Essential Oils For Fleas On Dogs: What's Safe And What Works
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Dogs deserve the best in life, because they live only to show you the best in life. As loving and near perfect as dogs are, they're still prone to run into problems along the way, and fleas are very common.
If you've experienced fleas, then you understand how frustrating and irritating it can be for both you and your dog.
Fleas were once carriers of the plagues that nearly wiped out Europe. Today they can still spread tapeworms and cause itchy skin problems, so they're not something you want around your house.
Vet-recommended flea treatments cost money, but they are tested and are usually the most reliable option.
Many owners also wonder about natural options.
Essential oils for fleas are popular, but they need far more caution than most people realize.
How To Safely Use Essential Oils For Your Dog
Essential oils can poison pets. The Merck Veterinary Manual says concentrated essential oils should never be applied directly to pets, and tea tree oil is the most commonly reported cause of essential oil poisoning in pets.
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs, so never use a dog product containing essential oils on or near a cat.
- Talk to your vet before using any essential oil product on or around your dog, especially with puppies, pregnant dogs and dogs with health problems.
- Never let your dog lick or swallow essential oils, and never give them by mouth.
- If you use a diffuser, keep pets out of the room while it runs and air the room out afterward.
- Watch for drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, tiredness or breathing trouble. If you see these signs, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Below are five popular Amazon sprays made with essential oils or plant extracts.
These sprays may repel some insects for a short time, but they are not proven to clear an infestation. Use them only with your vet's okay, and follow the label exactly.
5 Essential Oil Flea Sprays
Vet’s Best – Flea & Tick Home Spray
A popular plant-based flea and tick spray.
The label says it's for dogs 12 weeks or older.
A unique blend of peppermint oil and clove extract or Eugenol is designed to kill fleas, ticks and their eggs on contact, according to the maker.
It is not a substitute for a vet-recommended flea preventive.
Sprays like this can help knock down pesky fleas and ticks between regular treatments.
Mr. Natural Pet
Not for puppies 12 weeks and younger.
Another great choice in the area of essential oils for fleas is Mr. Natural Pet.
It's a simple formula of clove oil, peppermint and purified water that doubles as a dog cologne.
Dr. GreenPet
If your choice in aromatic flea and tick repellant comes down to how best you can ward off the pesky invaders with an all-natural product, then I’d have to say go with Dr. GreenPet.
Made with all-natural ingredients, Dr. GreenPet derives its formula from not only essential oils but also botanical extracts, which are the source of essential oils.
A hard hitting and truly wonderful smelling aromatic spray that not only gets the job done but makes sure that afterward your dog keeps on wagging it’s tail.
If a fresh smell matters to you, Dr. GreenPet is worth a look.
PetPleasant – From Honeydew
Would a lemon and citrus twist be something you could get behind? Good, because PetPleasant wants to make it onto your shelf.
A Lemongrass and Citronella infused aroma therapeutic spray that is marketed to ward off fleas, ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes, and to deodorize and cleanses those nasty odors that linger on your canine companion.
This is best for active dogs and dogs that generally stay outdoors, but, that doesn’t mean that indoor dogs can’t have their share of lemon and citrus.
If you prefer a citrus scent, it's an option to ask your vet about.
Bodhi Dog Natural Bug Spray
Does your dog have sensitive skin? Bodhi Dog took this into consideration and created something brilliant.
This is a limonene-based spray marketed to repel fleas, ticks, mites and mosquitoes.
It has a fresh citrus smell.
If citrus is your thing, this is a choice to discuss with your vet. Keep in mind that "natural" does not mean non-toxic for pets.
A lot of dog owners are skeptical of essential oils in flea products, and with good reason.
Natural flea sprays usually have far less testing behind them than vet-recommended flea products, and they can still cause reactions.
The widespread use of essential oils in dog products makes it easy to forget that these oils are strong chemicals.
For a flea-free home, ask your vet for a proven preventive, wash your dog's bedding often, and vacuum regularly.
Sources
- Toxicoses From Essential Oils in Animals, Merck Veterinary Manual
