Essential Oils to Treat Fleas: Ideas for Cats and Dogs

Essential Oils to Treat Fleas

Fleas cause discomfort and skin irritation and can carry diseases in dogs. For a natural solution, essential oils might be just what you need. Lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, clove, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary repel fleas and soothe the irritated skin of your pet.

In this article, we will share some of the best essential oils for fleas on dogs and all-natural tick repellents for cats. We will also teach you how to make your own homemade flea spray with essential oils.

Essential Oil for Fleas on Dogs

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is known for its soothing properties. It can help repel fleas and calm your dog at the same time. To use, dilute with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) and apply to your dog’s coat, bedding, and carpet.

Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil has a strong citrus scent and effectively repels fleas and other insects. Mix with water and spray lightly on your dog’s fur, avoiding the eyes and nose.

Clove oil

Clove oil contains eugenol, which has natural insect-repelling properties and can help prevent fleas and ticks. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe skin irritation caused by flea bites.

To reduce the concentration, dilute clove oil with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or almond oil in a ratio of 2 drops of clove oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.

Apply the diluted oil to the base of the tail, neck, and behind the ears (where fleas and ticks are commonly found). Avoid applying the oil near your dog’s face and eyes.

Cedarwood oil

Cedarwood oil is a natural flea repellent that also soothes skin irritations caused by flea bites. Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to your dog’s fur or use in a flea collar.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint has a strong, minty scent that is unpleasant to fleas. It also has cooling properties that soothe itchy, irritated skin. However, peppermint oil is potent, so mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to flea-prone areas, such as the base of the tail or the neck.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has a strong scent that repels fleas and can help reduce inflammation from flea bites. Dilute well and use in a spray or apply directly to your dog’s coat, avoiding sensitive areas.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is a great flea-repellent and has antioxidant properties that benefit your dog’s skin. Mix it with water or a carrier oil and apply it to your dog’s coat or add it to their shampoo.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is effective at repelling fleas, but due to its potency, it must be used with extreme caution. Always dilute heavily with a carrier oil and consult a vet before use. Also, never use it on cats.

Citronella oil

Citronella oil is widely recognized for its insect-repellent properties, including for fleas. Dilute with water or a carrier oil and apply as a spray or directly to the coat.

Natural Flea and Tick Repellant for Cats

Cats are more sensitive to certain essential oils and chemicals than dogs, so it's important to choose natural flea and tick repellents that are safe and effective for them. For instance, tea tree oil, citrus oils, and even common carrier oils like oregano can be toxic for cats. Always dilute essential oils heavily and use cat-safe carriers like coconut oil.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider creates an acidic environment on your cat’s skin that fleas and ticks dislike. It also helps in maintaining a healthy pH balance on your cat's skin.

Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly spray your cat's fur. Avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also dip a comb in the mixture and run it through your cat’s fur.

Lemon spray

The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural flea and tick deterrent from your cat’s coat. However, avoid using lemon oil (or other citrus oils) as they contain compounds like limonene and linalool, which are toxic to cats.

Boil a sliced lemon in water. Let it steep overnight, and strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Lightly spray your cat’s fur, focusing on areas where fleas and ticks are common, like the neck and base of the tail.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil makes your cat’s fur less attractive to fleas and ticks. It also moisturizes the skin and can help heal flea bites. Rub a small amount of coconut oil between your hands until it melts, then gently massage it into your cat’s fur.

Cedar chips

Cedar chips have a strong scent, which fleas dislike. They are also non-toxic and safe for cats. Place cedar chips in your cat’s bedding, around their sleeping area, or where they spend a lot of time. You can also use cedar chip-filled sachets and put them in places where fleas are likely to hide. 

Note: Start with small quantities and make sure your cat isn’t allergic before using more.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a natural flea repellent with anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin. After bathing your cat, boil some rosemary leaves in water, let them cool, and use them as a final rinse.

You can also grind dried rosemary into a powder and lightly sprinkle it on your cat’s bed, and any other places it sleeps.

Lavender and chamomile tea

Lavender and chamomile are mild flea repellents. When combined, they create a more effective natural deterrent for fleas and ticks. They also have calming and soothing properties that help reduce skin irritation caused by flea bites.

Brew a strong tea using dried lavender and chamomile (about one tablespoon of each per cup of water). Let the mixture steep, preferably overnight, and then strain it well to remove any solid particles.

Spray the cooled tea on your cat’s fur and leave it—no need to rinse off. Alternatively, dip a comb in the tea and gently comb through your cat’s fur.

Bathing with mild soap

Regularly bathing your cat with a mild, unscented soap can help remove fleas and ticks from the fur. Ensure you rinse thoroughly afterward to remove all soap residue.

Flea comb

Use a flea comb daily to comb through your cat’s fur, especially around the neck, base of the tail, and underbelly. After each stroke, dip the comb in soapy water to kill any fleas caught. 

This method reduces your cat's flea population and allows you to monitor the situation physically.

How do you make homemade flea spray with essential oils?

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 10 drops of essential oil (lavender or rosemary) in a spray bottle. Add 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid soap to blend the oils with water and shake well. Lightly mist your dog or cat’s fur with the homemade flea spray, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Should you use essential oils to treat your pet’s fleas?

The short answer is yes. Essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, and peppermint can effectively repel fleas and soothe irritated skin for dogs, but they must be properly diluted with a safe carrier oil to avoid irritation. 

Conversely, cedar chips, rosemary, cumin, lavender, chamomile tea, and a flea comb are chemical-free options for removing fleas and ticks from your cat. 

Always consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils on your pet if in doubt.