Essential oils are concentrated liquids that consist of certain constituents that are volatile and derived from plants. Essential oils are known to be volatile simply because the molecules that are present in essential oils can quickly change its form from a liquid or solid state into gas or aroma form. Essential oil is normally diluted for various uses.
Benefits of using essential oils to repel fleas for dogs and cats
Many people decide to adopt the approach of using essential oils to combat fleas and other annoying pests that trouble our pets because essential oils are natural and don’t pose as any harm to our pets when utilized in the right way and quantity. Of course, the use of medications is another great way to kill fleas. Still, with long-term or incorrect use, these medications end up causing some medical issues such as skin irritation, vomiting, and respiratory problems. Also, making your dog take certain medication can be a hard task. If you continue using the same medication, the fleas may eventually develop immunity.
Essential oils can repel fleas, and they can also help in relieving the inflammation and scratching that comes with the pest’s bite. There are several essential oils out there that boast of antiseptic properties which can be very helpful in healing flea bites as well as sores and skin irritation that is as a result of scratching. Trimming your dog nails is also an effective way of reducing this problem.
Essential oils for Dogs and Cats: The Dangers
Essential oils are great in repelling fleas and ticks, but not all essentials oils are right for your pets; some can affect the health of your pet.
Ensure that you carry out in-depth research on whatever essential oil you plan on using on your dog or cat.
Make sure that you don’t use undiluted essential oils on either your pet or on yourself. It can be very harmful when your pet is exposed to anything more than a minute quantity of essential oils.
In blending your essential oils before applying them on your pet, make sure that you utilize a carrier oil. Below are a few types of carrier oils:
- Coconut oil
- Evening Primrose oil
- Jojoba oil
- Castor oil
- Olive oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Avocado oil
Essential Oils like pennyroyal oil can be harmful when it makes direct contact on your skin or that of your pet. There are few oils out there that can cause skin conditions like sun sensitivity, while some oils tend to react in a terrible way when merged with other medications. The bottom line is: make sure you perform your research on which essential oils are good, and the ones that are harmful to the health of your pets.
Essential oils for Dogs
Coconut Oil
Some essential oils make for great flea remedies for dogs. Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary will all naturally repel fleas. If your dog doesn’t mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil in water and spray directly onto your dog’s coat.
Lavender oil
The aroma that comes with this oil can help safeguard your dogs from fleas. This oil which can repel ticks, also makes it quite impossible for the eggs of these troublesome pests to hatch. Lavender oil calms the skin of your dog, and it also keeps it away from infection. Include about five drops of undiluted lavender essential oil to the shampoo of your dog. To keep the fleas and the ticks at bay, diffuse your lavender oil in your home.
Lemongrass oil
Just like lavender oil, the lemongrass oil repels fleas as well. Generally, fleas despise the fragrance of this oil. The major ingredient of this oil (Citral and geraniol) tend to act as a natural repellent. Include about five drops of this oil to a bowl of water so you can mix your spray, then use this spray on the coat of your pet. You can as well diffuse the oil at home.
Tea Tree Oil
Peppermint oil
Tea Tree oil does not kill fleas, but instead they help terminate flea larvae. Peppermint oil helps to relieve the skin of certain unpleasant conditions that comes with flea bites such as skin irritation, and inflammation. On the area that is affected, apply a moderate amount of peppermint oil to help your pet recover.
Rosemary oil
This oil is known to irritate the skin more than other essential oils. A little drop of this oil on the collar of your dog and bedding makes it an effective flea repellent. Include about 5-8 drops of this oil to the shampoo of your dog, doing so can help chase the fleas and fasten the healing process.
Neem Oil
This oil can help in repelling ticks and fleas. It is a well-known natural remedy for several ailments. The neem oil can be diluted 1:10 with the aid of any light carrier oil you can lay your hands on. You can also include little drops of this essential oil to the shampoo of your dog or cat to chase away ticks and fleas. For the optimum outcome, bathe your dog 2-3 times a week.
Rose Geranium oil
Using the diluted form of this oil on your dog isn’t bad. Apply a drop behind each shoulder blade and a drop close to the base of the tail.
Cedar oil
This oil is known as the go-to repellent for your pets. You can use cedar oils on your dogs and pets or in your home. Cedarcide is a very effective flea and tick spray which can be used for humans and pets. Include little drops of this oil to carrier oil.
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.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme naturally is a great bactericide, pesticide, and fungicide. This oil can help repel fleas, ticks, and other troublesome insects.
Citronella essential oil
This oil is very effective in repelling fleas, ticks, and all sorts of pests! Citronella can be used on dogs, but shouldn’t be used on cats.
Clove essential oil
The clove essential oil is another effective insecticide that can be very helpful in your fight against fleas. Clove oil can be included in your laundry when your dog bedding is being washed. For the best outcome, you can also add this oil to your dog’s collar.
Ensure you don’t use this oil for your cat; as cats and clove oil are incompatible.
Basil essential oil
This oil consists of some compounds that can repel obnoxious pests such as fleas including mosquitoes. The basil essential oil isn’t just a natural repellent; it is also a plant. The basil plant can beautify your landscape, and it can also help in keeping the fleas at bay.
Essential oils for Cats
Some safe common essential oils for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation).
Cats can only tolerate neem oil. Neem oil is effective in repelling ticks and fleas from the body of cats. Include a small quantity of this oil into the shampoo of your cat. You can also add a small quantity of this oil to the collar of your cat; as it can help in repelling fleas.
Rosemary and geranium can also be used to repel fleas and ticks on your cat, provided you dilute them. Mix four drops of geranium and rosemary oil to a cup of water and spray on the fur of your cat while avoiding its face.
Alternatives to Essential Oils for fleas for Dogs and Cats
The use of insect repellent spiral bands
Here lies another effective strategy that can be used to ward off pests. Our insect repellent spiral bands are very effective in repelling stubborn pests from your pets. These bands which can be used as collars can help in defending your pets against various harmful pests. They come in several designs and colours and are very affordable. If you don’t support the use of essential oils on your pests.
