoo Bar with Neem & Citronella at The Canine Co. today.