No one likes to see flea bite marks on their pets or any sign of a flea infestation in their home. Fleas are small parasitic creatures that prey on animals, particularly dogs, and cats. It is never fun when your pet gets fleas. Fleas can also bite humans, leaving behind an itchy discomfort. It causes trouble to see pets scratching, itching, and biting their skin. Their skin may turn pink or red from unceasing itching, and their fur may begin to fall out.
Moreover, you should always confirm your pet has fleas from your vet before trying any natural treatments, as other health problems may cause similar symptoms.
If a pet has fleas, then using essential oils for fleas is somewhat of a new trend. It is important if you choose to do so that you are aware of how to use them in a way that keeps your pet safe.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Flea Control
Taking your pet to a vet is a common practice for pet owners to keep pets flea-free. But, if you prefer a more natural route, which means using essential oils that repel fleas. The following are a few of the benefits of using the best essential oils for fleas versus other treatments:
- Essential oils are natural and do not cause any harm to pets when utilized in the right way and quantity.
- Essential oils can not only help to repel fleas but can also help pets get relief from itching and scratching that occurs due to flea bites.
- Essential oils can reduce infection and hasten the process of healing wounds your pet may have as a result of flea bites and itching/scratching. Most of these oils have antiseptic properties that can help heal flea bites, sores, and skin irritation caused by scratching.
- Essential oils offer a relaxing effect to pets as it does to humans. Studies indicate that the scent of certain oils may help calm and soothe pets that suffer from stress and anxiety.
Best Essential Oils for Flea Control
Here is a list of the best essential oils for fleas that you can use for flea control.
1. Basil Essential Oil
Basil is one of the most effective essential oils for fleas. Basil oil is from the leaves and buds of the basil plant. When it comes to utilizing basil oil for fleas, it has a lot of advantages because it acts as a natural insect repellent. You can apply the diluted mixture straight to your dog’s skin, avoiding areas where they can lick it off.
The basil essential oil is not just a natural repellent, it is also a plant. The basil plant can beautify your landscape, and it can also help in keeping fleas at bay. Basil is not suitable for cats due to its high in phenols.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
One of the biggest reasons people use lavender is its relaxing qualities. It is a great reason to use it for pets. Lavender is also a great oil to nourish your dog’s coat and to help repel fleas and insects. This oil reduces tension and anxiety, acting as a soothing agent for humans and animals.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Many foods and beverages use peppermint oil as a flavor. It is also great for pets that experience car sickness and nausea. Unlike other essential oils, these do not kill fleas but help terminate flea larvae.
Peppermint oil helps to relieve the skin of certain unpleasant conditions that comes with flea bites, like skin irritation and inflammation. Apply moderate peppermint oil to the affected area to help your pet recover.
4. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Many individuals use lemongrass essential oil in aromatherapy to treat mental, and physical health issues, including improving sleep quality. However, fleas despise the fragrance of this oil. The main ingredients of this oil are citral and geraniol act as a natural repellent.
It is a mighty flea and insect repellent, widely used to repel fleas and mosquitos. Include about five drops of this oil in a bowl of water so you can mix your spray, then use this spray on the coat of your pet.
5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is derived from a natural, renewable source and is used in many natural flea-repellent products. You can mix it with soap bases to create an effective flea shampoo. The oil lasts longer and does not need to be reapplied very often. As long as the smell of the oil remains, it will deter fleas.
Also, eucalyptus oil with water and cedar oil can be brushed through the coats of dogs and cats to kill and repel fleas.
6. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree oil behind the ear can be a great way to assist your pet in dealing with ear infections. It can kill and repel fleas when diluted and used safely. However, home remedies for fleas are generally inadvisable for safety and efficacy reasons.
Commercially available flea treatments from your veterinarian are safety tested under strict conditions. In addition, they are effective at preventing and killing fleas.
7. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary, among other herbs, can work as a natural flea treatment. It is a great oil to stimulate circulation and cleanse. It is excellent for skin issues, including warts, dry skin, fleas, ticks, etc.
Rosemary oil smells great, and a little drop of this oil on the dog’s collar and bedding makes it an effective flea-repellent. Include 5-8 drops of this oil in the shampoo for the fleas to repel. Just be careful to ensure you rinse it well and that your dog does not try to drink the bathwater.
8. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil is beneficial for dogs to treat skin conditions, repel fleas and ticks, and even soothe anxiety and reduce mental stress.
Using geranium oil as a flea deterrent will give your dog the added benefit of smelling like a rose. Dilute it first and avoid placing it in areas where your pet could ingest it. Apply a drop behind each shoulder blade and close to the base of the tail.
9. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood kills fleas. It is one of the primary additives in many flea-repellent sprays. You will need to dilute your cedarwood essential oil and spray it on your pets.
Cedarwood essential oil works by leaching moisture off fleas and bugs. Diffusing this essential oil will cause the release of anti-parasitic molecules that helps in terminating fleas and ticks on the body of your pets. The fleas dry and later die.
10. Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil comes from the dried buds of the plant. Clove oil is known for being an effective antibacterial agent. It means it does not only kill and repel fleas but can also kill other harmful bacteria on or around your beloved pet. Clove oil can be included in your laundry when your dog’s bedding is being washed.
Please note clove oil is only suitable for dogs, not cats. As a warming oil, it is best to avoid topical use. Instead, add a few drops of diluted oil to your dog’s collar.
Precautions when using essential oils for flea
Essential oils are the best treatment for repelling fleas and ticks, but not all oils are suited for your pets. Some can affect the health of your pet. Using essential oils around pets can be harmful if you do not do so safely.
It is recommended to check in with a veterinarian before use, as many oils are toxic to pets, particularly cats. Also, be careful when applying essential oils and ensure that you do not apply them in excess quantity. Always recall that the sense of smell of your pet is often greater than yours.
- Spray the essential oil on your pet in an area that is very ventilated and breezy
- Essential oils that are concentrated needs proper dilution before usage
- Do not spray oils on your dog’s face.
- Observe his reaction and let him refuse or accept it on his own accord.
Lastly, using essential oils for flea control eases your worries. As pet owners, ensure that you carry out in-depth research on whatever essential oil you plan on using on your dog or cat.
