Effectiveness of Essential Oils for Fleas

Getting fleas and ticks are a normal thing for your furry friends. In place of using chemical products to remove the parasites, you could consider using essential oils for fleas. These natural remedies are typically much safer and not likely to cause any adverse reactions. That’s because most oils work well against inflammation, parasites, and infections, However, PETA warns that using essential oils is safe only for dogs. Cats are sensitive to the odors, so you may want to look for other solutions under the guidance of your vet.

How to Use Essential Oils for Fleas

Before choosing essential oils for fleas on your pet, keep in mind that animals tend to lick their fur, and the oil can enter their stomach and cause problems with their digestive system. So, you may want to pick oils that are mild and not likely to cause more harm than good.

Rosemary Oil

Add 5 to 8 drops of the oil to your dog’s bathwater and scrub down thoroughly. Fleas hate the oil and are likely to get out of the fur. Further, the oil has healing properties and can help the existing bites stop itching quickly.

Cardamom and Jojoba Oils

Create a mix of the two essential oils using more of the jojoba oil as a carrier. Watch your pet for the areas it scratches the most, and rub the oil into it. Cardamom oil can not only soothe the pain and irritation from the bites, but it can also prevent any related infections your pet could get.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is a potent remedy for getting rid of fleas. But, it is also strong so in place of using it on your pet’s fur, you may want to sprinkle it in the particular nooks of your home. For instance, the bedding or any other place where your pet spends most of its time.

Helichrysum Oil

Here’s another of the most effective essential oils for fleas that can soothe and heal irritated skin. In addition, the oil also works to moisturize your pet’s skin. Add 5 to 6 drops of this oil to a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Apply on the sections of the skin that your pet itches the most for quick relief.

Peppermint Oil

If your dog is larger in size, you can safely use peppermint oil by itself on the irritated skin to calm the pain. In addition to soothing the itchiness, the oil can also promote blood flow so that the damage to the skin heals faster.

Lemongrass and Coconut Oils

Fleas hate the aroma of lemongrass and that makes it one of the best remedies for getting rid of them. Blend lemongrass essential oil with coconut oil and spray it on your pet’s skin. You could also use it to massage the skin all over before a bath. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, add lemongrass oil to a diffuser and scent your home with it.

Regular Use Essential Oils for Fleas

If your dog is prone to getting fleas, you can create a natural flea repellent and spray it on the coat once every couple of days. Add a cup of water to a spray bottle along with six or seven drops of the essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, citronella, rosemary, turmeric, and eucalyptus. Spritz it lightly on your pet’s coat and you won’t have to worry about fleas again.

Flea Collar with Essential Oils

The commercial flea collars you buy often have toxic chemicals that can be harmful for your pet. Create one at home using a drop each of essential oils like thyme, citronella, cedarwood, and garlic. Blend with a teaspoon of vegetable oil and half a teaspoon of alcohol. Allow a soft band of fabric to soak in the mixture and let dry before putting on your pet for long-lasting relief. Repeat once every month.

References

The ABCs of Cruelty-Free Flea Control

Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing

Preventing tick attachment to dogs using essential oils