If you own a dog and notice that it has been doing a lot of scratching and fretting lately, you may need to apply an essential oil for fleas on dogs. Keeping your pet clean is vital if you want to safeguard its health and protect others in the house. But the thing is, no matter how much of a bath you give your dog regularly, it may still contract fleas.
Many pet lovers use chemicals to ward off fleas, but this may be counterproductive as the fleas may endanger the pet’s health. Insect repellents may stop the fleas from invading, but they may cause your dog to lose its furs or, in worse case scenarios, fall sick. But essential oil for fleas on dogs does not pose the same risk as insect repellents or other strong chemical-based pet care products for felines or canines. So in this article, you will learn all you need to know about fleas and other harmful pests and how you can use essential oils to eliminate them and give your dog a new lease of life.
Fleas endanger dogs
Fleas and other dangerous insects like mosquitoes and ticks carry life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease, heartworm, and tapeworms. If they infest your dog for so long, it may catch any of these diseases. Failure to treat it on time will lead to Ill health and, eventually, death. Finding the right flea repellent to protect your dog and not endanger its health is a challenge many people face, but what if we told you that essential oils would work just fine? These oils are very effective, and they pose no threat whatsoever. Moreover, these vermin find their scent repulsive, so they avoid areas where they are concentrated.
Why use essential oils?
Essential oils mask the odor of dogs and keep these pests away from them. They are very effective, and if diluted with carrier oils adequately before using them, no harm will come to your pet. Essential oils are extracted from plants, and they contain organic molecules that can be converted from liquid to semi-solid or solid. They can also be converted into vapor by diffusion. Their aromas are pleasing to humans but a turn-off for fleas and other pests; that is why many pet owners are increasingly using them as a protective scent.
There are several essential oils for fleas on dogs you can use to great effect but note that you will have to use them in moderation so as not to endanger your pet’s life. Here are some of them.
Lavender
Lavender oil has a very strong aroma that fleas just hate. If you were to do a quick test on fleas by adding a drop of lavender into a container containing fleas, you would witness firsthand their reaction to it. Lavender is also effective against ticks and tapeworms as the scent makes it difficult, if not impossible, for them to pay eggs and hatch them. While the oil may be harsh on insects, it has a very calm effect on dogs. If you want to use lavender oil, do so by adding some to the bathing shampoo you use or diffusing some onto the air once in a while.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another essential oil for fleas on dogs that have proven to be quite effective. Lemongrass grass has a very strong scent that fleas hate, and it contains a compound called Citral which also acts as an insect repellent. Adding about five drops of Lemongrass oil into a spray bottle containing water and spraying it on the dog will do wonders. You can also diffuse lemongrass oil.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil has a very harsh menthol base that eliminates flea larvae. Note that while this oil may not kill fleas, it eliminates flea larvae. Peppermint oil also quells skin irritation caused by insect bites and bacteria infestation. If you notice your dog doing a lot of body scratching, now may be the time to use peppermint oil.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil has a very strong effect on the skin, so it should be used in moderation. Bathing your dog with shampoo paced with Rosemary will kill off existing fleas while repelling new populations.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a lesser-known essential oil, but it works just as well as any other oil. Neem offers several benefits, one of which is repelling ticks, fleas, and insects in general. For every 5-7 drops of Neem oil, you intend to use, add an ounce of carrier oil to dilute it, then add the solution to the bathing shampoo. If you bathe your dog at least three times a week for the first 4 weeks, you will notice how flea-free it will become. Then as time goes on, you can reduce how many times you bathe it in a week but maintain consistency.
Rose Geranium
Rose oil and geranium oil combined will give you a potent solution, but you only need a tiny amount to ward off fleas. After bathing your dog, just apply a drop to the base of its tail and its shoulder blades.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood oil is one of the most popular essential oil used for Pete because it is effective yet, safe. Cedarwood oil mixed with a carrier oil can be diffused or added to bathwater. Its anti-parasite molecules terminate fleas and stop an invasion.
Thyme
Thyme is another very good oil that you can use as a pesticide, fungicide, or fight bacteria. It offers pet owners several benefits so your dog can stay protected all year round.
Citronella
Citronella is tough on germs and insects but mild on pets. You can use it on dogs, but it is not advisable for cats.
Basil
Basil oil is extracted from the basil plant. For a long time, it was used as a mosquito repellent; however, as time went on, it was discovered that it was also effective against fleas. A home or environment with this plant will rarely have insects loitering around because the scent keeps them off. If you must use it on your dog, apply a drop to its collar.
Clove
Clove oil is an insecticide that should be used for general dog care. Besides bathing your dog with the oil, you should also wash its bedding and other personal items by adding a few drops into the water you use. Applying a drop to its collar also helps too.
Benefits of essential oil for fleas on dogs
There are many benefits to be had when you use essential oil ok your dogs. Here are some of them.
As an eliminator
Essential oils eliminate pests inhabiting your dog’s furs. Fleas lay a lot of eggs wherever they make their home, and in no time, they multiply in number. So tracking and eliminating them one by one is quite difficult, but by bathing your dog with essential oil and applying a few drops to its collar, you can wipe out the entire population at once.
As a preventive measure
Not only will the oil kill the flea population, but it will also prevent a new population from invading. By keeping fleas away, your dog will stay healthy.
Pain relief
Another benefit of using essential oil is that they offer dogs pain relief from scratching caused by insect bites. If it has inflamed skin or sores, essential oils can trigger the healing process.
Side effects of using essential oils
Dogs may not be humans, but they react to medications as well if used incorrectly. Essential oils can cause your dog to react negatively if you overuse them or apply them incorrectly. Another thing to note is that essential oils need to be properly diluted with a carrier oil before they are administered.
Blending the essential oil with carrier oil will reduce the side effects. Some examples of carrier oil include
- Avocado oil
- Castor oil
- Coconut oil
- Evening Primrose oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Jojoba
Also of great importance is to make sure that you don’t add too many drops of the oil to the bathwater. If you must diffuse it, do so in the right proportion. Some oils can cause skin irritation if they come in direct contact with the skin. Also, ensure that you do your due diligence before using any essential oil on your dog. While all the oils listed in this article work just fine, some have a stronger scent and effect than others, so the responsibility lies with you to make the right choice and dosage decision.
Essential oil for fleas on dogs Frequently Asked Questions
Do essential oils really repel fleas?
Yes, they do. Their strong scent is a turn-off for fleas and many other insects.
How should I use essential oil for my dog?
You can use it in three ways. By adding a few drops into your dog’s bathwater, diffusing it in your home, or applying a drop on its collar. A combination of all three will suffice.
Are all essential oils good for dogs?
No, not all essential oils are good for dogs. The essential oil for fleas on dogs reviewed in this article is safe, but for any other one, you need to do your research before you use them.
Can I mix two or more essential oils together for my dog?
Yes, you may do so but ensure you get the measurement right. Also, note that two or more oils with strong scents will make your dog uncomfortable. So we suggest mixing stronger and lighter oils to form a blend. A mixture of strong and light oils will provide a perfect balance.
