Last Updated on October 8, 2024
In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of essential oils as a more organic alternative to traditional medicine. People use them for everything – from pain relief to alleviating anxiety.
They can even use them as effective insect-repellants (citronella) and disinfectants (tea tree oil).
Additionally, many pet owners are turning to essential oils as well to treat common pet problems like fleas and ticks, especially on dogs. That said, what essential oils are good for fleas and ticks on dogs?
Table of Contents
Lavender Oil
One of the most common and popular essential oils, lavender oil is best known for its soothing properties that help alleviate pain, both physical and emotional.
Some of the uses of lavender oil as a soothing agent include the following:
- Alleviate physical pain from headaches, toothaches, sprains, etc.
- Help with digestive issues like gas, nausea, and vomiting.
- Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it great for healing burns and bug bites.
- Helps soothe the mind by alleviating anxiety and uplifting your mood.
How Can it be Used for Removing Fleas and Ticks on Dogs?
Lavender oil is also an effective insect repellant because its scent deters fleas and ticks. However, lavender only repels fleas and ticks; not kill them. Therefore, it’s best used to prevent an infestation instead of using it to kill already existing fleas and ticks on your dog.
How to Use It
Diluting it before applying directly to your dog’s skin would be ideal as your dog’s senses are sharper than yours. This means too much essential oil might be overwhelming for them.
Another way you can use it is by adding a few drops to your dog’s shampoo. This will help prevent fleas and ticks from infecting your dog while soothing any existing bites.
Precaution
Again, you will need to dilute the oil before applying it onto your dog’s skin as their senses can be easily overwhelmed by undiluted oil.
Lemongrass Oil
Another popular oil, lemongrass essential oil is known for its anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve various types of pain.
Some benefits of lemongrass essential oils are as follows:
- Its anti-bacterial properties make it great for treating bacterial infections.
- You can use it to treat fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
- The anti-oxidant properties of lemongrass make it popular for those who want to mitigate the signs of aging.
- It can also act as a pain reliever, thereby alleviating pain from headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
How Effective is it in Flea and Tick Removal?
Lemongrass is very effective at repelling fleas and ticks due to the presence of geraniol and citral, both of which are natural repellants for ticks and fleas.
Like lavender, it only repels fleas and ticks, not kill them.
How to Use It
Just add a few drops in water to make a spray then you can apply it directly onto your dog’s coat. You can also use a diffuser to diffuse it in your home.
Precaution
You will also need to dilute this in water so as not to irritate your dog’s skin and sense of smell.
Cedarwood
Although not as well-known as the previous two, cedarwood is considered versatile due to its many possible uses. Extracted from cedar trees, cedarwood oil has antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others.
Some of the benefits of using cedarwood oil include the following:
- Treats and soothes skin conditions like acne and eczema.
- Can be used to promote hair loss for those suffering from alopecia, a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles which causes hair loss.
- Can help alleviate anxiety, improving one’s mood.
- Can also help improve focus and alleviate symptoms of ADHD.
How Can it be Used for Flea and Tick Removal on Dogs?
Like lavender and lemongrass, cedarwood oil is great for repelling fleas and ticks. Moreover, not only does it repel them, but it also kills them.
This makes cedarwood oil a great option for your dog if they already have a flea or tick problem.
How to Use It
Add a few drops in a carrier oil which you can apply on your dog’s coat or diffuse it around your home. Diffusing it will help ensure that any lingering fleas or ticks are killed as well.
Precaution
Cedarwood oil can’t be applied directly onto your dog’s skin. It needs to be diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil before application.
Moreover, not all cedarwood essential oils are safe for pets. Make sure that the cedarwood oil you’re using comes from either Eastern Red Cedar or Texas Red Cedar.
Rosemary
Although more known as an herb for seasoning rather than an essential oil, rosemary oil is one of the most aromatic and powerful essential oils. It has long been used in folk medicine due to its many possible medicinal benefits. Scientists are starting to look into how rosemary oil can help with various health problems.
Some of the benefits of rosemary oil are as follows:
- Used to stimulate hair growth, helping those suffering from alopecia.
- Diffusing it in a room can help with brain function and concentration issues.
- Can also be used as a stress reliever.
- can also help improve blood circulation.
How to Use it against Fleas and Ticks?
It’s a powerful essential oil that’s effective for repelling fleas and ticks from your dog. It’s also helpful in soothing the flea-bitten skin of your dog.
How to Use It
You can add a few drops onto your dog’s collar or bedding and watch as the fleas and ticks slowly disappear.
Alternatively, you can mix it with water and some apple cider vinegar then use it as a rinse for your dog during their bath. You can also add a few drops in their shampoo to repel fleas and help them heal from the bites.
Precaution
As with other essential oils, it should never be used directly onto your dog’s skin as it’s a powerful oil that may irritate his skin. Therefore, you will need to dilute this as well.
But if you want other types of Flea Treatments you can consult this useful article Best Flea Treatments.
Conclusion
The essential oils mentioned above are some of the most effective ways to remove and repel fleas and ticks from your dog.
However, you should be careful when using essential oils around your beloved canine friends as their senses are more sensitive to their effects. These oils are never to be used undiluted as essential oils are potent and concentrated substances.
However, as long as they’re used properly, essential oils can have incredible benefits for your dog as well as yourself.
Lacey is an environmental enthusiast and passionate advocate for living green and sustainable. She believes that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Lacey is dedicated to reducing her own carbon footprint and educating others on the importance of living greener. She is an advocate for green energy and sustainable practices. She is an active member of her local community, volunteering with local conservation efforts, and taking part in sustainability initiatives. Lacey is a firm believer that the only way to ensure a sustainable future is to work together and make small, but important changes.